The Ireland Women’s cricket team returns to action following their appearance at the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup last month – this time the format is 50-over one-day international cricket against the West Indies at Bready Cricket Club, with on 10, 12 and 15 July 2026.
The two sides have met on 12 occasions previously in One-Day Internationals, with West Indies winning 10, Ireland winning one and one no-result. West Indies are ranked 9th in Women’s ODI cricket, while Ireland is ranked 10th.
Ireland hosted the West Indies in a T20 Tri-Series just prior to the T20 World Cup – the two sides met twice, each side winning one apiece. The two sides then met at the T20 World Cup, with Ireland prevailing by 6 wickets.
The Irish squad has sustained several injuries with Alice Tector, Arlene Kelly and Ava Canning all unavailable due to injury.
Speaking after training today, Irish all-rounder Louise Little said of the recent matches against West Indies this summer:
“The mood in the squad is really positive, and everyone’s excited for the ODI series. I think those games over recent months against West Indies gave us a lot of confidence. We know we can compete with them – and beat them if we play our best cricket. Obviously, ODIs are a different challenge, but we’ll take the belief, some knowledge of their players, and hopefully carry that momentum into the series.
“I do think the gap between the two sides is getting smaller. We’ve gained a lot more experience over the last few years, and we’ve shown we can compete with higher-ranked teams. Our squad has developed well, and there’s a lot of belief within the group.”
About the transition to playing 50-over cricket:
“While I enjoy both T20 and 50-over cricket for different reasons, 50-over cricket gives you a bit more time to build an innings or work through spells with the ball, and there’s a real balance between attacking and being patient. It’s a challenge to do things for longer periods.
We’ve been playing a big block of T20 cricket of late, so a slight period of adjustment to the longer format will be needed. In T20, everything happens so quickly and you’re looking to be aggressive from the start. In 50-over cricket, you have a bit more time to assess conditions and build your game. Training-wise, we’ve been completely ODI-focused since our last T20 World Cup match. It’s a little easier that it’s a change of format but the same opposition who we’ve played a good bit.”
About playing for Ireland and her role in the squad, she said:
“It’s all about the opportunity to represent Ireland and test myself against some of the best players in the world. It’s something you dream about growing up. I also really enjoy being part of this group — we work hard together, have a great environment, and getting to travel and play cricket for a living is pretty special.
“While circumstances at the recent T20 World Cup meant that I didn’t bowl, I’m always ready to bowl if I’m needed, and I’ve been working hard on that side of my game. If the opportunity comes in the ODI series, I’ll be happy to contribute however I can.”
THE SQUADs
The Ireland Women’s squad is:
- Gaby Lewis (c)
- Christina Coulter Reilly
- Alana Dalzell
- Georgina Dempsey
- Sarah Forbes
- Amy Hunter
- Louise Little
- Aimee Maguire
- Jane Maguire
- Kia McCartney
- Cara Murray
- Leah Paul
- Orla Prendergast (vc)
- Rebecca Stokell
The West Indies Women’s squad is:
- Hayley Matthews (c)
- Aaliyah Alleyne
- Shemaine Campbelle
- Jahzara Claxton
- Deandra Dottin
- Afy Fletcher
- Jannillea Glasgow
- Realeanna Grimmond
- Shawnisha Hector
- Zaida James
- Qiana Joseph
- Mandy Mangru
- Ashmini Munisar
- Karishma Ramharack
- Stafanie Taylor
SERIES DETAILS
- 10 July 2026: Ireland Women v West Indies Women – 1st ODI (Bready; starts 10.45am)
- 12 July 2026: Ireland Women v West Indies Women – 2nd ODI (Bready; starts 10.45am)
- 15 July 2026: Ireland Women v West Indies Women – 3rd ODI (Bready; starts 10.45am)
HOW TO WATCH, FOLLOW or ATTEND
- Watch the series via livestream at Cricket Ireland Live Youtube channel.
- You can follow the scores on Cricket Ireland’s website.
- Tickets to the series are available via www.cricketireland.ie or at the gate.
BACKGROUND TO THE ICC WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
ICC Women’s Championship 2025–2029
The ICC Women’s Championship 2025–2029 will determine the majority of qualification places for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029.
Championship Format
- The Championship features 10 Full Member nations.
- Each team will play eight three-match ODI series:
- Four home series (Ireland: India, New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies)
- Four away series (Ireland: England, Australia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka)
- Each team will therefore play 24 One Day Internationals during the Championship cycle.
- The Championship is scheduled to conclude on 28 February 2029, which is the qualification cut-off date.
Points System
Teams receive:
- 2 points for a win
- 1 point for a tie, no result or abandoned match
- 0 points for a loss
If teams finish level on points, the standings are determined by:
- Greatest number of wins
- Highest net run rate across all Championship matches
- Most points in head-to-head matches
- Highest net run rate in head-to-head matches
- Original Championship seeding (if still tied)
Qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029
The 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup will feature 10 teams. Automatic Qualification (8 teams).
Eight teams will qualify automatically:
- The host nation (provided it is a Full Member participating in the Championship), and
- The next seven highest-ranked teams in the final ICC Women’s Championship standings at the conclusion of the competition (28 February 2029).
- If the host finishes within the top seven, qualification will pass to the next highest-ranked eligible team.
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier
The remaining two World Cup places will be decided through the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
The Qualifier will consist of six teams:
- The three lowest-ranked teams from the ICC Women’s Championship, and
- Three additional teams determined by the ICC Women’s ODI Rankings, based on a qualification cut-off date to be confirmed once the host nation and tournament window have been finalised.
The top two teams from the Qualifier will secure the final two places at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029.
ICC Women’s Championships Standings: see here
ICC Women’s Championships Fixtures: see here
SPONSOR
Cricket Ireland and Evara, Ireland’s largest privately-owned homebuilder, recently announced a new multi-year sponsorship deal that will support women’s cricket and the all-Ireland Irish club cup competitions. Read more.
