Belfast teenager Amy Hunter is relishing the prospect of leading the Ireland squad in this month's U19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa.

The 17 year-old has already established herself in the senior ranks, winning 25 caps after her debut in 2021.

The Instonians wicket-keeper/batter holds the record for the youngest senior international century - just 16 when she hit an unbeaten 121 in Harare against Zimbabwe.

YMCA's Georgina Dempsey is the other player in Glenn Querl's squad with senior experience - 18 caps to her name, with her best batting an undefeated 45 against South Africa, while her best bowling display was 2 for 35 versus Australia.

The squad have been training earlier this week at North County, ahead of Sunday night's departure for a preparatory camp, which will also see them play unofficial warm-up matches against UAE and Zimbabwe.

“I was pretty honoured to be asked to captain the side by Glenn Querl," said Hunter.

"I am excited by the prospect and am glad Glenn is backing me with the captaincy.”

"Since mid-September we’ve been able to have a number of national weekends. The squad have also had a few fitness tests, so we’ve luckily been able to have a lot of preparation. 

“It’s an important opportunity as it bridges the gap between underage cricket and senior international cricket – it gives the players the chance to perform on the world stage and gives them a chance to better understand what international cricket and world cups are all about.”

Ireland have been drawn in a tough group C alongside West Indies, New Zealand and Indonesia. However, with three sides progressing to the next phase, they will be confident of securing a berth.

Ireland Under-19s Women’s squad:

Amy Hunter - captain (Instonians/Malahide), Siúin Wood – vice captain (YMCA), Zara Craig (Eglinton), Georgina Dempsey (YMCA), Rebecca Gough (The Hills), Abbi Harrison (Waringstown), Jennifer Jackson (Eglinton), Joanna Loughran (Leinster), Niamh MacNulty (Merrion), Aimee Maguire (The Hills), Kia McCartney (Coleraine), Ellie McGee (Rush), Julie McNally (Clontarf), Freya Sargent (Clontarf), Annabel Squires (Merrion)

Non-travelling reserves: Aoife Fisher (CSNI), Alice Walsh (Clontarf)

Glenn Querl (Head Coach), Aideen McGuinness (Team Operations Manager), Jay Shelat (Performance Analyst), Julia Webster (Physiotherapist), Robyn Lewis (Assistant Coach), Alison Cowan (Team Doctor).