In cricket news, the Irish women’s cricket team will compete in a four match T20 International series against Netherlands women at Malahide in July before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup European Qualifier in August.
The fixtures are:
26 July 2021: Ireland Women v Netherlands Women – 1st T20I (Malahide, starting 4pm)
27 July 2021: Ireland Women v Netherlands Women – 2nd T20I (Malahide, starting 4pm)
28 July 2021: Reserve Day
29 July 2021: Ireland Women v Netherlands Women – 3rd T20I (Malahide, starting 4pm)
30 July 2021: Ireland Women v Netherlands Women – 4th T20I (Malahide, starting 11am)
Ed Joyce, Head Coach of Ireland Women, said: “It was great to see the character and determination emerge from this young squad after we went 1-0 down in the Scotland series last month. To turn it around and dominate the following three matches told me a lot about the focus and competitive edge that this squad possesses. Indeed, that last squad was missing some of our key players, so to see a number of our emerging talents step up and shoulder responsibility was very encouraging.”
“As always, the more competitive cricket we can get for the squad, the better – and we appreciate the Dutch side travelling over during what are still challenging times. We look forward to another competitive series, and – with the Lancashire Women match next week – this will be an important month for our preparations ahead of our T20 World Cup Qualifier in August.”
Shane Deitz, Head Coach of Netherlands Women, said: “It’s fantastic that the KNCB and Cricket Ireland have been able to put this tour together in these circumstances. Our team has had many tours postponed and it has been a long time since we have been able to go and play against some quality opposition in quality conditions. I am excited to see the team play and I know the girls are very excited for the opportunity. This will be a superb build up for the European qualifiers in Spain and for us to work out some combinations and try a few things.”
Having already defeated Scotland 3-1 in a four match T20I series in Stormont, Ireland Women will now be heading off to England to face Lancashire Women at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. These fixtures will provide competitive international action before the T20 World Cup European Qualifier between Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Netherlands and Turkey for a spot at the T20 World Cup global qualifying tournament.
