In the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026, Ireland finds themselves in a precarious fourth position, clinging to the final qualification spot with just 2 points. Their form has been shaky, but that last victory has given them a much-needed lifeline. They face a daunting task against the Netherlands, who have been the tournament’s dark horse. The Dutch are currently second, boasting a flawless record of three wins from three. With 6 points, the Netherlands are playing with the confidence of a team that knows they belong on the world stage.
Squads:
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Christina Coulter Reilly, Gaby Lewis, Rebecca Stokell, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, Aimee Maguire, Alana Dalzell, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride
Netherlands Women’s Cricket Team
Babette de Leede, Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Merel Dekeling, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Steere Kallis
Players to watch out:
Leah Paul
Leah Paul has been an aggressive asset for Ireland, scoring 125 runs in 5 matches with a standout high score of 67. She currently holds a solid average of 31.25 and a strike rate of 117.92, proving she can handle various match situations. Her ability to rotate strike and find gaps is reflected in her 17 boundaries scored throughout the group stages.
Jane Maguire
Jane Maguire has been a key strike bowler for Ireland, effectively utilizing her 15 overs to claim 8 wickets. Her best performance of 3/31 shows her knack for taking crucial wickets, even if it comes at a slightly higher economy of 6.80. She remains a primary threat in the Irish bowling attack, consistently challenging batters with her pace and movement.
Sterre Kallis
Sterre Kallis has been the standout performer for the Netherlands, leading their run-scoring charts with 145 runs at a brilliant average of 48.33. Her unbeaten 87 is one of the highest individual scores of the competition, showing her ability to anchor an entire innings. Striking at 109.84, she has played a composed role, anchoring the Dutch side through tough periods.
Caroline de Lange
Caroline de Lange has provided essential variety to the Dutch bowling attack, picking up 6 wickets in her 5 matches. She has been a workhorse for the team, bowling 19 overs—the maximum allowed in her appearances—and maintaining an economy of 6.42. Her best figures of 2/27 demonstrate her ability to keep things tight while searching for breakthroughs.
Pitch:
Mulpani Cricket Ground offers a balanced turf wicket with true bounce and pace, favoring seamers early before spin grips later. T20 records from 13 matches show 151 average first innings score, with teams bowling first winning 8. The quick outfield and 60-70m boundaries encourage attacking cricket.
Weather:
In Mulpani, the conditions will be sunny with a slightly warmer high of 18°C and a low of 6°C. The evening will become mostly cloudy, accompanied by a gentle 3 mph southwest breeze.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Gaby Lewis, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Arlene Kelly, Jane Maguire, Babette de Leede, Caroline de Lange, Isabel van der Woning, Silver Siegers, Steere Kallis
Match Details:
Date – January 30, 2025
Time – 8:45 AM IST
Venue – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Nepal
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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