Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier: Ireland Ready for 2025

The cricketing world is abuzz as the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 approaches, set to unfold from April 9 to 19 in Lahore, Pakistan. This pivotal tournament will determine the final two teams to join the prestigious Women's Cricket World Cup later this year in India. Among the contenders, the Ireland Women's cricket team is diligently preparing to make its mark on the global stage.​icc+3Athlon Sports+3ESPNcricinfo+3

Tournament Overview

The qualifier features six teams: Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand. These squads will compete in a round-robin format, with each team playing against every other participant. The top two teams at the conclusion of the tournament will secure their spots in the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, an eight-team event scheduled for October and November in India. ​icc

Ireland Women's Preparations

In anticipation of the qualifier, the Ireland Women's team has embarked on an intensive training camp in Dubai. This preparatory phase is crucial for acclimatizing to conditions similar to those in Pakistan and for fine-tuning strategies against diverse opponents. The squad is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on April 4, ahead of their warm-up fixtures. ​Log in or sign up to viewCricket Ireland

Squad Composition

The Irish selectors have announced a balanced 15-player squad, blending seasoned campaigners with promising young talents:​Log in or sign up to view

• Gaby Lewis (Captain): A dynamic opener known for her aggressive batting and leadership qualities.​

• Orla Prendergast (Vice-Captain): An all-rounder whose versatility adds depth to both batting and bowling departments.​

• Amy Hunter: A prodigious wicketkeeper-batter who holds the record as the youngest centurion in women's ODIs.​

• Jane Maguire: A seamer making her return after an injury layoff, eager to bolster the pace attack.​

• Kia McCartney: An off-spinner from Coleraine, earning her maiden call-up following impressive domestic performances.​

The full squad also includes Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Cara Murray, and Leah Paul. ​icc

Fixture Schedule

Ireland's campaign in the qualifier is outlined as follows:​icc

• Warm-up Matches:

  • April 5: Ireland vs. West Indies at Gaddafi Stadium, 2:00 PM local time.​

  • April 7: Ireland vs. Thailand at Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground, 9:30 AM local time.​

• Qualifier Matches:

  • April 9: Ireland vs. Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium, 9:30 AM local time.​

  • April 11: Ireland vs. West Indies at Gaddafi Stadium, 9:30 AM local time.​

  • April 13: Ireland vs. Bangladesh at Gaddafi Stadium, 2:00 PM local time.​

  • April 15: Ireland vs. Thailand at LCCA Ground, 9:30 AM local time.​

  • April 18: Ireland vs. Scotland at Gaddafi Stadium, 2:00 PM local time.​

Live scoring for these matches will be available on the Cricket Ireland website. ​Cricbuzz

Key Players to Watch

• Gaby Lewis: As captain, her performance at the top of the order will be instrumental in setting the tone for Ireland's innings.​

• Orla Prendergast: Approaching her 100th cap, her experience and all-round capabilities will be vital.​

• Leah Paul: Just three matches shy of 100 caps, her contributions with both bat and ball add significant value.​

• Amy Hunter: Her return from injury adds depth to the batting lineup, and her wicketkeeping skills are an asset.​

• Jane Maguire: Eager to make an impact post-injury, her pace bowling will be crucial in Pakistani conditions.​

Historical Context

Ireland Women last participated in an ODI World Cup in 2005. Their recent successes, including a 2-1 ODI series victory against Sri Lanka in Belfast in August 2024 and notable performances against Pakistan and Bangladesh in T20Is, underscore their growing competitiveness on the international stage. ​

Opposition Overview

• Pakistan: As hosts, they will leverage home conditions and local support to their advantage.​

• West Indies: The defending qualifier champions bring a blend of power-hitters and seasoned bowlers.​

• Bangladesh: Known for their disciplined bowling attack and agile fielding, they pose a significant challenge.​

• Scotland and Thailand: Both teams have shown remarkable progress and are capable of causing upsets.​

Viewing Information

Fans can catch the live action via ICC.tv, ensuring global accessibility to the matches. ​Cricket Ireland

Conclusion

The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 is more than just a pathway to the World Cup; it's a testament to the rising standards and competitiveness of women's cricket globally. For Ireland Women, this tournament represents an opportunity to showcase their growth, resilience, and ambition on the international stage. As they gear up for this challenge, the blend of experience and youthful exuberance within the squad holds promise for a compelling campaign.​icc+2Athlon Sports+2icc+2