Ireland Women have confirmed their squad for next week’s ODI series against West Indies Women, with the three-match contest at Bready marking the start of a crucial new ICC Women’s Championship cycle. While this is not ETPL, the announcement is major cricket news for Irish fans following Ireland cricket news, especially with growing interest around the wider European game and tournaments such as ETPL.
The series, scheduled for 10, 12 and 15 July 2026, opens an important pathway toward qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029. For supporters searching for top Ireland cricket updates, squad news and international fixtures, this is one of the most significant women’s cricket developments of the summer.
Ireland Women ODI squad named for West Indies series
Cricket Ireland has selected a 15-player group for the one-day international series at Bready. Gaby Lewis will captain the side, while Orla Prendergast has been named vice-captain.
- Gaby Lewis (captain)
- Christina Coulter Reilly
- Alana Dalzell
- Sarah Forbes
- Amy Hunter
- Arlene Kelly
- Louise Little
- Aimee Maguire
- Jane Maguire
- Kia McCartney
- Cara Murray
- Leah Paul
- Orla Prendergast (vice-captain)
- Rebecca Stokell
The selection reflects continuity and youth, with Ireland leaning on established performers while continuing to build depth ahead of a long international cycle.
Series fixtures at Bready
- 10 July 2026: Ireland Women vs West Indies Women, 1st ODI, Bready, 10:45am
- 12 July 2026: Ireland Women vs West Indies Women, 2nd ODI, Bready, 10:45am
- 15 July 2026: Ireland Women vs West Indies Women, 3rd ODI, Bready, 10:45am
Tickets for the series are available through Cricket Ireland, offering fans a chance to watch an important chapter in Ireland’s World Cup qualification campaign.
Why this series matters for Ireland
This is not just another bilateral assignment. The matches launch Ireland’s campaign in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-2029, the competition that will decide most of the automatic qualification places for the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Ireland will play eight three-match ODI series during the cycle, split evenly between home and away contests. Their home schedule includes series against India, New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies, while away trips will take them to England, Australia, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
That means 24 ODIs in total, making every early result valuable in the race for a top finish.
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ICC Women’s Championship format explained
Fans looking for a simple breakdown should know the championship includes 11 Full Member nations. Each side faces eight opponents in three-match ODI series, with points awarded as follows:
- 2 points for a win
- 1 point for a tie, no result or abandoned match
- 0 points for a loss
If teams are level on points, standings are decided by number of wins, net run rate, head-to-head points, head-to-head net run rate and, if still needed, original seeding.
Automatic qualification for the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup will go to the host nation, if eligible, plus the next seven highest-ranked teams in the final standings. The remaining places will be decided through a six-team qualifier.
Ireland’s immediate opportunity
The timing of this series is especially interesting because Ireland recently defeated West Indies in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. That result should give the squad confidence, but ODI cricket presents a different tactical test, requiring patience, control and consistency across 50 overs.
Players such as Lewis, Hunter and Prendergast will be expected to anchor the batting effort, while Ireland’s bowlers will aim to use home conditions effectively at Bready.
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What this means for Irish cricket fans
For followers of women’s cricket in Ireland, this squad announcement offers both clarity and momentum. It sets the tone for a demanding international schedule and gives supporters an early look at the core group Ireland will trust in a high-stakes championship.
Although many readers searching ETPL updates may be tracking franchise developments such as Dublin Guardians and other European cricket stories, international fixtures like this remain central to the growth of the game across Ireland and the region.
The biggest takeaway is simple: Ireland Women are beginning a long and meaningful journey toward the 2029 World Cup, and the West Indies ODI series is the first major test. For fans of ETPL, Irish cricket and the wider European game, this is a key moment to watch closely.
FAQs
Who is captaining Ireland Women in the ODI series against West Indies?
Gaby Lewis has been named captain, with Orla Prendergast as vice-captain.
Where will the Ireland Women vs West Indies Women ODI series be played?
All three matches will be played at Bready.
Why is this ODI series important?
It is Ireland’s first series in the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle, which helps determine qualification for the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Is this series connected to ETPL?
No, this is an international women’s ODI series. However, ETPL audiences following Irish cricket will likely track these developments closely.
