The T20 Women's World Cup may have been a disappointing affair for Ireland but it was still one to remember for Orlas Prendergast as she was named in the 12-player team of the tournament.
Appearing at her first T20 World Cup, Pembroke Cricket Club’s Prendergast scored 109 runs with the bat, which included 61 against the West Indies while she also took three wickets across the tournament.
Ed Joyce’s side lost all four group games with fielding proving to be their Achilles’ heel, but they did show real improvement in their final fixture against India before suffering a five-run Duckworth-Lewis-Stern loss after heavy rain.
"It’s great recognition for Orla, who had a tremendous tournament for us with both bat and ball. She has been in exceptional form since returning from injury last year - and it’s great to see the cricket world starting to recognise the talent in Irish cricket coming through that we have known for several years now," Joyce told Cricket Ireland.
👉 OP RECOGNITION
— Ireland Women's Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) February 27, 2023
Great news has come through from the @ICC as our own Orla Prendergast has been named as part of the Team of the Tournament at the recent @T20WorldCup!
➡️ Read more: https://t.co/ko8xNPxxse#BackingGreen | @HanleyEnergy ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/5EngkLk74a
While this is a personal recognition for Orla, I hope that it will instill even more belief in the wider squad that we can match it with the best and deserve our place on the world stage."
Champions Australia, who defeated South Africa in Sunday’s final, had four representatives on the team while the hosts had three.
Team of the tournament: Tazmin Brits (South Africa), Alyssa Healy (Australia), Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa), Nat Sciver-Brunt (England), Ashleigh Gardner (Australia), Richa Ghosh (India), Sophie Ecclestone (England), Karishma Ramharack (West Indies), Shabnim Ismail (South Africa), Darcie Brown (Australia), Megan Schutt (Australia), Orla Prendergast (Ireland)
