Ire;and secured qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after finishing second in the standings at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026. Led by captain Gaby Lewis, the side collected six points from five matches, registering three wins to book their place at the tournament alongside Scotland, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. The global event will take place from June 12 to July 5 in England and Wales.
Among Ireland’s contributors during the campaign was wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter. The 20-year-old scored 111 runs across four innings at a strike rate of 132.14 and an average of 37, ending the qualifier as Ireland’s fourth-highest run-scorer.
Since making her T20I debut against Scotland in May 2021, Hunter has accumulated 1,503 runs in 59 innings at a strike rate of 114.47 and an average of 30.67. Her record includes five half-centuries and two centuries, highlighted by a match-winning 114* off 67 balls with 17 boundaries against Germany in August 2025. In ODIs, she has also impressed with 1,130 runs in 40 innings at a strike rate of 85.86 and an average of 30.54, including seven fifties and a century.
Hunter On Qualifying For The T20 World Cup
Reflecting on Ireland’s qualification, Hunter emphasized how important the achievement was for the team.
“It means a massive amount to me, and the girls as a whole. I think, since we last qualified for the 2023 World Cup, we’ve been desperate to qualify for another, and things just haven’t quite gone our way in the qualifying tournaments, so, yeah, it’s amazing to get across the line in this one.”
The Record-Breaking Century At 16
Hunter also spoke about becoming the youngest international centurion at the age of 16 and how the milestone gradually sank in.
“I think it definitely took a while. I don’t know if it has actually sunk in quite yet. I think it’s something I’m hugely proud of, and I probably hadn’t achieved what I thought I was capable of, early in my career, so I think to do that, kind of assured me that I was good enough to play international cricket. So, that was something I was very proud of.”
When asked whether the achievement changed expectations around her, Hunter explained that it mainly boosted her confidence.
“I think yes and no. I always had quite high expectations of myself, coming onto the international scene, but previous to that, I’d been disappointed with how I’d gone. So, that kind of just reassured me that I was good enough to play in international cricket. I suppose it just gave me a lot of confidence going forward.”
Staying Grounded After Recognition
Hunter was also asked how she manages attention following awards and recognition, including being named ICC Player of the Month.
“As a person, I’m pretty calm, and relaxed so I think that definitely helps but I think, I’m just, pretty hungry to keep getting better and as a team, we’re very hungry to just keep getting better so I think, the kind of support the girls give each other, like that really helps.”
Learning Behind The Stumps
Discussing wicketkeeping duties, Hunter revealed which Irish bowler presents the toughest challenge behind the stumps.
“I always find Laura Delany pretty hard to wicket-keep, just because she nips it both ways. It’s probably one of my least favourites to wicket-keep to.”
She also reflected on stepping into the role of first-choice wicketkeeper after Mary Waldron.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I think that kind of learning from Mary Waldron was such a great help, early in my career and then to be given the role full-time is something I’m super grateful for, and I think I’ve definitely grown into it. I think at the start it was pretty daunting, with all the things that came with it, but no, I think I’m definitely growing into it.”
Dealing With Setbacks
Hunter also addressed the disappointment of missing the Under-19 World Cup in 2025 due to injury.
“It was pretty heartbreaking. I think it was just before the tournament and obviously, we were, playing against India first, followed by the (Under) 19s so it was pretty tough to take at the time, but I think that gave me a really good rehab block, and then got up and running again in the 50-over qualifiers so, at the time it was very tough, but, I suppose, I would like to think all these things happen for a reason.”
Leadership, Franchise Cricket And Future Goals
Having captained at Under-19 level, Hunter acknowledged that leadership could be part of her future, although her current focus remains on improving her core skills.
“Yeah, I think potentially. I don’t think it’s something I’ve thought a huge amount about. I think in the Under-19 role, I grew a lot. I think it was something I ended up really enjoying, and kind of taking up the responsibility on the pitch, which I absolutely loved. But, for the time being, I’m kind of just trying to focus on my batting and wicket-keeping and see what the future holds.”
Hunter also confirmed she has been following India’s Women’s Premier League.
“I think a lot of the girls have been following that most evenings, which has been some very good watching, but yeah, very open to franchise cricket. I’d love to play as much as I can, just to keep developing my game.”
Looking Ahead To Global Events
The expansion of the ODI World Cup in 2029 has also provided motivation for the Irish side.
“Massively. I think, as a group, we probably feel we should have qualified for the previous one-day World Cup (13th edition). A couple of games, we lost at pivotal moments. But I suppose that’s a part of the game. That expansion will definitely help us, and hopefully, yeah, we can be a part of that.”
As the T20 World Cup approaches, Hunter also highlighted the opportunity for Irish fans to support the team.
“I think it’s just such an unbelievable opportunity to keep growing the sport. I think with it just being across the water in England, obviously, very close to Ireland, I think it’s an unbelievable opportunity and hopefully, we can create a really good atmosphere there.”
Hunter’s Advice And Personal Vision
When asked about handling pressure early in a career, Hunter explained the approach she follows.
“I think in terms of pressure, I just like to stick to my plans and my processes, and I suppose I just like to keep being super attacking, and nearly just running towards that pressure. I think it’s very easy to go into your shell, but if you can continue to attack and put pressure on the opposition, I think it definitely stands you in good stead.”
She also shared how she would like to be remembered as a cricketer.
“I’d say I’d like to be remembered as someone who’s pretty fearless. Bats attackingly and takes the game on and then wicket-keeping-wise, I suppose a good keeper. I think just all-round I’d like to be remembered as someone that’s pretty fearless and really takes the game on.”
Looking ahead to the tournament, Hunter believes Ireland will be well prepared to compete.
“I think I’d just say that the girls are in a very good spot. Obviously, we’ve lost some big games in these qualifiers, but I think we’re off the back of a very good training block and hopefully we get a bit of time off and then, yeah, have another really good training block leading up to that World Cup, and I think we’ll be in a good spot to compete there.”
