Cricket Ireland has unveiled the squads for the much-anticipated T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe Women, set to take place later this month. The announcement brings fresh excitement to Irish cricket, with The Hills’ Lara McBride earning her maiden call-up to the senior international side. With three T20 Internationals scheduled at Pembroke Cricket Club and two ODIs at Stormont, the series is poised to be a crucial stepping stone as the team builds toward the T20 World Cup Qualifier in August.

New faces in the Ireland squads

Gaby Lewis will lead both the T20I and ODI squads, with Orla Prendergast named as her deputy. The selection panel has blended experience with youthful promise, most notably with the inclusion of 19-year-old right-arm off-spinner Lara McBride. Having impressed in the Evoke Super Series and at the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup, McBride’s elevation signals a commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

The T20I squad features a robust lineup, including established names like Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, and Arlene Kelly, alongside promising stars such as Ava Canning and Jane Maguire. The ODI squad sees the addition of Alana Dalzell and Sarah Forbes, providing depth and versatility. Both squads reflect a strategic approach, balancing seasoned campaigners with players eager to make their mark on the international stage.

Ireland’s statistical supremacy over Zimbabwe and the series significance

Ireland and Zimbabwe have a rich recent history, with Ireland dominating the T20I format, winning all seven of their previous encounters. In ODIs, Ireland hold the upper hand with six wins from eight matches, while Zimbabwe has claimed one victory and there has been one tie. This record sets the stage for a fiercely competitive series, as both teams look to fine-tune their squads ahead of global qualifiers.

The upcoming matches also mark the first series under new Head Coach Lloyd Tennant, who has expressed his eagerness to build on the team’s strong foundations and push Irish women’s cricket to new heights. With the Evoke Super Series providing a platform for intense domestic competition, the national team is well-prepared for the international challenge.

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Fixtures:

• 20 July: 1st T20I, Pembroke
• 22 July: 2nd T20I, Pembroke
• 23 July: 3rd T20I, Pembroke
• 26 July: 1st ODI, Stormont
• 28 July: 2nd ODI, Stormont

Squads:

Ireland Women’s T20I

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, and Rebecca Stokell

Ireland Women’s ODI

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, and Orla Prendergast

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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