DUBLIN — Ireland captain Gaby Lewis has expressed her team's overwhelming joy and relief after securing qualification for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, declaring the achievement means "so much" following the heartbreak of missing the tournament two years ago. A dominant performance in the recent European Qualifier in Scotland, where Ireland won all five of their matches, sealed their place in the global showpiece, set to be held in England.
The qualification marks a significant redemption arc for a squad that endured the bitter disappointment of failing to reach the 2024 edition in Bangladesh. That failure, after a loss to Scotland in the 2023 European Qualifier final, served as a powerful motivator throughout the recent campaign. "We are absolutely thrilled," Lewis said, her relief palpable. "It means so much to this group, especially after the disappointment of the last qualifier. We’ve worked incredibly hard for this, and to get over the line feels amazing."
A Campaign Built on Dominance and Determination
Ireland's path to the 2026 World Cup was one of sheer authority. Competing in the six-team European Qualifier in Edinburgh, they left no room for doubt, sweeping aside every opponent. Their campaign was built on a foundation of powerful batting and incisive bowling, culminating in a comprehensive 69-run victory over Italy in their final match to secure the sole automatic qualification spot from the region.
The statistics from the qualifier tell a story of a team on a mission:
- Unbeaten Record: 5 wins from 5 matches.
- Batting Power: Posted scores of 149, 136, 155, 138, and 138.
- Bowling Prowess: Never conceded more than 119 runs in an innings.
- Star Performers: Key contributions spread across the entire squad.
Lewis herself was instrumental, providing explosive starts at the top of the order. However, she was quick to deflect praise onto the collective unit. "It’s been a full squad effort," she emphasized. "Everyone has stepped up at different times. The bowlers have been exceptional, the fielding has been sharp, and different batters have taken responsibility. That’s what you need in tournament cricket."
Learning from Past Pain
The shadow of the 2023 qualification failure loomed large over this campaign, but the Irish squad used it as fuel rather than a burden. Missing the 2024 World Cup was a watershed moment for women's cricket in Ireland, prompting introspection and a renewed commitment to process and performance. Head coach Glenn Querl and his support staff worked intensely on building mental resilience alongside technical skill.
Lewis acknowledged the role that past disappointment played in their current success. "That loss to Scotland last time hurt, deeply," she admitted. "But we didn’t shy away from it. We talked about it, we learned from it, and we made a promise to each other that we wouldn’t feel that way again. This qualification is a testament to the character of this group."
The growth was evident in their clinical approach. Where previously pressure moments may have caused a stumble, the team now displayed a hardened edge, closing out games with professional calm. The middle order, often a point of concern, showed marked improvement, with players like Orla Prendergast and Eimear Richardson providing crucial stability and firepower.
A Bright Future and the Road to England 2026
Qualification for the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted in England, opens a new chapter for Irish women's cricket. It provides a clear, long-term target and ensures the team will remain in the highest-performance pathway for the next two years. This includes automatic entry into future ICC qualifying events and more opportunities to play against top-tier nations in bilateral series.
For Lewis, who made her international debut as a teenager and has experienced the rapid evolution of the women's game, leading her country back to the World Cup stage is a pinnacle. "It’s everything you work for as a cricketer," she said. "To play in a World Cup is the ultimate dream, and to do it as captain is an incredible honour. Knowing we have that to look forward to is huge for the development of every player in this squad."
The focus now shifts to preparation. Cricket Ireland will be tasked with building a competitive schedule to ensure the team is battle-hardened for the challenge of a World Cup in conditions that, while familiar, will see them face the very best in the world. The 2026 event will feature an expanded format, offering more games and a greater opportunity for emerging nations to make their mark.
Conclusion: A Nation Reconnected
Gaby Lewis and her team have done more than just win a qualifying tournament; they have reignited belief and reconnected a nation with its women's cricket team. The "thrill" she speaks of resonates far beyond the dressing room, offering inspiration to a new generation of girls picking up a bat and ball in Ireland. By confronting past failure head-on and transforming it into present success, this Irish side has proven its mettle. Their journey to the 2026 T20 World Cup in England starts now, and they will arrive not just as participants, but as a determined, unified force, eager to show the world how far they have come.