KATHMANDU — Ireland’s women’s cricket team secured a coveted spot at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a commanding 62-run victory over Thailand in their final group stage match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal. The win, built on a powerful batting display and disciplined bowling, ensures Ireland will join the sport’s elite in Bangladesh next year, marking a triumphant return to the global stage after missing the 2024 edition.
The pressure was immense at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. With only two World Cup berths available from the ten-team qualifying tournament, Ireland entered their final Group A match knowing a win was non-negotiable. Captain Laura Delany won the toss and, without hesitation, chose to bat first, setting the stage for her top order to deliver under the bright Himalayan sun.
A Record-Breaking Foundation
Ireland’s innings was ignited by a spectacular, record-breaking opening partnership between Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter. The duo attacked from the outset, punishing any width or loose bowling from the Thai attack. They raced to a 100-run partnership in just the 12th over, with both batters bringing up fluent half-centuries. Their stand of 113 ultimately set a new benchmark for Ireland’s highest opening partnership in Women’s T20 Internationals.
Hunter was the first to fall for a brilliant 53 off 44 balls, but Lewis pressed on, anchoring the innings with a commanding 71 from 54 deliveries. Her innings, laced with 9 boundaries, provided the perfect platform. The momentum was seamlessly continued by the middle order, with notable contributions from:
- Orla Prendergast: A blistering 18 off just 7 balls.
- Eimear Richardson: A crucial 15* from 10 deliveries to finish the innings.
- Laura Delany: A steadying 13 to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Their collective effort propelled Ireland to a formidable total of 155 for 4, the highest score of the tournament at that point. Reflecting on the innings, Player of the Match Gaby Lewis said, "We knew we had to go out and express ourselves, and to put on that partnership with Amy really set the tone for the whole team."
Bowling Unit Seals the Deal
Faced with a daunting chase, Thailand’s reply never truly gathered steam against a relentless and varied Irish bowling attack. The early loss of key batter Natthakan Chantham, trapped lbw by Arlene Kelly for just 1, was a significant blow. While Nannapat Koncharoenkai (23) and captain Naruemol Chaiwai (21) showed resistance, they were constantly shackled by tight lines and clever changes of pace.
The Irish spinners, led by the experienced Eimear Richardson, applied a vice-like grip in the middle overs. Richardson’s figures of 2 for 19 from her four overs were instrumental in breaking Thailand’s backbone. The pressure built consistently, leading to a cascade of wickets. Thailand’s innings eventually folded for 93 in 19.2 overs, handing Ireland a comprehensive victory and triggering jubilant celebrations.
A Tactical Masterclass in the Field
Beyond the wicket-taking, Ireland’s victory was a testament to superb planning and fielding. The bowlers executed a clear strategy of denying Thailand’s batters any width or free hits. The fielding unit backed them up energetically, with several sharp saves on the boundary and safe hands in the deep. Captain Laura Delany praised the collective effort, stating, "From one to eleven, everyone played their role perfectly today. We knew what was on the line and the girls were absolutely phenomenal."
The Road to Bangladesh 2026
This qualification represents a monumental achievement for Irish women’s cricket. Missing out on the 2024 World Cup was a bitter pill to swallow, and the team has spent the last two years in a relentless pursuit of redemption. The qualifying campaign in Nepal was a demonstration of their growth and resilience, blending experienced campaigners with exciting new talent.
The significance of the moment was not lost on Head Coach Ed Joyce. In a post-match address to the team, he emphasized the journey: "This is what you’ve worked for every single day for the last two years. You’ve handled the pressure when it mattered most. Enjoy this, you’ve earned it." The victory also sees Ireland join Scotland, who topped Group B, as the two qualifiers from the event, setting up an exciting Celtic presence at the World Cup.
Looking Ahead: A World Cup to Build On
With their ticket to Bangladesh now secured, the focus for Ireland will shift to preparation and building a squad capable of making an impact on the world stage. The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded format, offering more opportunities for emerging nations to cause upsets. For Ireland, key areas of development will include:
- Power-hitting depth: Building on the aggressive template set by Lewis and Hunter.
- Spin-bowling options: Refining their attack for subcontinental conditions.
- Death bowling: Sharpening skills for the high-pressure final overs.
The qualification provides not just a tournament to target, but crucial high-level competition and exposure for the next generation of Irish cricketers. It also solidifies the team’s standing within the global women’s game, proving they belong among the top associate nations and are capable of challenging full-member teams.
A Nation Celebrates a Hard-Earned Triumph
News of the qualification sparked celebrations across Ireland, from cricket clubs in Dublin and Belfast to the homes of supporters who had followed the team’s progress through the early hours. Cricket Ireland’s CEO, Warren Deutrom, hailed the achievement as a "testament to the players’ incredible character and skill."
The victory over Thailand was more than just a match win; it was a statement of intent and a culmination of years of dedication. As the Irish team embraced on the field in Kathmandu, the relief and joy were palpable. They had stared down pressure, executed their plans, and reclaimed their place at cricket’s top table. The journey to the 2026 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh has officially begun, and Ireland will arrive with confidence earned the hard way.