Ireland fired up to end T20 World Cup hoodoo after long winless streak
Ireland women are gearing up for their fifth appearance at the T20 World Cup, determined to break their tournament duck after four previous campaigns without a win.
Since debuting in 2014, the Irish side have exited as the bottom team in their group each time, losing all 17 matches across the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2023 editions. Their journey was further hampered in 2024, missing out altogether after failing to qualify.
Now, with renewed optimism and fresh momentum, Ireland return to the world stage in England for the 2026 tournament, eager to rewrite history.
Their opening fixture sees them take on Scotland at Old Trafford on Saturday (10:30 BST) as they look to end the winless streak that has shadowed their World Cup efforts.
Captain Gaby Lewis, fit again after overcoming a quad injury, is set for her fourth World Cup and is embracing the challenge.
“We've yet to have a win in a World Cup and that is a big thing that is hanging over us," she told BBC Sport NI. "We really want to push to do that and get a couple of wins and not have to qualify for the next one."
Lewis, who missed the recent Tri-Nations series with her injury, is now "back on track" and ready to feature against Scotland.
Their clash carries extra significance, as Scotland denied Ireland a place at the last tournament with a surprise victory, reaching the World Cup for the first time and leaving the Irish to watch from home.
This time, Ireland arrive buoyed by a successful Tri-Nations series in Clontarf, having beaten both Pakistan and the West Indies.
"The series was a great success, we've got the results behind us. Confidence is high and that's exactly what you want going into a World Cup," Lewis said.
Guided by coach Lloyd Tennant, Ireland are currently ranked ninth in the world but face a daunting Group B, which includes hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Scotland. Only the top two sides will advance to the semi-finals for a chance at glory.
The most recent encounter between Ireland and Scotland saw the Scots triumph by 39 runs in Nepal in January, further fuelling the rivalry ahead of this weekend’s opener.
Lewis emphasised the importance of a strong start, saying: "There's a big rivalry between us and them. They've probably got one up on us at the moment after beating us in Nepal. I think we're looking good and we're really excited for it."
Scotland will be boosted by new addition Kirsty Gordon, a former England spinner, but the Irish captain remains optimistic: "If we get the win, then you never know against England."