THE 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is just around the corner, and will see 10 teams from across the world battle it out in South Africa to be crowned World Champions for another three years.

In the lead up to the tournament, we here at Rookie Me Central will be previewing the teams one by one, and taking a deep dive into their chances at the upcoming tournament.

Next up in this series is Ireland.

Ireland is in a bit of a unique situation amongst its fellow competitors at this year’s World Cup.

Once a minnow of the cricketing world, slowly but surely it is shaking that tag and becoming a mainstay of the cricketing world.

The Irish come into this tournament off the back of their best ever year in 2022, winning eight T20s which is the equal most they have ever won in a calendar year.

One thing about the Irish squad at this World Cup though is the youth it carries.

Captained by Laura Delany, the average age of the Irish squad is 24, which is significantly younger than many other squads at this year’s tournament.

The Emerald Isle are also missing Kim Garth this time around, who has changed nationalities since the Irish last played at the World Cup and is now plays for Australia.

However, there is still plenty of talent in the squad that will be aiming to catch a few people by surprise this tournament.

Some members of Ireland’s squad are backing up and doing the double after having played at the Under 19 World Cup that wrapped up over the weekend.

Amy Hunter was captain of that Under 19 side but unfortunately was unable to play much of the tournament due to injury, so Ireland will be hoping she will be right to play in the Senior World Cup considering how talented she is with bat in hand.

The other Irishwoman doing the double is Georgina Dempsey, who is a bowler but is also a useful lower order bat.

In the Under 19 World Cup she was disciplined with the ball, but also picked up a 50 from only 38 balls against Indonesia.

Of the more senior brigade, wicketkeeper Mary Waldron is also handy with the bat, as is Rebecca Stokell, while Leah Paul has proven to be a handy wicket taker.

Ireland Squad

Laura Delany (captain), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron

Ireland Fixture (all dates local)

February 13 – England
February 15 – Pakistan
February 17 – West Indies
February 20 – India