Fresh faces feature in Ireland's Women's T20 World Cup squad

Ireland have announced their squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales. 

The 15-member squad features a number of first-time call-ups for the marquee tournament, including Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Aimee Maguire and Lara McBride.

Taking charge in what will be her maiden T20 World Cup as captain is Gaby Lewis, who was instrumental in Ireland confirming their spot.

Lewis had finished as the top run-getter in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier with 276 runs to her name from seven matches.

She will be complemented by the likes of Leah Paul, Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast, who make up for Ireland’s batting top-order.

Also present in the squad is Ireland’s most experienced campaigner and former skipper, Laura Delany. 

Having captained the team at the 2023 edition of the tournament, Delany is closing on becoming the first Ireland Women’s player to collect 100 T20I wickets.

The bowling unit also features Arlene Kelly, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup Global Qualifier earlier this year. 

Ireland have been slotted in Group 2 of the Women’s T20 World Cup alongside hosts England, Sri Lanka, Scotland, West Indies and the defending champions New Zealand.   

In their opening game, they will face Scotland at Old Trafford on June 13.

Ireland squad: Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride

Ireland’s T20 World Cup fixtures (Group stage)

v Scotland: June 13, Old Trafford, 10:30 AM
v England: June 16, Hampshire Bowl, 6:30 PM
v New Zealand: June 19, Hampshire Bowl, 6:30 PM
v Sri Lanka: June 23, Bristol County Ground, 2:30 PM
v Ireland: June 27, Bristol County Ground, 2:30 PM