For the ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa this month, Ireland has selected a youthful team under the captaincy of Laura Delany. Ireland will be participating in the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time since 2018, having failed to qualify for the tournament in 2020.
What could we expect?
Ireland had a fantastic year in 2022 under the guidance of former Ireland and England international Ed Joyce, winning eight T20 Internationals, which is a record for them in women’s cricket and is also a record for a year.
Compared to its rivals at this year’s World Cup, Ireland is rather out of the ordinary.
It was formerly considered a cricketing minnow, but slowly and surely it is shedding that label and emerging as a staple.
Players to watch out for in Ireland:
The young Irish side enters this tournament fresh off their best year ever in 2022 when they tied their record for most T20 victories in a calendar year with eight. The Irish World Cup team is notable for its youthfulness, nevertheless. The average age of the Irish team, captained by Laura Delany, is 24, which is considerably younger than the average age of many other teams competing in this year’s event.
Kim Garth, who has switched to playing for Australia since the Irish last competed in the World Cup, is also absent this time around for the Emerald Isle. The team still has a tonne of potential, though, and will be trying to surprise a few people this season.
Following their participation in the just concluded Under 19 World Cup, certain members of Ireland’s team are returning and performing a double. Given how talented she is with the bat in hand and the fact that she served as captain of the Under 19 team, Ireland will be hoping that Amy Hunter will be well enough to compete in the Senior World Cup.
Georgina Dempsey, an effective bottom-order hitter as well as a bowler, is the other Irishwoman pulling off the double. She had good ball control during the Under 19 World Cup, but she also beat Indonesia with a 50 off just 38 balls.
The more experienced group includes Rebecca Stokell, the wicketkeeper Mary Waldron, and Leah Paul, who has proven to be a capable wicket-taker. On February 13, Ireland caters to England first. Their group also includes West Indies, India, and Pakistan. The playoffs begin on February 10 in South Africa, with the title match scheduled on February 26.
Ireland squad:
Laura Delany (captain), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron
Ireland’s Itinerary:
13th February 2023: Ireland vs England
15th February 2023: Ireland vs Pakistan
17th February 2023: Ireland vs West Indies
20th February 2023: Ireland vs India
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