Ireland has unveiled a dynamic 14-member squad for the highly anticipated three-match T20I series against Pakistan Women, set to take place at Clontarf on August 6, 8, and 10, 2025.
The selection underscores Ireland’s blend of emerging talent and experienced campaigners. Gaby Lewis will lead a side high on confidence, and all-rounder Orla Prendergast is named as her deputy.
“After a strong 5-0 series win against Zimbabwe Women across formats under new Head Coach Lloyd Tennant, it’s great to be able to move so quickly into what will understandably be a much tougher assignment against Pakistan Women in Clontarf for this T20I series,” said Ciara O’Brien, National Women’s Selector, who is pleased with a quick turnaround and an encouraging start under the new head coach.
The announcement comes on the heels of Ireland’s sweeping 5-0 series victory against Zimbabwe Women across both white-ball formats, a resounding start to life under new head coach Lloyd Tennant. National selector Ciara O’Brien emphasised the step up in opposition and the importance of this series, particularly with the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup Europe Qualifier looming in the Netherlands.
“With the upcoming matches, our preparation continues for the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup Europe Qualifier in the Netherlands in a few weeks, so we’re looking to see this latest momentum continued by the squad at Clontarf,” Ciara O’Brien spoke about the upcoming series being a crucial part of their preparations ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers.
One of the most notable inclusions is the return of off-spinner Freya Sargent, who has recovered from injury to bolster the side’s spin options. She will be joined by Lara McBride, a fellow off-spinner, who retained her spot after impressing during her debut series against Zimbabwe.
“Freya Sargent returns to the squad after injury, while Lara McBride retains her place, having performed so well against Zimbabwe in her international debut series,” Ciara O’Brien shed light on the return of Freya Sargent and the retention of Lara McBride on the back of an impressive series against Zimbabwe.
The squad retains familiar faces in the likes of all-rounders Laura Delany and Arlene Kelly, pace bowler Ava Canning, steady opener Amy Hunter, and the ever-reliable Leah Paul, underlining the selectors’ faith in a core group that has gelled well in recent months.
Ireland and Pakistan share a competitive history in T20I cricket, having met 19 times with Pakistan leading the head-to-head 15-4. However, Ireland will draw confidence from their last T20I series victory over Pakistan in 2022, where they prevailed 2-1, a landmark moment for Irish women’s cricket.
Ireland’s T20I squad for Pakistan Series 2025:
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast (VC), Freya Sargent, and Rebecca Stokell
Fixtures:
-
August 6 – 1st T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
-
August 8 – 2nd T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
-
August 10 – 3rd T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
As Ireland women set their sights firmly on Pakistan, these matches provide a crucial springboard toward European qualification for the T20 World Cup. With new players making their mark and experienced hands leading the charge, the Emerald Isle will hope to continue their winning momentum and inspire further growth in women’s cricket.
(Quotes sourced from Cricket Ireland Press Release)
