Less than a month after meeting at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Ireland and West Indies renew their rivalry in a different format as they begin a three-match ODI series at Bready Cricket Club on July 10. While Ireland will draw confidence from their memorable six-wicket victory over the Caribbean side during the World Cup, the upcoming contest carries far greater significance as it marks the start of the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle—the qualification pathway for the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup. Ranked 10th and 9th respectively in the ICC ODI standings, both teams will be eager to make a strong start to the campaign.
Ireland heads into the series encouraged by an impressive T20 World Cup, where they registered their first-ever victory over West Indies at a global event and pushed several higher-ranked teams in competitive performances. West Indies, meanwhile, endured a disappointing campaign after falling short in the semi-finals against Australia. Both sides will now look to reset in the 50-over format, with valuable Championship points up for grabs.
Although recent momentum may favour the hosts, the historical record remains firmly with the visitors. West Indies have won 10 of the 12 ODIs played between the two sides, with Ireland claiming just one victory and one match ending without a result. Their most recent ODI meeting came during the 2025 Women’s World Cup Qualifier, where West Indies held on for a narrow six-run victory, setting the stage for another closely contested encounter in Bready.
Squads:
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Gaby Lewis (C), Christina Coulter Reilly (WK), Amy Hunter (WK), Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, Orla Prendergast, Alana Dalzell, Louise Little, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire, Aimee Maguire, Sarah Forbes, Kia McCartney, Arlene Kelly
West Indies Women’s Cricket Team
Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle (WK), Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Realeanna Grimmond, Mandy Mangru (WK), Ashmini Munisar, Aaliyah Alleyne, Jahzara Claxton, Shawnisha Hector, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack
Players to watch out:
Gaby Lewis
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis will once again be the batting mainstay for the hosts as they begin a crucial ICC Women’s Championship campaign. The right-hander has scored 1,866 runs in 62 ODIs, including 15 half-centuries, averaging just over 30. She also enjoyed a productive T20 World Cup, finishing as Ireland’s second-highest run-scorer. Lewis has been in excellent touch in 50-over cricket as well, having scored 439 runs in her last 10 ODIs at an average of 43.90, making her Ireland’s biggest batting threat.
Orla Prendergast
Few players have become as important to Ireland as Orla Prendergast. Ranked among the world’s top 10 ODI all-rounders, Prendergast has emerged as a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball. She has scored 396 runs in her last 10 ODIs at an average of 44.00, while her medium pace continues to provide breakthroughs with the new ball. The 24-year-old was one of Ireland’s standout performers at the T20 World Cup and also starred against the West Indies, producing an all-round display as she scored 63 (44), 1/29 and 2 catches that helped secure the historic group-stage victory. If Ireland are to challenge the visitors again, Prendergast is likely to be at the heart of it.
Hayley Matthews
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews remains one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket and will once again be central to her side’s hopes. Ranked 9th among ODI batters, 4th among ODI bowlers and 2nd among ODI all-rounders in the latest ICC rankings, Matthews has built an outstanding 50-over record with over 3,000 runs and 135 wickets to her name. Although she endured a relatively quiet T20 World Cup by her lofty standards, the ODI format has often brought out the very best in her. As West Indies begin a new ICC Women’s Championship cycle, Matthews will be eager to lead from the front and reaffirm her status as one of the most influential cricketers in the women’s game.
Aaliyah Alleyne
Aaliyah Alleyne will spearhead the West Indies pace attack in conditions expected to favour seam bowling at Bready. The experienced seamer has claimed 47 wickets in 52 ODIs at an average of 28.46, with best figures of 4/39, and remains one of the Caribbean side’s most dependable options with the new ball. Alleyne also enjoyed an encouraging T20 World Cup, consistently providing breakthroughs and maintaining control during the powerplay, finishing among West Indies’ leading wicket-takers in the tournament. With overcast conditions in Northern Ireland, her ability to generate movement and strike in the opening overs could prove crucial against an Ireland batting line-up that has been in good form.
Pitch:
Bready Cricket Club has generally produced balanced surfaces in women’s ODIs, offering something for both batters and bowlers. The average first-innings score at the venue is 254, while teams chasing have averaged 258. Pacers are expected to enjoy assistance with the new ball through movement in the air and off the seam, particularly during the morning session. Once the ball gets older, batting becomes considerably easier, allowing stroke-makers to settle in and score freely.
Weather:
The opening ODI is expected to be played under largely cloudy skies, although significant rain interruptions are unlikely. Temperatures will hover around 21-22°C, with humidity close to 80% and a gentle breeze expected throughout the day. The overcast conditions could provide some early assistance for the seamers, especially during the first innings, but a full 50-over contest is anticipated at Bready.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Rebecca Stokell, Orla Prendergast, Deandra Dottin, Leah Paul, Aimee Maguire, Aaliyah Alleyne, Cara Murray
Match Details:
Date – July 10, 2026
Time – 3:15 PM IST
Venue – Bready Cricket Club, Bready, Northern Ireland
Broadcast – The game will be available on the FanCode app and website.
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