England and Ireland square off in the 1st ODI at Grace Road, Leicester, setting the stage for a compelling three-match series. The head-to-head record heavily favors the hosts, with England winning 18 out of the 20 encounters between the two sides, while Ireland have managed just 2 victories. Despite the historical imbalance, Ireland step into this series looking to test their mettle against top-tier opposition, while England aim to assert their dominance on home soil right from the opening fixture.
Squads:
England Women’s Cricket Team
Charlie Dean (C), Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kira Chathli, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Freya Kemp, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Charis Pavely, Grace Potts, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Gaby Lewis (C), Christina Coulter Reilly, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector
Players to watch out:
Sophia Dunkley
Sophia Dunkley has featured in 48 ODI matches for England between 2021 and 2025, accumulating 1,049 runs across 44 innings. Operating with a strike rate of 81.63, her record includes a highest score of 107 alongside one century and six fifties. She has anchored the middle order solidly, facing 1,285 balls and striking 102 boundaries and four sixes in her career so far.
Lauren Filer
Since making her debut in 2023, Lauren Filer has been a crucial pacewoman for England, playing 21 ODIs and taking 30 wickets. She has bowled 144.5 overs, conceding 770 runs at an economy rate of 5.31 and maintaining a bowling average of 25.66. Her consistent rhythm and disciplined line have yielded best figures of 3 for 10.
Gaby Lewis
A mainstay in Ireland’s batting lineup since 2016, Gaby Lewis has amassed 1,979 ODI runs across 65 matches and 64 innings. Holding a solid average of 32.98, she has recorded 16 half-centuries with a top score of 96 not out. Her run-scoring repertoire includes 262 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 70.07.
Jane Maguire
Ireland pace bowler Jane Maguire has represented her side in 27 ODI matches from 2021 to 2026, picking up 24 wickets. Across 27 bowling innings, she has delivered 188.1 overs (1,129 balls) and conceded 928 runs. Operating with a strike rate of 47.04 and an economy rate of 4.93, her personal best in the format stands at 3 for 33.
Pitch:
Seamers usually find assistance from seam movement and a bit of extra bounce on the fresh deck. However, as the surface settles, batters can play their shots with confidence due to the consistent bounce. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down slightly, allowing spinners to extract useful turn in the latter stages.
Weather:
The conditions will be cloudy throughout the day and night with a high temperature of 20°C and a low of 11°C. Winds will blow from the southwest at 10 mph, with humidity around 69% and a 10% chance of daytime rain, increasing to a 30% chance at night.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Charlie Dean, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kira Chathli, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Gaby Lewis, Christina Coulter Reilly, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Jane Maguire
Match Details:
Date – September 01, 2026
Time – 5:30 PM IST
Venue – Grace Road, Leicester
Broadcast – T.B.C.
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