As the Gaby Lewis-led Ireland set their sights on the two-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, all eyes are understandably fixed on Amy Hunter, the 19-year-old wicket-keeper batter achieves a significant career milestone, becoming the youngest to do so for Ireland.
She has entered the 1,000 ODI runs club for Ireland, and has done it in style, smashing Zimbabwe’s Kudzai Chigora for a boundary in the 26th over of the innings in the 1st ODI at Belfast. She eventually scored (43 off 38 balls) before getting dismissed in the 33rd over of the innings. Hunter’s burgeoning international career has already been marked by remarkable maturity and consistent performances, making her one of the brightest prospects in women’s cricket.
Amy Hunter’s journey with the Ireland women’s team began in May 2021, when she made her T20 International debut against Scotland in Belfast. Her ODI debut followed a few months later, on 5th October 2021, against Zimbabwe in the first ODI in Harare. Since then, Hunter has established herself firmly as a key asset for the Irish side, showcasing a blend of aggressive stroke play and dependable wicket-keeping skills.
In 37 ODI innings, Hunter has amassed 1,020 runs at an impressive average of 30 and a strike rate of 86.87. Her batting record features six half-centuries and one unforgettable century, highlighting her ability to anchor the innings as well as accelerate when needed. Her highest ODI score came early in her career against Zimbabwe on 11th October 2021, when she hammered an unbeaten 121 runs off 127 balls at Harare, an innings punctuated by eight beautiful boundaries. That performance earned her the Player of the Match award and firmly announced her arrival on the international stage.
As Ireland hosts Zimbabwe from 20th to 28th July 2025, this series is historic in more ways than one. It marks the first time Zimbabwe Women have toured Ireland for a white-ball series, which includes a three-match T20I series and a two-match ODI series. Under the astute leadership of skipper Gaby Lewis, Ireland has already stamped their authority with a dominant whitewash in the T20Is, winning all three games by impressive margins, 6 wickets in the opener, followed by 65 runs and 51 runs in the next two matches respectively.
The two-match ODI series, beginning on 26th July, provided the perfect stage for Amy Hunter to reach the coveted 1,000-run milestone, a feat few have achieved at such a young age. It is a proud moment not only for Hunter but also for Irish women’s cricket, signalling a bright future for the team.
Amy Hunter’s consistent showings have made her an indispensable part of the Ireland batting lineup. Her ability to combine technical finesse with aggressive intent makes her a threat to any bowling attack. With the 19-year-old wicket-keeper batter Amy Hunter becoming the youngest Irish batter to cross the 1,000-run threshold, this series against Zimbabwe offered not just a personal milestone but also solidified her credentials as a cornerstone of Ireland’s batting order.
As the series unfolds, cricket fans will be eagerly watching Hunter’s progress, hoping to witness another chapter in what promises to be a stellar career. For now, Ireland’s white-ball dominance and Hunter’s incredible milestone have set the tone for an exciting battle between two emerging teams in women’s cricket.
