Gabby Lewis to Lead Ireland in Womens T20 World Cup Despite Injury

Dublin, May 20: Gabby Lewis will captain Ireland in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, although she is currently recovering from a foot injury. Consequently, she will miss the tri-series against Pakistan and the West Indies. Orla Prendergast will take over as captain for the tri-series and will serve as vice-captain during the World Cup.

Ranked seventh among T20 all-rounders, Gabby was the top scorer in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, amassing 276 runs in seven matches. This will mark her first time captaining Ireland in the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled from June 12 to July 5.

Ireland, currently ranked ninth in the Women’s T20 rankings, has been placed in Group 2 of the World Cup alongside England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Scotland. Group 1 includes Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals.

Ireland’s 15-member squad for the World Cup includes Laura Delany, Ava Canning, Christina Coulter-Riley, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Lewis Little, Amy Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, and Rebecca Stokell. Jane Maguire is out of both tournaments due to injury, while Amy Maguire has recovered and is included in both teams.

Ireland will kick off the tri-series against the West Indies on May 28, followed by matches against Pakistan on May 31 and June 4. They will also face the West Indies and Pakistan again on June 1 and June 4, respectively. Ireland’s World Cup campaign will begin on June 13 against Scotland at Old Trafford.

Ireland’s Women’s T20 World Cup Squad: Gabby Lewis (Captain), Orla Prendergast (Vice-Captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter-Riley, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Lewis Little, Amy Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, and Rebecca Stokell.

Ireland’s Tri-Series Team: Orla Prendergast (Captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter-Riley, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Lewis Little, Amy Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, and Rebecca Stokell.