Ireland announce 15-member squad for Women's T20 World Cup, Gaby Lewis named captain

Ireland Women have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England. This will be their fifth appearance in the showpiece tournament, and their first since 2023.

The squad has as many as five players who will be playing in the T20 World Cup for the first time in their respective careers. These include Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Aimee Maguire and Lara McBride.

Ireland finished second in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier Super Six stage to book their place in this summer’s tournament. Their captain, Gaby Lewis, played a crucial role in helping her side secure a spot, top-scoring in the qualifiers with 276 runs at an average of 39.42. She also has a plethora of experience playing in England, representing Lancashire in the Tier 1 system of domestic cricket. Lewis recently scored 131 for the Red Rose county against Durham in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.

The bowling department will be led by former captain Laura Delany. The 33-year-old is Ireland’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 96 scalps to her name and is on the verge of becoming the first Irishwoman to surpass a century of wickets in the shortest format. 

Orla Prendergast is yet another crucial member of Ireland’s T20I squad. The all-rounder has 60 wickets to her name, along with 1,744 runs from 80 matches on the international stage. Similar to her captain Lewis, Prendergast also has experience of playing domestic cricket in England, representing The Blaze. 

Ireland Women's T20 World Cup 2026 squad: 

Gaby Lewis (C), Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride

Ireland Women's T20 World Cup 2026 schedule: