Gaby Lewis set for maiden Women’s T20 World Cup as captain as Ireland unveil squad

Ireland announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, May 20. The team features several first-time call-ups for the mega event, including Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Aimee Maguire and Lara McBride.

Captain Gaby Lewis will be leading her team for the first time in the T20 World Cup after playing a key role in confirming their spot at the mega event. She finished as the leading run scorer in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier with 276 runs to her name from seven matches.

Apart from her, the Irish batting lineup has been bolstered by the likes of Leah Paul, Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast. Former captain Laura Delany will bring her wealth of experience to the team, having captained the team at the 2023 edition of the tournament.

She’s also on the verge of becoming the first Irish women’s player to take 100 T20I wickets. The bowling featured Arlene Kelly, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup Global Qualifier earlier this year, with 13 scalps from seven innings.

Ireland have been placed in Group 2 of the Women’s T20 World Cup alongside hosts England, Sri Lanka, Scotland, West Indies and the defending champions New Zealand. They will begin their campaign against Scotland at Old Trafford, Manchester on June 13.

The Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins on June 12 with the opening game between England and Sri Lanka.

Ireland squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride