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Cricket Ireland today announced the final squads for the women’s international cricket matches this summer, as well as the final 14 players who will head to the Women’s World T20 Qualifier tournament in the Netherlands in July.
Ireland Women’s team, currently ranked 10th in the world, will host a series of major internationals in Dublin against New Zealand and Bangladesh in what is set to be one of the biggest summers for women’s cricket in Ireland.

The White Ferns (New Zealand Women’s team) will be led by all-rounder Suzie Bates, currently ranked the world’s second-best batter in both the T20 and ODI formats of the game, and featuring Leigh Kasperek who has been touted as one of the best spin bowlers in women’s cricket.

The Bangladesh side, which last toured Ireland in 2016, will be led by fast-medium bowler Jahanara Alam, who made her international debut against Ireland back in 2011.

Aaron Hamilton, National Women’s Head Coach and Performance Pathway Manager, said:

“The upcoming New Zealand and Bangladesh games will really let us put a marker down. We had a good, albeit rain-affected, tour of Zimbabwe in February and there have certainly been some eye-catching performances in the Toyota Super 3’s competition to date.”

“The selectors have continued with their policy of bringing new talent through, but ensuring the more experienced players are still on hand to provide support and advice.”

“The White Ferns are in ominous form and will be a force to be reckoned with – but, as a coach, that’s the level and standard you want your team playing against. To take on one of the world’s best teams is a test of skill and character and will push this team on to better things.”

Image: Ireland Women’s captain Laura Delany batting in 2017

Laura Delany, Ireland Women’s national captain, said:

“It’s a big year for women’s cricket in Ireland, and one which the women’s senior squad are relishing. There is nothing better than taking on some of the world’s best teams in front of home supporters.”

“The White Ferns and the Bangladeshis provide contrasting challenges for us, but with the blend of youth and experience which have been selected across these squads, we should be in a good position ahead of the all-important Women’s World T20 Qualifier tournament in July.”

No international sporting team can compete at the highest levels without the support of sponsors, and Cricket Ireland would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of Hanley Energy who are committed to ensuring women’s cricket continues to be a force in Irish sport.

THE FIXTURES

* if Ireland Women progress to that stage.

THE SQUADS

New Zealand Series – WT20I Ireland Women’s Squad

• Laura Delany (C)
• Rachel Delaney
• Kim Garth
• Cecelia Joyce
• Isobel Joyce
• Shauna Kavanagh
• Amy Kenealy
• Gaby Lewis
• Lara Maritz
• Cara Murray
• Clare Shillington
• Mary Waldron

New Zealand Series – WODI Ireland Women’s Squad

• Laura Delany (C)
• Rachel Delaney
• Kim Garth
• Jennifer Gray
• Cecelia Joyce
• Isobel Joyce
• Shauna Kavanagh
• Amy Kenealy
• Gaby Lewis
• Louise Little
• Lara Maritz
• Cara Murray
• Una Raymond-Hoey
• Mary Waldron

Bangladesh Series – Ireland Women’s Squad

• Laura Delany (C)
• Kim Garth
• Cecelia Joyce
• Isobel Joyce
• Shauna Kavanagh
• Gaby Lewis
• Lara Maritz
• Ciara Metcalfe
• Cara Murray
• Orla Prendergast
• Eimear Richardson
• Clare Shillington
• Rebecca Stokell
• Mary Waldron

WWT20 Qualifiers – Ireland Women’s squad

• Laura Delany (C)
• Kim Garth
• Cecelia Joyce
• Isobel Joyce
• Shauna Kavanagh
• Gaby Lewis
• Lara Maritz
• Ciara Metcalfe
• Cara Murray
• Lucy O’Reilly
• Eimear Richardson
• Clare Shillington
• Rebecca Stokell
• Mary Waldron

Kim Garth bowling in 2017
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Connaught