Ireland U19 Women’s team return home from their tour of Namibia with plenty to reflect on after a six-match T20 series against Capricorn Eagles A. The tour tested Glenn Querl’s team, while the performances from different players will stand them in good stead ahead of the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in the new year.
While the Namibia team won the series 4-2, Ireland showed plenty of fight and ability, producing two memorable victories, including a dramatic Super Over success. Facing a strong Capricorn Eagles A side containing a mixture of established players and emerging Namibian talent, Ireland lost the opening game by 50 runs.
The Irish players found their feet in the second match with a more disciplined bowling display, restricting Namibia to 126-6. Ireland’s batting was more positive than in their first game. Alice Tector produced an excellent unbeaten 52(47), supported by Niamh Lowry’s 22(20) and Rebecca Lowe’s 19(17). Ireland were in contention deep into the chase, requiring 14 from the final two overs.
Despite Tector completing her half-century, Namibia held their nerve and Ireland fell two runs short, finishing on 124-4.
The third match produced the defining moment of the tour from an Irish perspective. Batting first, the visitors were in serious trouble early on at 7-2, but the response from the middle order was excellent. Tector struck 26(17), Lowry made 27(29), Aisling Lawlor contributed 19(20) and Genevieve Morrissey top scored with 37*(29), helping Ireland to 138-7.
The bowlers then put Ireland in a commanding position. Aisling Lawlor was outstanding, taking 2-9, while Lucy Andrews (1-17) also bowled well. Namibia were reduced to 40-4 and later 84-5.
But just when Ireland appeared certain to claim their first win, Wilka Mwatile produced a remarkable late assault. Batting at number seven, the all-rounder smashed 42 from just 17 deliveries, bringing Namibia level with a six from the final delivery of the innings and forcing a Super Over.
Despite Namibia’s fantastic comeback, Ireland regrouped. Penny Speer was entrusted with the Super Over and held Namibia to just seven runs. Tector and Lowry then showed composure to chase the target and secure an unforgettable victory.
The fourth match saw Ireland produce their highest total of the series. Batting first, Rebecca Lowe led the way with 43(41), while Niamh Lowry struck a valuable 41(33) on the way to an imposing team total of 173-8.
There were plenty of reasons for encouragement in the batting performance, but the match ultimately slipped away through a combination of Namibia’s strong chase and a disappointing lack of discipline with the ball, as Ireland conceded 49 extras. Namibia reached 176-4 with an over to spare.
The fifth match saw Ireland bat first once again, posting 145-6 with Alice Tector again leading from the front with 35(31), while Lowry made 23(16) and useful late contributions came from Millie Spence (13) and Izzy McLean (12).
Namibia’s Mekelaye Mwatile once again took control of the contest with her 79*(54), steering her side to a six-wicket victory and taking Namibia to an unassailable 4-1 series lead.
With the series already decided, Ireland had one final opportunity to finish the tour on a positive note – and they did so in style.
The Irish bowlers produced their most complete performance of the series, restricting Namibia to just 98-7. Penny Speer led the attack with 2-15, while Anna Ellerby was impressively economical, conceding just 17 runs from her four overs. There was also a wicket each for Sophie Bellew, Alice Tector, Katherine West and Aisling Lawlor.
The chase was professional and succinct, with Rebecca Lowe at centre stage. Her 58 from 47 balls was the highest score from an Ireland batter in the series. She was joined by captain Alice Tector, who finished on 20*(14), the pair putting together a partnership of 57 to take Ireland home with 47 balls to spare.
Ireland U19 Women’s head coach, Glenn Querl, was very pleased with how his players developed and the quality of cricket on display. “The two teams were very evenly matched, which made for some great cricket. Getting through six games in a week brings its own challenges, particularly physically, but it also gave the players plenty of opportunities to put their hands up and stake a claim for what lies ahead with the U19 programme.
“There were some really good individual performances throughout the week, and I thought the girls got better and better as the series went on. We were on the wrong side of two close games, which was disappointing, but I think there is a lot to learn from those moments. Sometimes losing a tight game gives you even more to reflect on and take away than winning one.
“Overall, it’s been a brilliant trip. The girls have had to work hard, they’ve been challenged in different ways, and we’ve seen some really positive signs as a group. We’ve got a lot to take away from the series, and hopefully the experience will stand the players in good stead for what’s ahead.”
Ireland U19 Women will return to Ireland to continue training, with the group now turning their attention towards the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup. Having been drawn in Group A, Ireland will face India, West Indies and Nepal in the group stages in Nepal. The tournament runs from 21 January to February 6th when the champions will be crowned.
