Dubai 13 September : Ireland all-rounder Arlene Kelly is hoping that her team’s recent success will be sustained and help them be able to qualify to play in the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa next year in February.The qualifying tournament in the UAE.Ireland’s run in the World Cup will start when they take on Bangladesh in the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.Before that, they play an warm-up game against Papua New Guinea in Dubai on Tuesday, and then another match on the 16th of September.
“We’ve enjoyed some wins of recent and it’s great to feel some sort of momentum ahead of the qualifiers.The energy within the team is very positive.This is a fantastic team to be part of.I’ve participated in many of teams, and this one is special, so I’m hoping that we’ll improve upon this.Also, a small amount of stress is a good thing.”
“Personally it’s been an amazing year, and somewhat of an upswing for me, to be honest.I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, and I think I’m very fortunate to be able to take advantage of the opportunities I’ve been given.After these qualifiers, I’ll have be able to think about what’s happened.However, I’m having fun and hope it last,” declared Arlene before the start of the warm-up game.
2022 has been an amazing year for Arlene just a few days following she was welcomed in Ireland, Kelly received an invitation to join the team to face South Africa — tasting victory in her first game.In the months following, she has become a regular part of the senior international squad and was awarded with an all-time central contract.
“I enjoy a bit of pressure cricket.I believe it can bring out the best in players.It’s true that there’s always pressure when playing against the world’s top.I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the world this summer.They’ve been some of the most stressful situations I’ve ever experienced.”
“Obviously you have to concentrate on controlling the possible in these circumstances and as a group we’ve talked about the issue.We are aware that we will encounter with challenges and things may not always to happen in our favor at times However, I believe that taking action early on these scenarios will put us in better position to to adjust when those situations do occur,” added Arlene on the qualifying.
Arlene 28, 28, was required to adjust to Irish conditions following her arrival in the country in the early part of this year.She is aware that quickly adapting to the new climate in the UAE is essential for her if Ireland is to be able to qualify for the next Women’s World T20 Championship in the year following.
“Conditions-wise I did have a difficult time initially.I believe the wickets are a lot less in Ireland which means that from a batting standpoint I was playing with the ball more later.I’d like to believe I have adapted to.”
“It’ll be the exact same thing when we look ahead to these qualifying games — it’s about how quickly you’ll be able to adjust.There’s been a lot of emphasis on the team aspect as well, and we’re eager to get things moving.”
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