Fresh from a landmark breakthrough at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Ireland have turned their attention to the 50-over format by naming a strong squad for an important three-match ODI series against the West Indies later this month. The series, to be played in Bready, Northern Ireland, will mark the beginning of Ireland’s campaign in the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle and provide an early opportunity to build momentum in qualification for future global events.
Gaby Lewis will continue as captain, with star all-rounder Orla Prendergast serving as vice-captain, as Ireland look to carry the confidence gained from their historic World Cup victory into the ODI arena. The upcoming series comes on the back of one of the most memorable moments in Irish women’s cricket history.
At the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, Ireland defeated the West Indies by six wickets in their final group-stage match, securing the nation’s first-ever victory at a Women’s T20 World Cup. That result was particularly significant because it came against an experienced West Indies side featuring several established international stars. Chasing a competitive target, Ireland produced a composed batting performance to clinch the win with authority and end their tournament on a high.
While Ireland did not progress beyond the group stage, the victory was widely viewed as a major step forward for a team that has steadily improved under Lewis’ leadership and the guidance of head coach Ed Joyce.
Unlike a regular bilateral series, these matches will count towards the ICC Women’s Championship, the qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Every point earned could prove crucial over the course of the multi-year cycle.
Gaby Lewis remains the cornerstone of Ireland’s batting lineup. One of the most consistent performers in Irish cricket, Lewis has accumulated valuable experience in international tournaments and franchise competitions around the world. Supporting her will be Orla Prendergast, whose all-round abilities make her one of Ireland’s most influential players. Prendergast’s contributions with both bat and ball were key throughout the T20 World Cup campaign and will again be central to Ireland’s hopes.
Despite their defeat to Ireland in the T20 World Cup, the West Indies arrive with considerable pedigree. The Caribbean side reached the semi-finals of the tournament, where they were eventually beaten by defending champions
The West Indies squad continues to feature several high-profile players, including captain Hayley Matthews, one of the world’s leading all-rounders. Matthews enjoyed another productive global tournament and remains the key figure Ireland will need to contain. Historically, the West Indies have held the upper hand in ODI meetings between the two nations, but Ireland’s recent victory has shown that the gap between the sides is narrowing.
Cricket Ireland has invested heavily in the women’s game in recent years, introducing more professional contracts and expanding the domestic structure. Those efforts are beginning to translate into improved performances on the international stage.
Young players such as Amy Hunter, Jane Maguire and Freya Sargent have added depth to the squad, while experienced figures like Arlene Kelly continue to provide valuable stability.
For Ireland, the challenge now is to prove that the World Cup victory over the West Indies was not a one-off result but part of a broader upward trend. The three ODIs will all be played in Bready later this month, with both teams eager to make a strong start to the new championship cycle. For Ireland, the series represents an opportunity to continue a promising new chapter in the team’s development. For the West Indies, it offers a chance to respond to their World Cup defeat and reassert themselves as one of the leading sides in women’s cricket.
With confidence high in the Irish camp and championship points at stake, the contest promises to be one of the most intriguing bilateral series of the summer.
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Gaby Lewis (C), 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 (VC), Rebecca Stokell
Ireland vs West Indies ODI series schedule
1st ODI: 10 July, Bready
2nd ODI: 12 July, Bready
3rd ODI: 15 July, Bready
