Ireland announce squad for Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifiers

Ireland have announced their 15-player squad that will go up against Pakistan, Bangladesh, Scotland, Thailand and West Indies at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025.

All-rounder Gaby Lewis will lead the side, flanked by regulars in Leah Paul, Sophie McMahon, Arlene Kelly and record appearance-maker for the Ireland women’s team, Laura Delany.

Ireland also have exciting youngsters in the mix such as Amy Hunter and Kia McCartney, who had solid outings at the ICC U19 T20 World Cup held in Malaysia earlier this year.

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Ireland squad: Gaby Lewis (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast.

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Ireland are bolstered by returns of notable players to the side, adding experience and depth as they vie for a spot at the upcoming 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup in India.

Speaking on the squad, Ireland Women's Head Coach, Ed Joyce said, “This tournament will be a great challenge for testing the depth of the senior squad, while we manage a number of player injuries that have been sustained over the last several months. Given the volume of matches and upcoming tournaments, there is a need to develop a wider talent pool of players ready to step up and cope with the demands of international cricket.

"Finger-spinner Kia McCartney is coming in for her first senior tour, and leg-spinner Cara Murray will also be returning - both these players will play a key role in a country where spin bowling will be important. Additionally, Sophie MacMahon and Louise Little will also return after missing out on recent squads, and Amy Hunter returns from injury providing a great boost to our batting strength."

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Ireland most recently played India in a three-match ODI series, and were bested 3-0 away from home in their last ICC Women's Championship 2022-25 assignment.

Among the positives for the visitors against a clinical Indian team was skipper Gaby Lewis, who ended up as the highest scorer for Ireland, compiling 105 runs across three innings with a highest score of 92.

Orla Pendergast was the pick of the bowlers, with four wickets in three matches, finishing as Ireland’s top wicket-taker and the third highest in the series.

Ireland's Qualifier campaign begins against hosts Pakistan in the first game of the tournament on 9 April.

Ireland’s fixtures:

Pakistan vs Ireland – Gaddafi Stadium

Ireland vs West Indies – Gaddafi Stadium

Bangladesh vs Ireland – Gaddafi Stadium

Thailand vs Ireland – LCCA

Ireland vs Scotland – Gaddafi Stadium