The Ireland women’s cricket team is currently hosting Zimbabwe for a historic white-ball series that includes a three-match T20I series, followed by a two-match ODI series.
All eyes will be on Leah Paul, the talented 25-year-old batting all-rounder, who is set to make her 100th international appearance in the 2nd ODI on 28th July 2025 of the ongoing two-match ODI series. The landmark match will take place at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast, a fitting venue for such a special occasion.
The series itself is already steeped in significance, marking Zimbabwe’s first-ever tour to Ireland for a women’s white-ball series. Led by the dynamic skipper Gaby Lewis, the Irish side stamped its dominance early, sealing the three-match T20I series with a comprehensive 3-0 whitewash.
Victories by six wickets, 65 runs, and 51 runs have showcased Ireland’s depth and skill, setting a confident tone as they continued their dominance in the ODI format by sealing the 1st game of the ODI series by 97 runs on 26th July.
Leah Paul’s journey in international cricket began on 7th May 2017, when she made her T20I debut against India at Potchefstroom. Since then, Paul has evolved into a cornerstone of the Irish women’s team, consistently delivering impactful performances with both bat and ball.
In the ODI format, Paul boasts an impressive record: 1,154 runs from 47 matches at a strike rate of 64.11 and an average of 26.22. She has notched up eight half-centuries and one memorable century, underscoring her value as a reliable top-order batter.
Her standout ODI innings came on 24th August 2022 during the 2nd ODI against the Netherlands at the VRA Ground in Amstelveen. There, she scored a commanding 137 runs off 138 balls, peppered with 15 boundaries, laying a solid platform for Ireland’s triumph.
Her all-round capabilities extend to the bowling crease as well. Over her ODI career, Paul has taken six wickets in 19 innings, maintaining an economical rate of 5.39. While her primary role has often been with the bat, her handy left-arm spin bowling provides the team with crucial breakthroughs and control in the middle overs.
Paul’s T20 International debut came later, on 8th August 2019, against the Netherlands in Deventer. Since then, she has amassed 395 runs across 52 matches, achieving a strike rate of 91.86 and an average of 16.45. Among her T20I highlights is a blistering unbeaten 79* off 45 balls against Bangladesh on 5th December 2024 in Sylhet—a display rich with 10 boundaries and two sixes that earned her the Player of the Match award.
With the ball in T20Is, Paul’s impact is notable. She has captured 26 wickets in 34 innings at an impressive average of 21.34 and an economy of 6.09, including a four-wicket haul. Her dual role is integral in balancing Ireland’s lineup, offering both offensive firepower and strategic depth.
As the ODI series unfolds further, all eyes will be on Leah Paul to see how she marks this career milestone. The Civil Service Cricket Club at Stormont, Belfast, with its rich cricketing heritage, will provide an electric backdrop as she takes the field in her 100th international match. For a player who has consistently combined grit with grace and power with precision, this milestone is a testament to her dedication and skill.
Ireland’s dominance over Zimbabwe in the T20I series sets a high bar, yet this is a new format challenge where Paul’s experience and all-round prowess will be pivotal. With the home side winning the series opener on 26th July by a massive margin, paving the way, Paul’s century of international appearances anchors a team eager not only to celebrate individual brilliance but also to build on their momentum and claim series victory on home soil.
Leah Paul’s 100th international appearance is more than just a number; it encapsulates years of persistence, growth, and contribution to Irish women’s cricket. As she steps onto the pitch at Stormont, she carries with her the hopes of a nation and the legacy of a trailblazer consistently redefining the all-rounder role.
For fans and cricket enthusiasts alike, this match promises to be an extraordinary celebration of one of Ireland’s finest cricketers and a compelling chapter in the evolving story of women’s cricket in Ireland.
