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

Dalzell’s parents were the first people she told about her call-up.

It is her dad Alan with whom she credits for first sparking her interest in the sport.

“Dad always has had a passion for cricket.

“He would have had my brother and I out the back of the house playing as children.

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

Cricket as a career did not feel like even a possibility for Dalzell but that changed in 2019 when the first-ever part-time contracts for women were awarded by Cricket Ireland.

Amongst the first recipients was the now Ireland World Cup captain, Gaby Lewis.

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

“I did just play for enjoyment, and I was very accepted in both the boys and men’s teams in Bready.

“I didn’t feel any different. But there was also so little coverage of women’s cricket in broadcast media at that time. I do feel that has changed massively now.

“Growth of girls cricket in the north west for example has been massive and I think the improved coverage of the sport is helping drive the next generation of young female cricketers.

“If someone younger can see me and know that locally I have come though the pathway – hopefully it helps them know that they can do it too.”

Dalzell also praised North West Cricket Union Chief Executive Kathryn Rough for her work in developing the sport for women and girls.

“Kathryn has made massive changes introducing younger girls’ leagues’ which are thriving now and growing every year.

“You can the difference that it’s made to north west cricket and its coming through the women’s leagues and the clubs are really seeing the benefit.”