Ireland have officially named a 14-member squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, a critical fixture in the team’s preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. The squad, which will be led by captain Gaby Lewis, sees the timely return of off-spinner Freya Sargent following her recovery from an injury. The series is seen as a significant step up in competition after a convincing white-ball sweep of Zimbabwe and is aimed at fine-tuning strategies to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Freya Sargent’s return and Lara McBride’s retention boost Ireland’s spin attack
The Ireland women’s team has received a major boost with the return of off-spinner Sargent, who has been included in the 14-member squad for the Pakistan series. The 19-year-old, a talent of significant promise who was shortlisted for the ICC Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year in 2024, had missed the recent Zimbabwe series due to injury. Her comeback is a key factor in strengthening Ireland’s spin department ahead of the more demanding international schedule.
Sargent will be joined by fellow off-spinner Lara McBride, who has successfully retained her place in the squad after impressing on her T20I and ODI debuts against Zimbabwe. The selectors’ decision to back both young spinners underscores a strategic focus on developing a potent spin attack against Pakistan, a team known for its proficiency against spin. The series also marks a significant personal milestone for captain Lewis, who is set to become only the second Irish woman to play 100 T20Is during the final match on August 10. All-rounder Sophie MacMahon, who was part of the squad for the Zimbabwe series, has been left out, signaling the highly competitive nature of squad selection.
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Crucial preparation for T20 World Cup Qualifiers with series against Pakistan
This three-match T20I series against Pakistan is more than just a bilateral contest; it is a vital part of Ireland’s roadmap to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. The Qualifier tournament, scheduled to be held in the Netherlands in a few weeks, will determine which European teams secure a coveted place in the T20 World Cup 2026.
National Women’s Selector Ciara O’Brien emphasized the importance of the series, stating, “After a strong 5-0 series win against Zimbabwe Women across formats under new Head Coach Lloyd Tennant, it’s great to be able to move so quickly into what will understandably be a much tougher assignment against Pakistan Women in Clontarf for this T20I series.” She added that the team is keen to carry their “latest momentum” forward.
Historically, Pakistan holds a dominant record over Ireland in T20Is, having won 15 of their 19 encounters. However, Ireland can draw confidence from their most recent series victory against Pakistan in 2022, where they triumphed 2-1. This upcoming series, with all three matches to be played at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin, will serve as the ultimate litmus test for Ireland’s new-look side and their strategic readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
Ireland squad for the T20I series against Pakistan
Gaby Lewis (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
