Ireland bowler Alana Dalzell has earned her first selection for the Ireland T20 World Cup squad, calling it a "huge honour" in an interview with BBC Radio Foyle. The 25-year-old from County Tyrone becomes the first woman from the North West to compete at this level professionally.

Dalzell's cricket journey began at age 11 with Bready Cricket Club, where she played alongside boys and men's teams without distinction. Her international debut came in 2022 against South Africa, and she made history in 2024 as the region's first professional female cricketer. The breakthrough came after Cricket Ireland introduced part-time contracts for women in 2019.

Ireland secured their World Cup spot through qualifiers in Nepal, avoiding the disappointment of missing the 2024 tournament. They face Scotland, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies in the group stage. Dalzell hopes her pathway inspires younger girls in the region, noting the massive growth in girls' cricket leagues.

The selection represents significant progress for women's cricket in Ireland, with Dalzell praising North West Cricket Union for developing youth programs that are now thriving.