Ireland set to play their first-ever bilateral series in India
The Ireland women’s team led by skipper Laura Delany are all set to play their maiden bilateral series against India led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur in India. The series will include a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series. The series is expected to commence in January 2025, the venues for which are yet to be decided.
The Ireland men’s or women’s team has never been to India for a bilateral series. It will be Ireland’s first-ever visit to India for a bilateral series. The Ireland players have also not yet been a part of the first couple of editions of the newly launched Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India. Their upcoming visit to India could be a turning point in terms of their introduction in the Women’s Premier League.
The three-match ODI series will be a part of the ICC Women’s ODI Championship (2022-2025). The top six teams and the hosts India will qualify for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup next year, in 2025. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side are placed at number five, while Ireland are placed at number 11 in the ODI Rankings. As far as the T20I format is concerned, the Indian team is the number three ranked side and Ireland are placed at the 10th position in the ICC Women’s T20I Rankings.
The Women in Blue has only played a couple of bilateral series against Ireland in the ODI format in July 2002 and July 2006. India have managed to end up on the winning side on both occasions. As far as the T20I format is concerned, the Indian team has never played a bilateral series against Ireland till date.
