Ireland bowler Alana Dalzell has described her maiden selection for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup squad as "surreal" and a "huge honour."
The 25-year-old from County Tyrone, who made her international debut in 2022, will be part of the Irish side that takes on Scotland, hosts England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies in the group stage of the 2026 tournament.
"It feels brilliant to be selected, especially having a World Cup so close to home," Dalzell told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme. "It's a huge honour to pull on the green jersey."
Dalzell's journey began at Bready Cricket Club, where she joined at age 11, playing alongside boys and later men's teams. She credits her father Alan for sparking her passion for 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."
In 2024, Dalzell became the first female cricketer from the North West to secure a professional contract, a milestone she says was made possible by increased investment in women's cricket. She also praised North West Cricket Union Chief Executive Kathryn Rough for developing girls' leagues that are "thriving now and growing every year."
Looking ahead, Dalzell hopes her journey inspires the next generation: "If someone younger can see me and know that locally I have come through the pathway, hopefully it helps them know that they can do it too."
Ireland qualified for the World Cup by winning the global qualifiers in Nepal in February, after missing out on the 2024 edition.