Confident Lewis sets sights on Ireland’s World Cup qualification
Ireland Women are gearing up for a crucial campaign as they open their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier against hosts Pakistan on 9 April at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Led by captain Gaby Lewis, the Ireland squad enter the six-team Qualifier in decent form following a productive build-up that included two warm-up matches against West Indies and Thailand.
Ahead of their opener, skipper Lewis expressed her optimism ahead of the tournament.
“We’re feeling very confident going into this Qualifier. We’ve had some great preparation leading up to it with a good training camp in Dubai," Lewis said.
"We’ve been working really hard to acclimatise to the heat – even including heat chamber sessions back home."
All matches in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 will be available to watch live on ICC.tv around the world, while fans in India can follow the action on FanCode.
Gaby Lewis | Ireland's anchor | 100% Cricket Superstars
Gaby Lewis | Ireland's anchor | 100% Cricket Superstars
On how the team is approaching the competition with five other sides in contention, Lewis backed the team’s aggressive approach.
“Overall, we’re trying not to put too much pressure on ourselves. It’s mostly about going out, enjoying ourselves and playing with our own aggressive nature – then hopefully the results will look after themselves.”
The 24-year-old skipper also praised the hospitality extended to the team since arriving.
“Yeah, it’s been great in Pakistan. We’ve been here before, so we knew what to expect – you’re always well looked after. We’re set up nicely at the hotel and feel very safe.
“Everyone’s been extremely welcoming, and we’re really looking forward to getting started in the Qualifier.”
Laura Delany was the standout performer in both warm-up games, smashing half-centuries in a losing cause against the West Indies and powering the win against Thailand.
Ireland earned their place in the Qualifier after finishing outside the automatic qualification spots in the ICC Women’s Championship table.
The Qualifier will take place from 9-19 April, with the top two teams progressing to the marquee ICC event in India later in the year.
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Ireland’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Fixtures:
9 April 2025 – Ireland vs Pakistan | Gaddafi Stadium
11 April 2025 – Ireland vs West Indies | Gaddafi Stadium
13 April 2025 – Ireland vs Bangladesh | Gaddafi Stadium
15 April 2025 – Ireland vs Thailand | LCCA Ground
18 April 2025 – Ireland vs Scotland | Gaddafi Stadium
Ireland squad:
Gaby Lewis (c), 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.