Cricket Ireland named a 14-player squad on 6 November for the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy in the UAE, with Zara Craig and Abbi Harrison in line for senior debuts if selected. Lara Maritz returns to the national group, and Gaby Lewis will captain it.
Craig and Harrison enter the senior squad
Craig is a seam-bowling all-rounder who came through Ireland's age-group pathway and played in a youth World Cup squad. Her selection creates a chance to move from that pathway into a senior international match, although a debut still depends on selection for a game.
Harrison, a wicketkeeper-batter, receives her first senior call-up after representing Ireland at youth World Cups. Cricket Ireland says that, if capped, she would follow six members of her immediate family into the national side. The board names her grandfather Barry as an influence on her cricket career.
Cricket Ireland reports that Maritz last played for the country in 2021. The recalled all-rounder brings previous senior experience into a squad that also includes Kia McCartney, an ODI player who has yet to make her T20 international debut.
Lewis will lead Ireland, with Amy Hunter as vice-captain while Orla Prendergast plays in Australia's Women's Big Bash League with Cricket Ireland's approval. Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, said the absences provide “opportunities for players that are progressing through the High Performance Pathway to showcase their talent”.
A wider tournament awaits in the UAE
The ICC's competition announcement says the event has expanded from an Associate-only field to one that includes five Full Members. Thailand won the previous edition. Ireland share their group with Sri Lanka, the UAE, Papua New Guinea and Scotland.
SportsRivo compared Cricket Ireland's fixture list with the ICC's Ireland schedule: both put Sri Lanka first, followed by the UAE, Papua New Guinea and Scotland. The order matches across the official lists, and Cricket Ireland designates each group game a T20 international.
Selection changes and opportunities
- Craig and Harrison can earn their first senior Ireland caps if selected, giving the squad a route to bring in players from its age-group pathway.
- Hunter takes the vice-captaincy during Prendergast's approved WBBL absence, changing the leadership pairing for the UAE trip.
- Maritz has a route back to international cricket, while McCartney could make her first T20 international appearance.
Ireland's opening fixture
The ICC lists Ireland's opening fixture against Sri Lanka for 12 November at the Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground in Ajman. Further group matches against the UAE, Papua New Guinea and Scotland are scheduled later in the tournament, according to both official fixture lists.