Ireland Women’s Cricket Team Ready for ODI World Cup Qualifier 2025 in Pakistan

Ireland Women’s Cricket Team Ready for ODI World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan, Gaby Lewis Leads with Confidence

As the ODI World Cup Qualifier gets underway in Pakistan, all eyes turn toward the confident and well-prepared Ireland Women’s cricket team, who open their campaign against the hosts, Pakistan, on April 9, 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This six-team round-robin tournament is a key stepping stone toward securing one of two coveted spots at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, and for Ireland, it’s an opportunity to return to the global stage for the first time in two decades.

The last time Ireland Women featured in a 50-over World Cup was back in 2005. Fast forward 20 years, the squad under captain Gaby Lewis is brimming with potential, depth, and hunger to end that drought. Speaking ahead of their opening match, Lewis exuded confidence, underscoring the preparation and belief within the camp: “We’re feeling very confident going into this Qualifier,” she said from the team hotel. “We’ve had a solid training camp in Dubai, acclimatised to the heat, and we’re here to enjoy our cricket.”

Confident but Grounded: Ireland Women’s Calm Approach

Despite the magnitude of the tournament, Gaby Lewis insists the focus is not solely on results. “We’re trying not to put too much pressure on ourselves. It’s mostly about going out, enjoying ourselves, and playing our aggressive brand of cricket,” she explained. The emphasis on process over outcome reflects a mature and grounded mindset that has been nurtured under head coach Ed Joyce, whose calm leadership style mirrors his composed playing days for Ireland and England.

The team's recent record supports the optimism. In August 2024, Ireland made headlines by defeating Sri Lanka 2-1 in a home ODI series, showcasing not just talent but resilience in pressure situations. In the shorter format, they've also been competitive, having enjoyed victories over Pakistan and Bangladesh two of their opponents in this qualifier. These performances have instilled belief that they can go toe-to-toe with the stronger sides.

Preparation Behind the Scenes: Training Camps and Warm-Ups

Preparation for the World Cup Qualifier began months ago. The Ireland squad trained in Dubai in March, not just focusing on skills and fitness, but also using heat chamber sessions back home in Ireland to simulate conditions in Pakistan. That attention to detail could be crucial, given the subcontinental heat is often as challenging as the competition itself.

Since arriving in Lahore on April 4, Ireland played two warm-up matches. While they narrowly lost to West Indies, they bounced back with a spirited display against Thailand. The standout in both games was experienced all-rounder Laura Delany, who notched back-to-back half-centuries and looked in complete control. Gaby Lewis was quick to highlight Delany's form, calling her “a key figure in both departments.”

Rising Stars: Orla Prendergast and Kia McCartney in Focus

Among the brightest names in this Irish squad is Orla Prendergast, who has evolved into a genuine all-round force. Serving as vice-captain, she brings balance to the team and is just five matches away from earning her 100th cap a milestone that speaks volumes of her consistency. Lewis didn’t hesitate to praise her: “She’s been great for us with both bat and ball over the last 12 months.”

Another player turning heads is 18-year-old Kia McCartney, the Coleraine-born off-spinner making her ODI debut in this tournament. McCartney's performances for Ireland U19s, Emerging Ireland Women, and domestically in the Evoke Super Series earned her the call-up. Her development is a testament to Cricket Ireland's growing investment in the women’s pathway, which is now bearing fruit at the highest level.

Fixtures, Format and High Stakes

The qualifier itself is a tightly packed affair. All matches will be played between April 9 and April 19, with Ireland playing five round-robin matches against each of the participating teams: Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Scotland. The top two sides will advance to the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled for September.

Ireland’s matches include early showdowns with tournament favourites Pakistan and West Indies, followed by afternoon games against Bangladesh and Scotland. The mix of morning and afternoon starts means squad depth and fitness management will be vital over this short yet demanding period.

All matches will be available for free live streaming on

Ireland Women’s Cricket Team Ready for ODI World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan, Gaby Lewis Leads with Confidence

As the ODI World Cup Qualifier gets underway in Pakistan, all eyes turn toward the confident and well-prepared Ireland Women’s cricket team, who open their campaign against the hosts, Pakistan, on April 9, 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This six-team round-robin tournament is a key stepping stone toward securing one of two coveted spots at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, and for Ireland, it’s an opportunity to return to the global stage for the first time in two decades.

The last time Ireland Women featured in a 50-over World Cup was back in 2005. Fast forward 20 years, the squad under captain Gaby Lewis is brimming with potential, depth, and hunger to end that drought. Speaking ahead of their opening match, Lewis exuded confidence, underscoring the preparation and belief within the camp: “We’re feeling very confident going into this Qualifier,” she said from the team hotel. “We’ve had a solid training camp in Dubai, acclimatised to the heat, and we’re here to enjoy our cricket.”

Confident but Grounded: Ireland Women’s Calm Approach

Despite the magnitude of the tournament, Gaby Lewis insists the focus is not solely on results. “We’re trying not to put too much pressure on ourselves. It’s mostly about going out, enjoying ourselves, and playing our aggressive brand of cricket,” she explained. The emphasis on process over outcome reflects a mature and grounded mindset that has been nurtured under head coach Ed Joyce, whose calm leadership style mirrors his composed playing days for Ireland and England.

The team's recent record supports the optimism. In August 2024, Ireland made headlines by defeating Sri Lanka 2-1 in a home ODI series, showcasing not just talent but resilience in pressure situations. In the shorter format, they've also been competitive, having enjoyed victories over Pakistan and Bangladesh two of their opponents in this qualifier. These performances have instilled belief that they can go toe-to-toe with the stronger sides.

Preparation Behind the Scenes: Training Camps and Warm-Ups

Preparation for the World Cup Qualifier began months ago. The Ireland squad trained in Dubai in March, not just focusing on skills and fitness, but also using heat chamber sessions back home in Ireland to simulate conditions in Pakistan. That attention to detail could be crucial, given the subcontinental heat is often as challenging as the competition itself.

Since arriving in Lahore on April 4, Ireland played two warm-up matches. While they narrowly lost to West Indies, they bounced back with a spirited display against Thailand. The standout in both games was experienced all-rounder Laura Delany, who notched back-to-back half-centuries and looked in complete control. Gaby Lewis was quick to highlight Delany's form, calling her “a key figure in both departments.”

Rising Stars: Orla Prendergast and Kia McCartney in Focus

Among the brightest names in this Irish squad is Orla Prendergast, who has evolved into a genuine all-round force. Serving as vice-captain, she brings balance to the team and is just five matches away from earning her 100th cap a milestone that speaks volumes of her consistency. Lewis didn’t hesitate to praise her: “She’s been great for us with both bat and ball over the last 12 months.”

Another player turning heads is 18-year-old Kia McCartney, the Coleraine-born off-spinner making her ODI debut in this tournament. McCartney's performances for Ireland U19s, Emerging Ireland Women, and domestically in the Evoke Super Series earned her the call-up. Her development is a testament to Cricket Ireland's growing investment in the women’s pathway, which is now bearing fruit at the highest level.

Fixtures, Format and High Stakes

The qualifier itself is a tightly packed affair. All matches will be played between April 9 and April 19, with Ireland playing five round-robin matches against each of the participating teams: Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Scotland. The top two sides will advance to the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled for September.

Ireland’s matches include early showdowns with tournament favourites Pakistan and West Indies, followed by afternoon games against Bangladesh and Scotland. The mix of morning and afternoon starts means squad depth and fitness management will be vital over this short yet demanding period.

All matches will be available for free live streaming on ICC.tv, and live scores will be hosted on Cricket Ireland’s website. This accessibility is key not just for fans back home, but also for selectors, analysts, and global followers keeping an eye on emerging talent.

A Welcome Return for Injured Stars

Two notable names also return from injury Amy Hunter and Jane Maguire. Both players were part of Ireland’s white-ball success in 2023 but missed significant time due to injury lay-offs. Their return adds depth to both batting and bowling, and Hunter in particular brings explosiveness at the top of the order, having scored a century in her debut ODI series at just 16.

Warm Reception in Pakistan and Broader Goals

The team has received a warm welcome in Pakistan. “We’ve been here before, so we knew what to expect it’s always been incredibly safe and welcoming,” Lewis said. That sense of comfort and familiarity will help ease the pressure, especially for newer players. The management has also ensured that players are mentally well-supported throughout the tour.

Beyond qualification, this tournament serves as a litmus test for Ireland Women’s broader ambitions to become regular participants at major ICC events and break into the top tier of women’s international cricket. Performances here could shape long-term trajectories, not just for players but for the profile of the sport in Ireland.

, and live scores will be hosted on Cricket Ireland’s website. This accessibility is key not just for fans back home, but also for selectors, analysts, and global followers keeping an eye on emerging talent.

A Welcome Return for Injured Stars

Two notable names also return from injury Amy Hunter and Jane Maguire. Both players were part of Ireland’s white-ball success in 2023 but missed significant time due to injury lay-offs. Their return adds depth to both batting and bowling, and Hunter in particular brings explosiveness at the top of the order, having scored a century in her debut ODI series at just 16.

Warm Reception in Pakistan and Broader Goals

The team has received a warm welcome in Pakistan. “We’ve been here before, so we knew what to expect it’s always been incredibly safe and welcoming,” Lewis said. That sense of comfort and familiarity will help ease the pressure, especially for newer players. The management has also ensured that players are mentally well-supported throughout the tour.

Beyond qualification, this tournament serves as a litmus test for Ireland Women’s broader ambitions  to become regular participants at major ICC events and break into the top tier of women’s international cricket. Performances here could shape long-term trajectories, not just for players but for the profile of the sport in Ireland.