Ireland’s World Cup Report: Squires shines as Ireland show positive signs for the future
Wins – 1
Losses – 4
Finishing position – Sixth in Super Six Group 2
A brilliant victory over Indonesia was the highlight of Ireland’s campaign and they had plenty of other positives that they could take from the four remaining matches.
A handful of players also really pressed their claim for senior call-ups in the future.
Sonali Dhulap was part of the ICC’s team on the ground in South Africa, and had this to say about her experiences working with and alongside the squad:
"Laughing and having fun at their official photoshoot, working with their mentor, and getting through their media day interviews – Ireland were in it from the get go.
"They were always smiling and seemed to share a good rapport with each other. Even after an injury to their captain, they remained focused on the task at hand.
"They should have certainly got more positive results but they have been definitely interesting to watch and follow."
Squires saved her best to last, and she finished as Ireland’s top scorer with 116 runs at an average of 29.
Her wonderful half-century against Pakistan was even more impressive given it came as wickets tumbled around her.
The all-rounder made significant contributions with bat and ball in Ireland’s win over Indonesia.
She finished the tournament with 96 runs and three wickets to her name, and is one to keep an eye on as her career develops.
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Former England international ICC Mentor Lydia Greenway worked with the Ireland squad.
“This is a hugely exciting stepping stone in the players’ journey.
“We wanted to ensure they finish the tournament with brilliant memories and experiences, with the motivation to take the game forward.
“It’s been an exciting time with the players and observing their growth with the passing of every match in the tournament has been really gratifying.”
West Indies – Lost by 7 runs
Ireland pushed West Indies close in a fascinating run-chase, but Annabelle Squires’ 42 and Freya Sargent’s late flurry proved in vain.
It was West Indies star Zaida James who proved the difference, hitting a brilliant first-innings half-century.
But there was encouragement for Sargent with the ball too, as she took a hugely impressive 2/9 from four overs.
New Zealand – Lost by 9 wickets
A brave effort from middle-order batters Abbi Harrison and Zara Craig couldn’t halt an on-fire New Zealand, who dismissed Ireland for just 74 in Potchefstroom.
Harrison and Craig were the only batters to reach double figures, and the Kiwis made short work of the chase on a tricky day for the Irish.
Indonesia – Won by 49 runs
Ireland bagged themselves a World Cup win as they overpowered Indonesia.
Rebecca Gough’s quickfire 27 set the tone with the bat, before Georgina Dempsey and Zara Craig both hit excellent half-centuries to fire Ireland to 156/5.
And Craig was the pick of the bowlers too, taking 2/4 from two overs as part of an excellent seven-strong attack that kept Indonesia under control in the reply.
England – Lost by 121 runs
Ireland were unfortunate enough to come up against England on the day when their high-quality batters all clicked.
A target of 208 was always likely to be too much, and the need to play some shots saw all of the top five dismissed in single figures.
Batters laid the foundation for England's massive win in their Super Six clash against Ireland at the U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2023.
Pakistan – Lost by 7 wickets
Annabel Squires stroked a sublime and unbeaten 55* to give Pakistan a real test in Ireland’s final game of the tournament, with Squires helping her side post 113/7.
Two wickets in two balls with the score at 44 gave Ireland a glimmer of hope, but they were unable to get through to the lower order as Pakistan chased it down with 15 balls remaining.