Who is Orla Prendergast? First Irish cricketer sold at WPL auction
Irish bowling all-rounder Orla Prendergast (Image: IANS) Irish all-rounder Orla Prendergast has made history at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction, becoming the first player from her country to secure a contract in the tournament. Gujarat Giants signed the 24-year-old for his base price of Rs 30 lakh in the auction in Kochi.
Who is Orla Prendergast?
Born on 1 June 2002 in Dublin, Ireland, Prendergast is a right-handed batsman who bowls at medium pace with his right arm. She made her T20 International debut against the Netherlands in August 2019 and her ODI debut in October 2021.International career and statistics of Orla PrendergastPrendergast’s numbers underscore her value as a true all-rounder. She has contributed significantly in both white ball formats.Women’s ODI record
- Matches: 50
- Hits: 1,332
- Goals: 30
- Highest score: 122 failed
Women’s T20I record
- Matches: 88
- Number of runs: 2,054
- Goals: 69
- Highest score: 80
Her performances with both bat and ball established her as one of Ireland’s key players in international cricket.
ICC recognition and the rise of international cricket
Prendergast’s progress has also earned him international recognition. In September 2025, she was named the ICC Player of the Month for August after a series of impressive performances for Ireland.She scored 144 runs and took four wickets in Ireland’s T20I series against Pakistan, which Ireland won 2–1. She followed this up with 244 runs and seven wickets during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe qualifiers, further highlighting her ability to impact matches in various departments.
From football to cricket
Prendergast’s sporting journey began off the cricket field. As a youngster she represented the Republic of Ireland at under-17 level in football and played club football for Cabinteely FC. She eventually chose cricket as her career path, a decision that has since paid off with her rise in international cricket.