The stage is set for the second edition of the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from 13 January to 2 February 2025. Following the success of the inaugural tournament in 2023, where India emerged victorious in South Africa, this year’s event promises intense competition and a platform for young cricketers to shine.
Ireland has been drawn into a challenging Group B alongside England (2023 runners-up), Pakistan, and the United States of America. With a mix of youth and experience, the team is prepared to make their mark on the global stage.
Ireland’s journey begins with a training camp in Dubai on 3 January, featuring practice matches against United Arab Emirates and Scotland. The squad will then travel to Malaysia on 11 January, where they are set to play warm-up games against South Africa U19s Women and Malaysia U19s Women.
The Irish team boasts a wealth of experience, with ten players having participated in the inaugural 2023 tournament. Notable names include Amy Hunter, Abbi Harrison, Jennifer Jackson, Niamh MacNulty, Kia McCartney, Ellie McGee, Julie McNally, Freya Sargent, Annabel Squires, and Aimee Maguire.
Captain Amy Hunter leads the squad with an impressive record of 43 T20I caps and 995 runs, including a high score of 101*. Complementing her experience are Freya Sargent, who has claimed 9 wickets in 12 T20Is, and Aimee Maguire, who has also taken 9 wickets in 9 T20Is. Alice Tector’s contributions in senior ODIs, including historic wins over England and Sri Lanka, further strengthen the squad’s depth.
Head Coach Glenn Querl expressed his excitement about the team’s participation in the global event, “The opportunity to compete in the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia is incredibly exciting for our players. It marks a significant milestone in their cricketing journey,” he stated.
Querl emphasized the importance of experience within the squad, “Some players were part of the inaugural tournament in 2023. This is invaluable, as they will be able to fall back on their experience and support the younger players through the journey.”
Reflecting on the team’s recent performances, he added, “While results in our recent tour of South Africa may not have gone our way, the valuable lessons learned during that tour have been instrumental in our development.”
Albert van der Merwe, National Talent Pathway Manager, highlighted the broader significance of the tournament, “These tournaments and tours will give the players a great insight into what professional sport is about. They will not only get to play against some of the best players around the world but also experience different cultures and playing conditions that will hopefully make them more rounded sportswomen,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and potential, “I wish Glenn [Querl] and his team the very best. They have trained incredibly hard as a squad over the last year, and we will be watching on with keen interest in January.”
Ireland will open their campaign with a clash against England on 18 January, followed by matches against the United States of America on 20 January and Pakistan on 22 January. All matches will be played at the Johor Cricket Academy Ground, starting at 10:30 am local time.
As the countdown to the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup begins, Ireland’s Under-19 Women’s squad is ready to take on the world. All eyes will be on these talented young cricketers as they aim to leave a lasting impact on the global stage.
Ireland squad for the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup:
Amy Hunter (C), Niamh MacNulty and Freya Sargent (VCs), Abbi Harrison, Jennifer Jackson, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Kia McCartney, Ellie McGee, Julie McNally, Lucy Neely, Millie Spence, Annabel Squires, Alice Tector, Alice Walsh
Rebecca Lowe is the travelling reserve, while Síbha Bhoja, Ally Boucher, and Genevieve Morrissey have been named as non-travelling reserves.
The coaching and support staff include Glenn Querl (Head Coach), James Cameron-Dow (Assistant Coach), Nigel Jones (Team Manager), Stuart Thompson (Strength & Conditioning), Julia Webster (Physiotherapist), and Alison White (Team Doctor).
(Quotes sourced from Cricket Ireland)
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