Ireland Women won a historic 3-0 IRE W vs BAN W T20I series sweep over Bangladesh in the subcontinent, winning the final match in a thrilling last-over finish. The series win, by margins of 12 runs, 47 runs, and four wickets, marked an impressive turnaround after their earlier 0-3 loss in the ODI series against the same opposition. This T20I victory was a morale booster for the Irish side going into their ODI tour to India, which begins in January 2025.
Orla Prendergast is the Star of the IRE W vs BAN W Match with the Ball
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Although the wins were shared with other players, Orla Prendergast was undoubtedly the best player of the series. The all-rounder was a constant thorn in the back of the opponents with her bowling throughout the series, taking 10 wickets in the process while including a career-best effort of 4 for 22 in the last game.
Her performances consisted of two three-wicket hauls as well as contributing to Ireland’s total dominance in the series.
Prendergast, who won the Player of the Series, was proud of her team’s overall performance. “We showed just how good a side we are in each of those three games,” she said after receiving her award. “And what a finish—that’s the best way to finish. In every game we’ve played, different players have stood up and put their hands up.
It’s a great place to be in our squad, to have so many good players throughout our batting line-up and so many bowlers who have come in and changed the game.”
Laura Delany’s Heroic Finish
While Prendergast is essential with the ball, perhaps the most important player in this final game was the most experienced member of the team and former captain, Laura Delany, who ensured that the team completed the series whitewash. With 15 runs required off the last over, Delany produced match-winning batting, hitting three successive fours to seal victory with a ball to spare.
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Her match-winning performance not only gave Ireland the series victory but also brought out the maturity and composure of the 31-year-old.
“I’m delighted with how that last over went, but more so just delighted for the team,” Delany said after the win. “We played some really good cricket in this T20I series and to finish it off with a win today just shows everyone what we’re capable of. The youngsters inspire me. They’re fearless, their aggressive nature. It’s something I try and strive to emulate with my own game, but plenty of work to do there.”
Gaby Lewis Reflects on IRE W vs BAN W T20 Series Success in Foreign Conditions
For Gaby Lewis, who was appointed captain in October 2024, the most satisfying aspect of the IRE W vs BAN W series was Ireland’s ability to perform in challenging subcontinental conditions, where they do not often play.
“We don’t often come to these subcontinent conditions, so any time we get out here, we just want to learn as much as possible, and we’ve shown that this series, really,” Lewis said. “We’ve got better, and that’s great to see.”
The series win is tea stament to Ireland’s growth and adaptation into different playing conditions. Players like Prendergast, Delany, and the younger talent that is still growing will surely gain a lot of confidence in their future international tours, including the series in India.
A Bright Future for Ireland Women
The 3-0 sweep by Ireland in IRE W vs BAN W T20I series is a significant milestone for the women’s team, not just because of the result but also because of the manner in which they achieved it. With a mix of seasoned players and a growing contingent of fearless young talents, the team has shown what they are capable of on the international stage.
victory, especially in the subcontinent, shall set a positive tone for their future campaigns, with the planned visit to India serving as a further opportunity to capitalize on this success.
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