Irish cricketer Orla Prendergast certainly stole the spotlight at the 2025 Cricket Awards, where her stellar achievements made her the star of the night. Walking away with multiple awards, including the coveted Super Series, Domestic Games, and Player of the Year, reflected her incredible impact both within her team and on the broader Irish cricket scene.
As part of the Dragons, Prendergast wasn’t just another player; she was the leading run-scorer for her side and the second highest across the 2024 Super20 Trophy, racking up 154 runs with an impressive strike rate of 119.38 and an average of 38.50. But her skill didn’t stop with the bat—she also chipped in with the ball, collecting four wickets at an average of 18, showcasing an economy of just 4.80. Her all-around performances were crucial as the Dragons clinched the championship title in the T20 format, demonstrating her knack for thriving under pressure.
During the 2024 Super 50 Cup, Prendergast further solidified her status as a powerhouse in the game. She led the tournament with a staggering 394 runs, sporting a strike rate of 104.79 and an almost unbelievable average of 98.50, which included a career-high unbeaten score of 159*. Moreover, she took seven wickets at a phenomenal average of 11.71, proving that she could threaten opponents with both bat and ball. It’s these contributions that not only highlight her talent but also her commitment to boosting her team’s performance.
When it came to representing Ireland on the international stage, Prendergast’s 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. Accumulating a career-best 360 runs from 12 matches, she notably shone against Sri Lanka in Belfast, where she notched a personal best of 122* during Ireland’s historic 2-1 ODI series win. Her performances were not just about the runs she scored—she also claimed four wickets during that series, achieving best figures of 3/25 in the first ODI.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In September 2024, during a home series against England, Prendergast nearly led her team to an upset. With a fighting 76 runs and figures of 2/27, she showcased her ability to shine even when the odds were stacked against her, although the match ultimately ended in a narrow four-wicket defeat.
In T20 internationals, Prendergast didn’t hold back either. Scoring 544 runs in just 18 matches, she sported an impressive average of 36.26 and a strike rate of 123.63. Her bowling was equally effective, with 21 wickets across only 12 innings at an average of 12.90, and an economy rate of 6.80. These statistics underline her well-rounded ability that is rare among players at any level.
Facing tough competition for the Player of the Year title, including fellow nominees Gabby Lewis, Aimee Maguire, and Alice Tector, the award served as a testament not only to her talent but also to the respect she commands among her peers. The Player of the Year was determined through a vote by the players themselves, marking it a personal accolade from those who know the game best.
Upon receiving her award, Prendergast shared a heartfelt moment, expressing her gratitude for her tight-knit team. “We’re such a close group,” she said. “The bond we share is incredibly special, and to be voted for this award by my teammates means the world to me.”
Her stellar domestic and international performances in 2024 opened the doors for Prendergast’s stint in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with the Adelaide Strikers. She continued to shine on the global stage, scoring 110 runs at an impressive strike rate of 123.59 while also taking 6 wickets in just 7 matches, showcasing her all-round abilities and potential to make a mark anywhere she plays.
Orla Prendergast is not just a name on the cricket field; she is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers. Her journey underscores the importance of hard work, determination, and the power of teamwork in achieving greatness. Whether it’s her personal milestones or collective triumphs with the Dragons and the national team, Prendergast is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket, and her story is just beginning.
Image Source: Irish Independent @ YouTube
