Ireland have announced a 14-player squad for their maiden appearance at the second edition of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates from 12 to 25 November. Gaby Lewis will lead an Ireland side placed in Group A alongside Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Sri Lanka and hosts UAE, with Amy Hunter named vice-captain in the absence of Orla Prendergast, who is featuring in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia.
The tournament has expanded from eight to 10 teams for its second edition. Thailand won the inaugural competition, held in Thailand in 2025, defeating the other seven participants: UAE, Netherlands, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, Uganda, Namibia and Tanzania. This year, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Sri Lanka and UAE form Group A, while Bangladesh, Netherlands, Thailand, Zimbabwe and Pakistan make up Group B.
Ireland’s squad blends established internationals with a promising next generation. Two uncapped players, Zara Craig and Abbi Harrison, have earned their first senior call-ups, while Lara Maritz returns after a five-year absence from international cricket. Craig, 23, is a seam-bowling all-rounder who has come through Ireland’s age-group pathway and was part of the country’s squad at the 2023 Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup. Harrison, 20, is a wicketkeeper-batter who represented Ireland at both the 2023 and 2025 Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cups and now has the opportunity to translate that experience into senior international cricket.
Maritz’s recall is among the more striking selections. The all-rounder made her Ireland debut in 2017 and has 43 international appearances, but her most recent outing came in 2021. Her return adds experience to a squad that will be tested immediately against strong regional opposition in the UAE.
Kia McCartney, who has five ODI appearances, is also in line to make her T20 International debut at the tournament.
Ireland squad for ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026
Gaby Lewis (C), Zara Craig, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Abbi Harrison, Amy Hunter, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara Maritz, Lara McBride, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray
Ireland face a demanding Group A campaign, beginning against Sri Lanka before taking on the hosts, Papua New Guinea and Scotland. With the tournament offering valuable exposure against a mix of Full Member associates and emerging sides, Lewis’s team will be eager to make an immediate impression in their first appearance.
Ireland’s Group Stage Fixtures:
12 November 2026 – vs Sri Lanka, Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground, Ajman
13 November 2026 – vs UAE, Seven Districts Sports Club, Ajman
16 November 2026 – vs Papua New Guinea, Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground, Ajman
18 November 2026 – vs Scotland, Seven Districts Sports Club, Ajman
With Lewis’s leadership, Hunter’s vice-captaincy and a blend of youth and returning experience, Ireland arrive in the UAE with both ambition and uncertainty. Their opening match against Sri Lanka on 12 November will provide an early measure of how quickly this new-look squad can adapt to the conditions in the upcoming edition.
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