Alana Dalzell Celebrates Historic Call-Up to Ireland's T20 World Cup Squad
Alana Dalzell, a promising bowler from County Tyrone, has made headlines with her call-up to the Ireland T20 World Cup squad for 2026, marking a significant milestone in her cricketing journey. At 25 years old, Dalzell reflects on her path from childhood games at Bready Cricket Club to her international debut in 2022 against South Africa. In 2024, she became the first woman from the North West to achieve professional status in cricket, and now she embraces her selection for the World Cup with a sense of surreal honor. "It feels brilliant to be selected, especially having a World Cup so close to home. It's a huge honour to pull on the green jersey," Dalzell shared with BBC Radio Foyle. Ireland qualified for the tournament in February 2026 after securing a spot at the global qualifiers in Nepal. They will face tough competition in the group stage against Scotland, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. Dalzell attributes her cricketing passion to her father, Alan, who encouraged her and her brother to play from a young age. Despite a lack of visibility for female cricketers during her formative years, she found acceptance in both boys' and men's teams, which fueled her growth in the sport. The advent of part-time contracts for women by Cricket Ireland in 2019 catalyzed her career, and she emphasizes the importance of visibility for aspiring female cricketers. "If someone younger can see me and know that locally I have come through the pathway, hopefully it helps them know that they can do it too." Dalzell also commended North West Cricket Union Chief Executive Kathryn Rough for her efforts in enhancing opportunities for women and girls in cricket, highlighting the thriving younger girls' leagues that are making a significant impact on the local cricket landscape.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-25