The opening fixture of the 2026 Ireland Women’s Super 50 Series set a blistering tone for the summer, highlighted by individual masterclasses and sharp tactical execution. The Dragons took center stage in the opener, driven by Amy Hunter’s electric top-order knock of 80 off 70 balls and a sublime, match-defining spell from leg-spinner Cara Murray, who ran through the opposition with figures of 6 for 52. On the flip side, the Typhoons saw resilient fighting efforts from Louise Little with a composed 41 and Bella Armstrong, who delivered an incredibly disciplined 10-over spell yielding 2 wickets for just 32 runs, including 3 maidens.
Heading into August 6, Match 2, the focus shifts to how quickly the teams adapt and adjust their game plans under pressure. The Typhoons will be eager to bounce back, looking for stronger middle-order partnerships and a more clinical finish with the ball to neutralize the opposition’s dangerous power-hitters. Meanwhile, the Dragons will want to maintain their relentless momentum, backing their high-octane batting lineup to lay down another formidable target or handle a tricky chase with total authority.
Squads:
Dragons Women’s Cricket Team
Mansi Bhavsar, Alana Dalzell, Sarah Forbes, Abbi Harrison, Amy Hunter, Jennifer Jackson, Arlene Kelly, Lara McBride, Genevieve Morrissey, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Freya Sargent, Annabel Squires
Typhoons Women’s Cricket Team
Gaby Lewis, Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Aisling Lawlor, Louise Little, Joanna Loughran, Rebecca Lowe, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara Maritz, Kia McCartney, Ellie McGee, Millie Spence, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector
Players to watch out:
Amy Hunter
Amy Hunter has kicked off her campaign in style, leading the run-scoring charts with a dominant performance. Playing 1 match, she struck a brisk 80 runs off just 70 balls at an impressive strike rate of 114.28. Her inning featured 11 fours and a six, giving her an average of 80.00 right at the top of the leaderboards.
Louise Little
Louise Little showed solid composure in her single outing so far, chipping in with a crucial 41 runs. Her knock came off 52 deliveries, featuring 2 boundaries and a maximum, maintaining a steady strike rate of 78.84. Sitting third among the top run-getters, she holds an average of 41.00 as she builds momentum for the rest of the series.
Cara Murray
Cara Murray delivered an absolute masterclass with the ball, sitting firmly at the top of the bowling charts. In her 1 match, she picked up 6 wickets for 52 runs in her full 10-over spell, including a maiden 5-wicket haul. With an economy rate of 5.20 and a stunning average of 8.66, her strike rate currently stands at an incredible wicket every 10 balls.
Bella Armstrong
Bella Armstrong made a strong impact with the ball, providing relentless control throughout her 10 overs. She ended her 1 match with figures of 2 for 32, including a tournament-best 3 maiden overs. Her disciplined line and length kept the opposition in check, boasting a frugal economy rate of just 3.20 and a bowling average of 16.00.
Pitch:
The Oak Hill Cricket Club surface generally offers reliable bounce for batters, but given the lush local environment and overcast conditions or early dampness can keep the outfield somewhat slower while offering noticeable seam and swing assistance to fast bowlers.
Weather:
The forecast calls for cloudy conditions during the day and mostly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures will reach a high of 18°C and fall to a low of 11°C, accompanied by a 10-mph wind coming from the west, 70% humidity, and a 10% chance of rain.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Orla Prendergast, Alana Dalzell, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Gaby Lewis, Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Louise Little
Match Details:
Date – August 06, 2026
Time – 3:15 PM IST
Venue – Oak Hill Cricket Club
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Cricket Ireland platforms.
Loves all things female cricket