Ireland Women vs Namibia Women – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier Preview

Match Details

• Date: Monday, 26th January 2026
• Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
• Start Time: 07:15 AM GMT | 01:00 PM Local | 12:45 PM IST

Match Preview

As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier enters a crucial stage, Ireland Women and Namibia Women are set for a pivotal clash in Kirtipur. Ireland, coming off a narrow defeat to Bangladesh, will be eager to bounce back and strengthen their position in the tournament. Namibia, on the other hand, will look to end their three-match losing streak and prove their mettle against a historically strong Irish side.

The venue, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, has historically favored the team batting first, with an average first innings score of 137.5 in the 2026 season. With the pitch offering decent assistance to both bat and bowl, the toss will play a significant role in shaping the game’s momentum.

Current Form

Ireland Women

Ireland's recent loss to Bangladesh was a setback, but their batting depth and experienced bowling attack remain key strengths. Gaby Lewis continues to be the cornerstone of their innings, while Leah Paul and Amy Hunter provide crucial support. Arlene Kelly and Jane Maguire lead the bowling department with experience and consistency.

Namibia Women

Namibia, despite a poor run in their last three games, has shown glimpses of potential. Yasmeen Khan has been the standout performer with the bat, while Sylvia Shihepo and Saima Tuhadeleni offer sharp bowling options. The Namibian side will need to capitalize on early wickets and build a competitive total to stand a chance against Ireland.

Players to Watch

Ireland:

• Gaby Lewis (c): Ireland's leading run-scorer in the tournament with 157 runs at an average of 52.33.
• Arlene Kelly: Top wicket-taker with 8 wickets at 10.25.
• Amy Hunter: Vital opener with 53 runs at an impressive average.

Namibia:

• Yasmeen Khan: The main run-scorer with 94 runs at an average of 31.33.
• Sylvia Shihepo: Leading bowler with 5 wickets at a stunning average of 7.6.
• Saima Tuhadeleni: Consistent wicket-taker with 4 wickets at 23.5.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)

• Ireland: 1 win
• Namibia: 0 wins

Ireland has dominated their only encounter against Namibia in 2019, and they will look to extend their dominance in this encounter.

Venue Insights (T20s)

• Average 1st Innings Score (2026): 137.5
• Batting First Win Percentage: 54.6%
• Bowling Averages:
  • Fast Bowlers: 21.94; Economy: 6.09
  • Spin Bowlers: 19.44; Economy: 5.77
• Wickets per Innings:
  • 1st Innings: 6.86
  • 2nd Innings: 6.31
• Wickets per Phase:
  • Powerplay (1-6): 1.81
  • Middle Overs (7-15): 2.56
  • Death Overs (16-20): 1.90

The track is expected to play fairly, with the powerplay and middle overs offering most of the wickets.

Squads

Ireland Women:

• Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell.

Namibia Women:

• Suné Wittmann (c), Naomi Benjamin, Arrasta Diergaardt, Kayleen Green, Mezerly Gorases, Victoria Hamunyela, Yasmeen Khan, Eveleen Kejarukua, Mekelaye Mwatile, Wilka Mwatile, Bianca Manuel, Sylvia Shihepo, Saima Tuhadeleni, Edelle van Zyl, LeighMarie Visser.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Ireland
• Match Winner: Ireland
• Top Batter Runs Scored: Gaby Lewis (Ireland), Yasmeen Khan (Namibia)
• Top Bowler Wickets Taken: Arlene Kelly (Ireland), Sylvia Shihepo (Namibia)
• Most Sixes: Amy Hunter (Ireland), Yasmeen Khan (Namibia)
• Player of the Match: Arlene Kelly (Ireland)
• Team Scores Batting First:
  • Ireland: 130+
  • Namibia: 100+

Key Insights

• Gaby Lewis' Impact: Ireland has won 75% of matches when Gaby scores over 50.
• Boundary Rate: Gaby Lewis averages a boundary every 19% of balls faced.
• Leah Paul's Dot Ball Percentage: Only 34% of balls faced are dots, indicating aggressive intent.
• Saima Tuhadeleni’s Wicket-Taking Ability: Captures over three wickets in 17% of her international matches.
• Naomi Benjamin’s Economy Rate: Maintains an economy below 6.00 consistently.
• Mekelaye Mwatile’s Middle Overs Success: 83% of her wickets come in the middle overs.

Final Verdict

Ireland, with their superior form and historical edge, are the favorites in this contest. However, a determined Namibia side, backed by strong individual performances and a potentially favorable toss, could make the match competitive. The key will be Ireland’s ability to restrict Namibia early and Gaby Lewis’ ability to anchor the innings.

This promises to be an exciting encounter in the heart of Kirtipur as both teams aim to secure a vital win in their quest for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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