Skipper Gaby Lewis underlined her importance to Irish women’s cricket by becoming the first Ireland batter to surpass 2,000 runs in women’s One-Day International cricket. The 25-year-old top-order batter reached the landmark during Ireland’s opening ODI against England at Grace Road, Leicester, on 1 September 2026, producing a composed 69 from 89 balls despite her side eventually losing by six wickets.
Gaby Lewis entered the three-match series opener just 21 runs short of the historic mark. After England captain Charlie Dean won the toss and inserted Ireland to bat, Lewis walked out to open alongside Alice Tector.
She handled the pressure of the occasion with authority, combining patience with well-timed strokeplay to register an important half-century. Her 69 included eight boundaries and gave Ireland a strong platform in the first innings. Lewis’s contribution helped Ireland post 281/5 in their allotted 50 overs, although England’s successful chase saw them take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, which runs from 1 to 6 September.
The milestone adds another significant chapter to Lewis’s already influential international career. Since making her ODI debut against South Africa in Dublin on 5 August 2016, she has scored 2,048 runs at an average of 33.57 and a strike rate of 70.30. Her record has been built across 66 matches and 65 innings, with 17 half-centuries demonstrating her consistency at the top of Ireland’s batting order.
Lewis has also carried considerable responsibility as Ireland’s captain, leading from the front in a format that demands both endurance and adaptability. Her ability to anchor an innings while maintaining scoring momentum has made her one of Ireland’s most dependable batters and a central figure in the team’s progress on the international stage.
Her highest ODI score came against Zimbabwe in Harare on 9 October 2021. Chasing 179, Lewis remained unbeaten on 96 from 129 balls while opening with Leah Paul. Her innings featured nine boundaries and guided Ireland to an eight-wicket victory. The performance earned her the Player of the Match award and remains a defining example of her ability to control a run chase.
Lewis’s international journey began even earlier, with her T20I debut against South Africa at Solihull on 9 September 2014. More than a decade later, her latest achievement places her alone at the top of Ireland’s ODI batting history.
The 69 at Leicester was not merely another half-century. It was the innings that took Lewis beyond 2,000 ODI runs and confirmed her status as a landmark player for Ireland. With two matches still remaining in the series against England, the Irish skipper will now look to convert a personal milestone into further influential performances for her side.
The visitors, Ireland, under the inspirational leadership of skipper Gaby Lewis, would be keen to level the series as they take on England in the 2nd ODI on 3rd September 2026, at the County Ground, Derby, from 5:30 PM IST onwards.
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