Gaby Lewis to captain Ireland at Women's T20 WC; misses tri-series
Synopsis
Gaby Lewis will captain Ireland at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup — her first time leading the side at the tournament — but a leg injury means she misses the warm-up tri-series entirely. With 276 qualifier runs behind her and a tough Group 2 draw including England and New Zealand, how Lewis returns to fitness could define Ireland's campaign.
Key Takeaways
Gaby Lewis named captain of Ireland for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England ( 12 June – 5 July ).
Lewis will miss the preceding tri-series in Clontarf due to a leg injury ; Orla Prendergast leads in her absence.
Lewis scored 276 runs in 7 matches as the top run-getter in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.
Ireland are ranked ninth in Women's T20I rankings and placed in Group 2 with England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Scotland.
Jane Maguire ruled out of both events through injury; Aimee Maguire returns to fitness and is included in both squads.
Ireland open the World Cup against Scotland at Old Trafford on 13 June .
Gaby Lewis has been named captain of Ireland for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England, scheduled from 12 June to 5 July, but will sit out the preceding tri-series in Clontarf as she continues recovering from a leg injury. This will mark the first time Lewis leads Ireland at a T20 World Cup.
Prendergast to Lead in Tri-Series
Cricket Ireland confirmed that Orla Prendergast, currently ranked seventh among women's T20I all-rounders globally, will captain the side during the tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies, before reverting to her vice-captaincy role at the World Cup. The tri-series opens on 28 May against West Indies, with further fixtures against Pakistan on 31 May and 4 June, and a second clash with the Caribbean side on 1 June.
Lewis's Form and Injury Context
Lewis arrives at the World Cup in strong recent form — she finished as the top run-scorer in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, amassing 276 runs across seven matches. Her absence from the tri-series is a precautionary measure, with Cricket Ireland prioritising her fitness ahead of the marquee tournament. Jane Maguire has been ruled out of both events due to injury, while Aimee Maguire has returned to fitness and features in both squads.
Ireland's World Cup Group and Schedule
Ireland, ranked ninth in the ICC Women's T20I standings, have been placed in Group 2 alongside England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Scotland. Group 1 comprises Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.
Ireland open their campaign against Scotland at Old Trafford on 13 June, before taking on hosts and 2009 champions England on 16 June and defending champions New Zealand on 19 June. Their remaining group fixtures are against Sri Lanka on 23 June in Bristol and West Indies on 27 June at the same venue.
Full Squad Details
The 15-member World Cup squad is: Gaby Lewis (c), Orla Prendergast (vc), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, and Rebecca Stokell. The tri-series squad is identical, with Prendergast elevated to captain in Lewis's absence.
With a settled squad and a returning captain in form, Ireland will look to push beyond the group stage in what is a competitive but navigable pool.
Point of View
Not a footnote. But managing a captain through a leg injury into a major tournament is a gamble Cricket Ireland is clearly willing to take. Prendergast's dual role — captain for the tri-series, vice-captain at the World Cup — places significant leadership burden on one player across a compressed schedule. Ireland's Group 2 draw, with England and defending champions New Zealand, offers no easy passage; their ability to rotate leadership and fitness seamlessly in the fortnight before the tournament opens could prove decisive.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will captain Ireland at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup?
Gaby Lewis will captain Ireland at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England, running from 12 June to 5 July. This will be the first time she leads Ireland at a T20 World Cup.
Why is Gaby Lewis missing the tri-series?
Lewis is recovering from a leg injury and has been rested from the tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies in Clontarf as a precautionary measure ahead of the World Cup.
Who will lead Ireland in the tri-series?
Orla Prendergast, ranked seventh among women's T20I all-rounders globally, will captain Ireland during the tri-series before returning to her vice-captaincy role at the World Cup.
Which group is Ireland in at the Women's T20 World Cup?
Ireland are in Group 2 alongside England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Scotland. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.
When do Ireland play their first World Cup match?
Ireland open their ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland at Old Trafford on 13 June, followed by fixtures against England on 16 June and defending champions New Zealand on 19 June.
