Ireland Women’s all-rounder Alice Tector may only be 18 years of age, but she has already been forced to overcome a serious injury after making her international debut, and now has the opportunity to create a key role for herself in the Irish T20 team by proving she is not out of place in this T20 World Cup squad.
After making her international debut in 2024, Tector suffered a stress fracture in her back and was forced to miss the subsequent Under-19s World Cup in Malaysia. After a long rehab, Tector focused on improving her core strength – a crucial need for fast bowling, and now, six months after returning to play, Tector finds herself at the T20 World Cup:
“I’ve really enjoyed the World Cup experience so far, it’s quite different to other tours we go on but it’s a really cool environment. Something I have noticed is more eyes and cameras around, whether at training, matches or even just coming off the bus. Playing in front of big crowds is something that’s new to me, obviously we get crowds at home but to see stadiums fill up with people coming to watch is great. It can be easy to get caught up sometimes in the games and the pressure, but I am really trying to take it all in and enjoy it – it’s not every day you get to play in a World Cup!
“While the games haven’t necessarily gone our way, we’ve played really well in parts and are confident heading into the next two games.”
With still one year left of school, Tector has benefitted from the Educational contracts at Cricket Ireland:
“I think the part-time educational contract is great. I still have one year left in school so being able to be flexible with training around my school schedule is important. The contract allows you to still get high quality training and support but at times that don’t clash with school. So for me, usually in the evenings during the week. Both my coaches and my teachers know that I’m busy trying to balance cricket and school, and both sides are very understanding and accommodating in terms of helping me balance both.”
Tector’s upbringing was heavily cricket-influenced with her father and three older brothers all cricket players:
“My dad and brothers all played so I’m not sure I had much choice! We were either playing cricket in the back garden at home or down at our old club YMCA. Our summers were spent at the club and I’ve loved it ever since.”
With the majority of her career ahead of her, Tector has ambitions to make her mark:
“My aim is to become one of the best all-rounders in the world. With that in mind, my focus is just to get better every day and focus on becoming the best player I can be. Playing for Ireland is something that I’ve dreamt of since I was little, and so becoming one of Ireland’s best players and thrive in all facets of the game is something I strive for.”
And her advice for a young girl considering trying cricket:
“I would say to just go for it! It’s such a fun sport and even if you don’t think it’s for you, there will be something you like about it. You learn things both on and off the field and make friends for life.”
THE TOURNAMENT
There are 12 teams participating in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The teams are split into two groups of six teams listed below. Ireland is in Group 2. The top two teams in each group after the completion of the group matches proceed to the semi-final stage.
| Group 1 | Group 2 |
| Australia | West Indies |
| South Africa | England |
| India | New Zealand |
| Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
| Bangladesh | Ireland |
| Netherlands | Scotland |
SQUAD
The squad is::
- Gaby Lewis (c)
- Orla Prendergast (vc)
- Christina Coulter Reilly
- Alana Dalzell
- Georgina Dempsey
- Amy Hunter
- Arlene Kelly
- Louise Little
- Aimee Maguire
- Jane Maguire
- Lara McBride
- Cara Murray
- Leah Paul
- Rebecca Stokell
- Alice Tector
Further information on the players is available here.
FIXTURES
Women’s T20 World Cup 2026:
- 13 June 2026: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – T20I (Scotland won by 40 runs)
- 16 June 2026: Ireland Women v England Women – T20I (England won by 4 wickets)
- 19 June 2026: Ireland Women v New Zealand Women – T20I (New Zealand won by 4 runs)
- 23 June 2026: Ireland Women v Sri Lanka Women – T20I (Bristol; starts 2.30pm)
- 27 June 2026: Ireland Women v West Indies Women – T20I (Bristol; starts 2.30pm)
HOW TO WATCH, FOLLOW OR ATTEND
Watch:
- In Ireland / UK, Sky Sports will show every match
- For other parts of the world, see here
Follow:
- You can see all the match scores throughout the tournament here: https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/womens-t20-worldcup-2026/matches
- You can also see updates and plenty of content on Cricket Ireland’s social media channels: https://cricketireland.ie/get-involved/social-media/
Attend:
- For tickets to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, buy your tickets here.
