Two new faces as Ireland name Emerging Nations Trophy squad
Ireland Women have named two uncapped players and handed Lara Maritz an international recall for the ICC Emerging Nations Trophy in the UAE, which gets under way next Thursday.
Eglinton all-rounder Zara Craig and Waringstown wicketkeeper-batter Abbi Harrison are the newcomers in the 14-player squad, captained by Gaby Lewis, with Amy Hunter appointed vice-captain. The tournament runs from November 12-25, with Ireland facing Sri Lanka, UAE, Papua New Guinea and Scotland in Group A.
The squad departs on Sunday without star all-rounder Orla Prendergast, who has been given permission to remain in Australia for the Women's Big Bash League. Also missing are Rebecca Stokell, Leah Paul, who has made herself unavailable, and the injured Christina Coulter Reilly.
Their absences provide opportunities for Craig, 23, and Harrison, 20, who have both progressed through Ireland's underage pathway. Seam-bowling all-rounder Craig, who plays for Eglinton and Phoenix, was part of Ireland's squad at the 2023 Under-19 World Cup.
Harrison represented Ireland at the 2023 and 2025 Under-19 World Cups and could become the fifth member of her family to play senior international cricket, following great-uncles Garfield, Jim, Roy and Deryck Harrison.
There is also a welcome return for 25-year-old Maritz, who has won 43 international caps but hasn't represented Ireland since 2021. Kia McCartney, meanwhile, has five ODI appearances but is still awaiting her T20 international debut.
The competition has been expanded to include five Full Members alongside five Associate nations, offering Ireland valuable competitive action ahead of their next scheduled international commitments in March.
Cricket Ireland Director of High Performance Graeme West believes the timing is ideal following six weeks of intensive training.
"The tournament itself offers our squad the opportunity to take on sides that share a similar goal of entering the top six ranked teams in the world, making for a very competitive event," he said.
West also defended the decision to release Prendergast for franchise cricket, believing the experience will benefit both player and country.
"The collective agreement was that the WBBL experience would elevate Orla's game which, in turn, would benefit Cricket Ireland on the field," he explained.
Ireland will be targeting a strong showing in a competition previously restricted to Associate nations, with Thailand winning the earlier edition. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Netherlands and Thailand make up Group B, with the tournament progressing to a Super Six stage before the November 25 final.
Ireland squad
Gaby Lewis (captain), Amy Hunter (vice-captain), Zara Craig, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Abbi Harrison, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara Maritz, Lara McBride, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray.
Fixtures - All times Irish time.*
Group stage
- Thursday, November 12: Ireland v Sri Lanka – 5am
- Friday, November 13: Ireland v UAE – 9.15am
- Monday, November 16: Ireland v Papua New Guinea – 9.15am
- Wednesday, November 18: Ireland v Scotland – 5am
Finals stage
- Friday, November 20: Super Sixes
- Sunday, November 22: Super Sixes
- Monday, November 23: Super Sixes
- Wednesday, November 25: Final