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Ireland Cricket have announced their Women’s squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, scheduled to take place from 27 November to 9 December 2024. Gaby Lewis has been named captain of both the ODI and T20I sides, marking her first tour as permanent captain. The Irish squad for the white-ball series features a blend of youth and experience, with an average age of under 23.
Challenging tour ahead
The three ODIs and three T20Is against Bangladesh are set to be a key challenge for Ireland, especially as the ODIs form part of the ICC Women’s Championship. Ireland has made significant progress recently, with notable victories, including a series win over Sri Lanka and their first ODI win over England since 2001. Despite these strides, Ireland is still ranked 11th in ODIs and 10th in T20Is, whereas Bangladesh holds 8th place in ODIs and 9th in T20Is.
Head-to-Head history
The two teams last met in 2022, with Bangladesh leading the head-to-head encounters across formats. Out of 18 meetings, Bangladesh has won 8 of the 11 T20Is and 4 of the 7 ODIs, with 2 games ending in no results.
Combination of youth and experience
Ireland’s squad for the Bangladesh tour beautifully blends youth and experience, providing the team with a balanced mix of fresh talent and seasoned players. While the team boasts several young players with immense potential, such as Ava Canning and Freya Sargent, the presence of experienced campaigners like Laura Delany and Lewis ensures the squad has the right leadership and stability.
Delany’s return from injury will strengthen the middle order, while Lewis, as captain, will be key in guiding the team through the challenges posed by the Bangladesh side. This fusion of youth and experience gives Ireland the versatility and resilience needed for a competitive tour.
“Obviously, welcoming back Laura Delany from injury will make a massive difference to that middle order. Her experience and quality across both formats is key, but she also balances the team beautifully for us in terms of her being able to bowl – so it gives us a chance to play an extra batter, if needed. With two all-rounders in the top four, and Amy Hunter our keeper also opening, it gives a nice balance to the team and we look in good shape with everyone fit and healthy at the start of the tour,” said Ed Joyce, Head Coach of Ireland Women in an official statement.
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Ireland Women squad for Bangladesh tour
ODI: Gaby Lewis (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Alice Tector.
T20I: Gaby Lewis (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
