Ireland Women are all set to host Zimbabwe in a limited-overs series later this month, featuring three T20Is and two ODIs. Cricket Ireland has announced the squads for both formats, with Gaby Lewis leading the side and Orla Prendergast named as vice-captain.

The series begins on 20 July with the first T20I at Pembroke Cricket Club and will conclude with two ODIs at Stormont. This series also marks the beginning of Lloyd Tennant’s tenure as Head Coach of the Ireland Women’s team.

A major talking point from the squad announcement is the inclusion of 19-year-old off-spinner Lara McBride, who has earned her maiden senior call-up. McBride caught the selectors’ attention with her consistent performances in the Evoke Super Series and her impressive stint at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.

Lara McBride earns maiden call-up as Ireland gear up for crucial World Cup Qualifier build-up

National Women’s Selector Ciara O’Brien emphasised the significance of the series in the context of Ireland’s preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled for late August. “These matches against Zimbabwe – followed by the T20I series against Pakistan – are a crucial lead-in to the all-important T20 World Cup Qualifier,” O’Brien said. “It’s also encouraging to see fresh talent like Lara McBride earn a deserved opportunity at the highest level.”

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Ireland holds a strong record against Zimbabwe in both formats. In T20Is, they have emerged victorious in all seven previous meetings. In ODIs, Ireland has won six out of eight encounters, with one match ending in a tie. The series will serve as an excellent opportunity for Ireland to fine-tune combinations and assess players ahead of key fixtures in the global qualification calendar.

Ireland vs Zimbabwe Women's Series Fixtures

T20I Squad: 

Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell

ODI Squad:

Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast