Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Ireland selection ‘huge honour’ for Dalzell

Dalzell’s parents were the first to tell about his call-up.

It is his father Alan whom he credits with first sparking his interest in the sport.

“Dad always had a passion for cricket.

“He used to play with my brother and I like kids in the backyard.

“I joined Brady Cricket Club when I was 11 and I played some boys’ cricket and then I started playing men’s cricket when I was 13.”

Cricket as a career didn’t even seem like a possibility for Dalzell but that changed in 2019 when Cricket Ireland awarded the women’s first part-time contract.

Among the first recipients was Ireland’s current World Cup captain, Gabby Lewis.

Dalzell said there was a lack of visibility of female role models in cricket when she was growing up.

“I just played for fun, and I was very accepted on both the boys and men’s teams at Brady.

“I didn’t feel any different. But there was very little coverage of women’s cricket in the broadcast media at that time. I think that has changed a lot now.

“The growth of girls’ cricket in the North West, for example, has been massive and I think improved coverage of the game is helping to drive the next generation of young female cricketers.

“If someone young sees me and knows that locally I’ve come through – hopefully it helps them know they can do it too.”

Dalzell praised North West Cricket Union chief executive Catherine Ruff for her work in promoting women’s and girls’ sport.

“Catherine has made a huge difference by introducing a young girls’ league which is now thriving and growing every year.

“You can see the difference that it’s made in North West cricket and it’s really seeing the gains through the women’s leagues and the clubs.”