Following a monumental performance on the world stage, Cricket Ireland has officially announced a balanced 14-member squad for their highly anticipated upcoming One Day International (ODI) home series against the West Indies. Scheduled to commence next week at Bready in Northern Ireland, this three-match series marks a critical milestone for the Irish team. It serves as their introductory assignment in the latest cycle of the prestigious ICC Women’s Championship (IWC), which acts as the direct pathway to qualification for the 2029 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
With momentum on their side, the hosts are eager to establish an early foothold in the championship standings. The matches will provide a stellar test of endurance and tactical growth for a side that has shown immense potential in shorter formats over the recent months. Facing a seasoned Caribbean outfit at home presents the perfect platform for the Girls in Green to transition their recent successes into the demanding 50-over format.
Ireland Women reveal 14-player roster for ODI clashes with West Indies
The selectors have opted for continuity mixed with strategic adjustments by naming a compact 14-woman squad tailored for home conditions. Gaby Lewis retains the captaincy, bringing her extensive top-order experience to lead the charge. Her deputy will be the explosive all-rounder Orla Prendergast, whose recent player-of-the-match exploits have cemented her status as the team’s vital linchpin. Behind the stumps, the exciting talent Amy Hunter stands as the premier wicketkeeper-batter selection, supported by the reliable backup option of Christina Coulter Reilly.
This upcoming series represents a long-awaited return to the 50-over arena for Ireland, marking their first official ODI commitment of 2026. The national team last played the one-day format in December of last year during a challenging tour against South Africa. While that European excursion resulted in a tough 0-3 whitewash, the competitive spirit and grit shown by the squad gave a positive account of Ireland’s rapid progression on the international stage.
In configuring the tactical lineup for the West Indies, the selection committee introduced notable personnel shifts. Former captain Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, seamer Ava Canning, and off-spinner Lara McBride, who all featured in the South African series, have missed out on selection this time around. Stepping into the vacancies are Alana Dalzell, Louise Little, and the promising Kia McCartney. By utilizing a tighter 14-player squad, the management signals high confidence in a core unit capable of executing strategic plans on home turf.
Historic T20 World Cup momentum fuels Ireland’s 50-Over Ambitions
The timing of this bilateral series could not be better for the host nation. Ireland head into these games carrying massive confidence derived from a historic milestone achieved during the recent 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. On June 27, at the County Ground in Bristol, Lewis and her team pulled off a spectacular six-wicket triumph over this very same West Indian contingent. The victory stood as Ireland’s first-ever win in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup, fundamentally shifting the dynamic between these two rising cricket nations.
As they switch focus to the multi-day pacing of ODI cricket, the squad will attempt to translate that psychological edge into sustainable excellence against Hayley Matthews and her resilient West Indies side. The action is locked in for an intensive week of cricket at Bready. The opening clash is slated for Friday, July 10, followed swiftly by the second encounter on July 12, concluding with the series finale on July 15. Fans can expect a thrilling, humanized display of competitive cricket as Ireland looks to solidify its evolution into a premier global powerhouse.
Ireland’s confirmed 14-member ODI squad:
Gaby Lewis (c), Orla Prendergast (vc), Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
