Excitement Grows as Ireland Unveils Women’s Squads for Upcoming Zimbabwe Series
The buzz in Irish cricket is palpable as Cricket Ireland has officially announced its 14-player squads for the highly anticipated home white-ball series against Zimbabwe Women, set to take place from July 20th to July 28th.
This selection showcases a dynamic blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers, highlighted by The Hills’ own Lara McBride receiving her first senior international call-up after impressive performances in the domestic Super Series.
During the tournament, Lara McBride demonstrated her skills by scoring 25 runs across four innings for the Scorchers, while also contributing with the ball by taking two wickets in six innings.
The upcoming series signifies a fresh beginning for Ireland Women, with Lloyd Tennant stepping in as the new head coach for his inaugural matches in charge.
Tennant expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s development, stating, “My goal over the next few weeks and months is to build on the solid foundations already established, while also pushing our game forward. Ireland is home to many incredibly talented players, and I am excited to see how we can evolve in the years ahead.”
Gaby Lewis will lead both squads as captain, with the talented Orla Prendergast taking on the vice-captain role. The standout highlight is the debut of 19-year-old off-spinner Lara McBride, who previously represented Ireland Under-19 in the T20 World Cup earlier this year and has impressed with her bowling at the domestic level.
National selector Ciara O’Brien praised the squad selection as the ideal mix of stability and fresh talent, noting, “It’s fantastic to see Lara McBride receive her first call-up; she has been dedicated to improving her game. These matches are vital preparation for the crucial T20 World Cup Qualifier later this August.”
Ireland Women’s Squads for the Zimbabwe Series:
ODIs:
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast
T20Is:
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell
Historically, Ireland Women have been dominant against their Zimbabwean rivals, boasting an impressive record in T20 Internationals with victories in all seven encounters. In the ODI format, Ireland holds a commanding 6-1 advantage, with one match ending in a tie. These statistics will surely bolster the team’s confidence, but the players and coaching staff remain focused on meticulous preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup Qualifier.
This series not only offers invaluable competitive experience but also serves as an ideal opportunity for Ireland to experiment, integrate youthful talent, and refine their skills in anticipation of more significant challenges later in the summer.
With a new coach at the helm, the exciting inclusion of Lara McBride, and a rich mix of experience and potential, supporters can expect an exhilarating contest that may set new benchmarks for Irish women’s cricket.
(Quotes sourced from Ireland Cricket Press Release)
