Cricket Ireland has named a 14-player squad for the Ireland Under-19 Women’s tour of Namibia in October 2026. The group will contest a six-match T20 series against the Capricorn Eagles, Cricket Namibia’s national women’s team, with the party leaving Dublin on October 21.
Alice Tector has been appointed captain for the tour. Head coach Nigel Jones oversaw the selection, which includes players with previous Under-19 World Cup experience, several younger players making a strong impression and six members who remain eligible for the next World Cup cycle. Two Irish passport holders who have been tracked closely and have previously joined the squad in training environments are also included.
“We’re really pleased with the balance of this squad. We have players with previous Under-19 World Cup experience, several talented young players continuing to make a strong impression, and six players who remain eligible for the next World Cup cycle. We’re also delighted to welcome two Irish passport holders who have been tracked closely and have previously joined us in training environments.
“The next few months present an exciting opportunity for the group. The Namibia tour will be an important part of our preparation, and we’re looking forward to seeing the players come together, challenge one another and continue to raise standards as we build towards the ICC Under-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup in January,” Jones said in a statement.
Why is this Namibia tour important for Ireland’s Under-19 Women?
The series gives Ireland’s management a structured competitive environment to assess depth across the squad ahead of the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in January 2027. That tournament will be co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal and will feature 16 participating nations. The mix of experienced and emerging players in the touring party means Jones can evaluate combinations and build familiarity within the group before the global event. The inclusion of two Irish passport holders also broadens the talent pool available to the programme going forward.
Where and when will the T20 fixtures take place in Namibia?
Four of the six matches have been confirmed at the Namibia Cricket Ground, scheduled for October 25, October 26, October 28 and October 31, 2026. The squad departs Dublin on October 21, allowing the players time to acclimatise before the opening fixture.
Ireland Women Under-19 full squad for Namibia T20 series
Lucy Andrews (Lisburn), Sophie Bellew (Surrey CCC), Anny Ellerby (Instonians), Aisling Lawlor (Merrion), Rebecca Lowe (Lisburn), Niamh Lowry (Dundrum), Isabelle McLean (Pembroke), Ella McMahon (Leinster), Genevieve Morrissey (Clontarf), Penny Speer (Waringstown), Millie Spence (Bready), Alice Tector (Phoenix) (captain), Charlotte Webber (Somerset CCC), Katie West (CSNI).
