Ireland Name Squad for Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026, Gaby Lewis to Lead

The stage is set for the 7th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled from 18th January to 3rd February 2026 in Nepal. This Global Qualifier serves as the final qualification tournament, with the top four teams advancing to the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. Days out from the ten-team event, Ireland have confirmed their 15-player squad.

Advancing from the Europe Qualifier, Ireland registered six straight wins, finishing atop the table with 12 points and securing a spot in the Global Qualifier, alongside second-placed Netherlands (8 points). While Ireland dominated the regional challenge, they suffered a 2-0 series loss during their recent tour of South Africa in December 2025.

Ireland’s three-match T20I series against South Africa ended in disappointment, with the team falling short in both batting and bowling efforts. They were bowled out for 115 in the opener chasing 220 and restricted to 136 in the second T20I chasing 201. The third game was abandoned due to rain. A subsequent 0-3 ODI series loss did little to lift spirits. However, Orla Prendergast, who headlined a 301-run total, remains central to their plans for the Qualifier.

Ireland’s Qualifier squad sees only one change, with Louise Little missing out from the South Africa touring contingent. The onus will again lie on captain Gaby Lewis, her deputy Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter – Ireland’s leading T20I run-scorers – and Arlene Kelly, the second-highest wicket-taker for Ireland in T20Is and a handy batter, to step up for a successful campaign in Nepal.

🚨 Ireland's squad confirmed for Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026!

Nepal hosts the 10-team event from January 18 - February 1, 2026. 🏏#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/1zEK1T3xba
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 27, 2025

Ireland’s Squad for Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026:

Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell

Also Read: AB de Villiers advocates for Women's SA20 League

The 15-member squad will depart on 6th January 2026 for a week-long preparation camp in Dubai before heading to Nepal on 12th January. The squad is set to play two warm-up matches against hosts Nepal and Zimbabwe on 14th and 16th January respectively. Drawn in Group A, Ireland will face Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Namibia, and the United States in their group fixtures.