Ireland Men's International Archives
Ireland 2023
3rd ODI: Zimbabwe lost to Ireland by 7 wickets (DLS)
Harare, 17 December.
Zimbabwe 197 (40 overs: Gaylord Gumbie 72, Sikandar Raza 37, Wellington Masakadza 24; Graham Hume 4-34, Curtis Campher 4-37) 
Ireland 204/3 (37.5/40 overs; Andrew Balbirnie 82*, Curtis Campher 40, Harry Tector 33, Lorcan Tucker 29*) (Ireland Target: 201 in 40 overs.)
Harry Tector and Andy Balbirnie (Zimbabwe Cricket)
Zimbabwe put in to bat by Paul Stirling with the prospect of rain later in the day. One change in the Irish lineup Theo van Woerkom in for Josh Little who has an unspecified 'niggle'. Ryan Burl missing for Zimbabwe, still undergoing 'concussion protocols' with two other changes to strengthen their so far unimpressive batting. Hume struck in his first over having Kamunhukamwe caught at second slip by Balbirnie before a brief recovery to 45 by the hosts when a Tector direct hit sees the departure of Kaitano quickly followed by Innocent Kaia, lbw to Campher, 54/3. Sikandar Raza joined Gumbie at the crease and they had taken the score to 78 after 20 overs when the rain arrived somewhat earlier than forecast. Over 2 hours lost and the game reduced to 40 overs per side with Raza and Gumbie upping the rate after the resumption adding 89 before Campher has Raza caught at deep square and bowls Madande second ball. Two more for Hume both Jongwe and Mavuta picking out Dockrell at deep square. Big blow for the hosts as Gumbie is run out going for a second, good return by McBrine well gathered by Young and Gumbie just short. Masakadza picks out Adair at long off to give Campher a fourth wicket and Hume claims his fourth with the final delivery of the innings. Ireland have made an excellent start despite skipper Paul Stirling going cheaply, Curtis Campher going fluently as is Andy Balbirnie as they add 70 and counting. Ireland looking good for the series win. Commentators curse as Campher is caught for 40. Harry Tector in at number four and he is quickly into double figures including the first six of the innings. At drinks Ireland need 106 from 20 overs with 8 wickets in hand. The third wicket stand is now worth 50 with former captain Balbirnie on 49 not out and Tector unbeaten on 28. Balbirnie reaches his half century from 76 balls (2 fours). Stand ends on 63 as Jongwe off cutter deceives Tector who skies to mid-on. Rate climbs above a run a ball with 49 needed off 48, so Balbirnie ups the rate by clearing the ropes and hits another boundary as 12 comes off the 33rd. Ireland should ease home comfortably. Both players dropped in the 35th over. One easy at third man (Tucker) while Balbirnie nearly caught a worldie at mid-off. Tucker clears the ropes with a mighty blow and just 9 runs needed now from three overs. The end is nigh. Tucker secures the win with 13 balls to spare by hitting consecutive boundaries. Another series win for the Irish. Fully deserved. The beer will taste better tonight before they head back home for Christmas.
2nd ODI: Zimbabwe lost to Ireland by 4 wickets
Harare, 15 December.
Zimbabwe 166 (42.5 overs: Wellington Masakadza 40, Ryan Burl 38, Clive Madande 33; Josh Little 6-38) Ireland 170/6 (40.1 overs: Curtis Campher 66, Lorcan Tucker 28, Harry Tector 25, Mark Adair 25*; Blessing Muzarabani 2-23, Brandon Mavuta 2-37)
Josh Little returned Ireland's best ever ODI figures. (Zimbabwe Cricket)
Toss: Zimbabwe. An amazing start to the game with Josh Little picking up the host's top four batsmen inside his first 3 overs. In a sensational second over he claimed wickets with his first, third and fifth deliveries and then the prize scalp of Sikandar Raza with the final delivery of his third. Clive Madande fighting back with 3 boundaries off Craig Young's third over. Madande's cameo ends as he is well caught in the deep off Andy McBrine. The hosts back in trouble. Craig Young then gets one to nip back and Mavuta is trapped in front. Ireland continue to dominate with the hosts 75 for 6 at the halfway stage of the innings.Ryan Burl and Wellington Masakadza leading a revival with a bit of a counterattack as the stand reaches 60. But the breakthrough comes on 133 in the unlikely form of Harry Tector who has Burl caught behind as he tries to cut. Josh Little then gets rid of Masakadza to get his five wicket haul. Make that the joy of 6..the Pembroke man is unstoppable as he sends Ngarva's stumps cartwheeling. Little bit of an annoying last wicket stand ended by Mark Adair. A chase of 166 should be ok for the Irish but it's not a great pitch. Andy Balbirnie went first ball of the reply followed just before the end of the powerplay by skipper Paul Stirling. Curtis Campher hit 10 fours in a rapid 66. sharing stands of 52 with Harry Tector (21) and 43 with Lorcan Tucker (28) to put Ireland firmly in control. Mark Adair's unbeaten 25 ensured a deserved four-wicket win. The Irish will attempt to seal a series win in the final game on Sunday to go with their T20 series win.
Josh Little
1st ODI: Zimbabwe v Ireland - Abandoned
Harare, 13 December.
Zimbabwe 121/6 (25.3 overs: Brandon Mavuta 28*, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe 28, Joylord Gumbie 28, Sikandar Raza 15; Graham Hume 2-7, Craig Young 2-33, Josh Little 1-37) Ireland
Josh Little bowling. (Zimbabwe Cricket)
Another success at the Toss for Paul Stirling who asked Zimbabwe to bat first. After a steady start for the hosts Hume broke through with his second delivery followed by two wickets for Craig Young and the prize scalp of Sikandar Raza for Josh Little. Hume claimed his second, bowling Clive Madande, and immediately the players were taken off the field as thunder was heard. The covers were scrambled on before the downpour arrived, but when it did, it was torrential, and in no time the ground was turned into a lake! The game was finally called off some three hours later, bad news for cricket, but good news for Zimbabwe's farmers as the country has been suffering a drought in recent times. The second match in the three game series is scheduled for Friday again with a 7.15 am start.
3rd T20I: Zimbabwe lost to Ireland by 6 wickets
Harare, 10 December.
Zimbabwe 140/6 (20 overs: Ryan Burl 35, Clive Madande 27, Brian Bennett 27; Gareth Delany 2-8, Josh Little 2-21, Craig Young 2-27) Ireland 141/4 (18.4 overs: Harry Tector 54*, George Dockrell 49*)
Winners Ireland (Andrew Leonard)
Toss: Ireland. Just the one change for the visitors with Barry McCarthy back in for Theo van Woerkom but it’s all change for the hosts with Raza banned and both Sean Williams and Craig Irvine out injured. Surely Ireland will never have a better chance of a series clinching win than today. Good start by Ireland with Josh Little trapping Tinashe Kamunhukamwe lbw. Double boost then as Gareth Delany strikes twice to put Ireland on top. Fourth wicket falls to Craig Young as the hosts continue to struggle - 65 for 4 at the halfway point. Ryan Burl and Clive Madande set about repairing the damage much like yesterday as the 100 comes up with 5 overs left. Craig Young breaks the 55-run stand as he has Clive Madande caught by Harry Tector. And one brings two as Josh Little dismisses Ryan Burl next ball to swing the momentum firmly in Ireland's favour. A final total of 140 looks light even on a slowish track with some variable bounce. Ireland will fancy chasing this down and sealing a series win. But they lose the captain in the first over. Trapped lbw for 6. Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker both go cheaply too. Suddenly 140 seems a long way off. Curtis Campher goes caught at cover swing across the line. George Dockrell joins Harry Tector. Could that be a turning point? Jongwe drops Tector on 7 and is hit for six over cover by Dockrell next ball. Ireland 60 for 4 at the 10 overs mark. The 13th over is unlucky for the hosts as 16 come from it including two huge sixes by Dockrell. This partnership is turning into a match winning one as 100 comes up in 14 overs. Harry Tector moves through the gears as he reaches his half century and Dockrell makes unbeaten 49. Their stand is an unbroken 104 and Ireland have a first series win in Zimbabwe.
2nd T20I: Zimbabwe lost to Ireland by 4 wickets
Harare, 9 December.
Zimbabwe 165/5 (20 overs: Clive Madande 44*, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe 39, Ryan Burl 38*, Sean Williams 17; Mark Adair 2-28, Gareth Delany 1-13, Curtis Campher 1-28, Craig Young 1-33) Ireland 166/6 (19.4 overs: Harry Tector 48, Curtis Campher 37, Mark Adair 19, George Dockrell 16*; Richard Ngarvara 2-33)
Ireland celebrate the wicket (Zimbabwe Cricket)
Toss: Ireland. The good news for Ireland is that they have won the Toss and the bad news for Zimbabwe is that Sikandar Raza has been hit with a two match ban for his ‘interaction’ with Josh Little and Curtis Campher while the Irish pair escape with 1 demerit point on their record and a 15% loss of match fee. A debut for Theo van Woerkom in place of Barry McCarthy. Zimbabwe still missing the injured Craig Irvine replace Raza with a batter, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe. A dream start for Ireland with Mark Adair claiming a wicket in each of his first two overs countered by an attacking innings from Raza’s replacement Kamunhukamwe that saw the hosts post 91 in the first ten overs. Ireland restricted the scoring in the third quarter of the innings but an unbroken partnership of 87 off 69 balls between Ryan Burl and Clive Madande has set Ireland a challenging total. The chase begins with a Balbirnie boundary off the first ball and him being smashed in the grill off the last. Irelan'ds openers getting the hurry up from Ngarava and Muzarabani who are bowling with some pace - Stirling drags on to Ngarvara's delight, a bit of a hack, and an even uglier shot from Balbirnie is edged through to the keeper, a wicket for Muzarabani. Lorcan Tucker third to go as he flicks one to short fne leg - bit of a gimmee. At 10 over mark Ireland on top and are more than halfway to their target with Harry Tector and Curtis Campher in control. Excellent stand of 66 in 43 balls ended as Campher skies to long-on. George Dockrell joins Harry Tector. 44 needed off last five overs. Big blow for Ireland as Tector's middle stump goes cartwheeling. 37 needed off 23 balls. Going to be another thriller. Good 17th over comeback as boundaries from Mark Adair and George Dockrell tilt momentum back to the Irish. 25 needed from 18 balls. Huge six from the last ball of the 18th over by Adair keeps his side in front. 15 needed off 12 balls. Steady from Ireland helped by two wides in the 19th. Seven needed from the last over. Adair caught at long-on, 1 for Delany with Dockrell dropped third ball. They get two from the miss and the next ball goes to the boundary. Ireland win another close one by four wickets. Decider tomorrow.
1st T20I: Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 1 wicket
Harare, 7 December.
Ireland 147/8 (20 overs: Andy Balbirnie 32, Gareth Delany 26* Harry Tector 24, Lorcan Tucker 21; Sikandar Raza 3-28, Richard Ngarava 2-23, Blessing Muzarabani 2-24, Sean Williams 1-18) Zimbabwe 148/9 (20 overs: Sikander Raza 65, Wessley Madhevere 25, Clive Madande 20; Josh Little 2-16, Craig Young 2-20, Mark Adair 2-36, Barry McCarthy 2-37, George Dockrell 1-9)
Pre-match Anthems (CricketEurope)
Toss: Zimbabwe. It was as close as they come, a win for Zimbabwe by 1 wicket as they got the two runs required for victory off the final delivery of the twentieth over. Ireland failed to capitalise on the flying start that Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling gave them losing half the side for 107 by the fifteenth over, and it took a cameo from Gareth Delany 26* (2x4, 2x6) off just 11 balls to get them to a respectable, if not impressive total. Zimbabwe lost Marumani and Sean Williams early in the chase, but Sikander Raza and Clive Madende, who both scored at considerably better than a run-a-ball, ensured that despite the loss of four wickets in the final three overs, the hosts had just enough to claim the win.
3rd ODI: England v Ireland - no result
Bristol, 26 September.
England 280/4 (31 overs, B Duckett 107* , P Salt 61, Z Crawley 51, W Jacks 39, C Young 3-31, T van Woerkom 1-47) - rain stopped play Ireland
A torrential downpour saved Ireland from total humiliation against an England 'B' side that had a world record total very much in their sights. Ireland's bowlers - with the exception of Craig Young - were given a pounding by the hosts. Phil Salt's brutal assault on Josh Little and Mark Adair set the tone for the innings, that was continued by Will Jacks, Zak Crawley and maiden centurion Ben Duckett. Amid the carnage Craig Young's 3 for 31 was admirable, while debutant Theo van Woerkom had the consolation of a wicket despite his four overs costing 47. Not many positives or learnings to be taken from this game. A few months inactivity now to reflect on a disappointing year. Hopefully 2024 will bring better fortunes with a T20 World Cup to look forward to.
2nd ODI: England beat Ireland by 48 runs
Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 23 September.
England 334/8 (50 overs; Will Jacks 94, Sam Hain 89, Ben Duckett 48, Brydon Carse 32, Phil Salt 28; George Dockrell 3-43, Craig Young 2-38) Ireland 286 (46.4 overs; George Dockrell 43, Barry McCarthy 41, Craig Young 40*, Harry Tector 39, Josh Little 29, Paul Stirling 25; Rehan Ahmed 4-54, George Scrimshaw 3-66, Matthew Potts 2-47)
George Dockrell made 43. (Steve Bond)
A battling effort by the Irish lower order gives the result a much closer look than it really warranted. 40's for George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy and Craig Young, plus 29 for Josh Little saw them recover from 157 for 7 to make 286. England's second-string side will be happy with the win. Will Jacks and Sam Hain the stars with the bat, while Rehan Ahmed's leg-spin got four wickets. The third and final ODI is in Bristol on Tuesday.
1st ODI: England v Ireland - abandoned
Headingley, Leeds, 20 September.
England Ireland
Ground unplayable after heavy rain - no toss.
3rd T20i: Ireland v India - match abandoned
Malahide, 23 August.
Ireland 
India
No play possible due to rain.
2nd T20i: Ireland lost to India by 33 runs.
Malahide, 20 August.
India 185-5 (20 overs; R Gaekwad 58, S Samsom 40, R Singh 38; B McCarthy 2-36) Ireland 152-8 (20 overs; A Balbirnie 72, M Adair 23; J Bumrah 2-15, P Krishna 2-29, R Bishnoi 2-37)
Andrew Balbirnie scored 72 in a losing cause (Sportsfile)
Andrew Balbirnie hit a valiant 72 in a losing cause as India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series at Malahide. Batting first, India had been kept in check by the home attack, before a boundary barrage in the final two overs took them from 143 to 185 with Barry McCarthy and Mark Adair taking serious tap. The chase again saw the home side lose early wickets, but the former skipper kept their slim hopes alive with his 51-ball knock that saw him clear the ropes four times as well as hitting five fours. Mark Adair hit some lusty blows in his 23, but India ran out comfortable 33-run winners. The Irish have the opportunity of a consolation win on Wednesday in the final game of the three-match series.
1st T20i: Ireland lost to India by 2 runs (DLS)
Malahide, 18 August.
Ireland 139-7 (20 overs; B McCarthy 51*, C Campher 39; R Bishnoi 2-23, J Bumrah 2-24, P Krishna 2-32) India 47-2 (6.5 overs; Y Jaiswal 24; C Young 2-1) (Par score after 6.5 overs = 45 )
Barry McCarthy scored an unbeaten 51 (Sportsfile)
Ireland came within one ball of gaining a first win over India after a rain-ruined 2-run DLS loss in their opening T20I at Malahide. That scenario seemed highly unlikely after the Irish lost two wickets in the opening over of the game. slumping further to 31 for 5 and 59 for 6. They were rescued by a 6th wicket stand of 57 between Curtis Campher (39) and Barry Mc Carthy, who cleared the ropes four times in his unbeaten 51 from just 33 balls. An Irish total of 139 for 7 gave their attack something to bowl at, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (24) and Ruhuraj Gaikwad (19*) kept India ahead on DLS with the forecast rain sweeping in, but Craig Young struck twice in successive balls to bring the Irish right back into it. However, the hat-trick ball went for a single and that was to be the last action of the day - India edging the opener. The sides meet again at the same venue on Sunday. Jasprit Bumrah (2-24) was preferred to McCarthy for the Man of the Match accolade - quite extraordinary as another Barry (Norman) might have said.
World T20 Qualifier, Europe, Scotland beat Ireland by 8 runs.
Grange, 28 July.
Scotland 213-6 (20 overs; Brandon McMullen 68, Richie Berrington 54, Matty Cross 30*; Barry McCarthy 2-42, Ben White 2-45) Ireland 205-9 (20 overs; Mark Adair 72, Curtis Campher 28; Brad Currie 5-13, Michael Leask 2-30)
Mark Adair scored 72 (Ian Jacobs/Cricket Scotland)
Scotland took the bragging rights and the T20 European Qualifier trophy with an 8-run win over Ireland in a high-scoring boundary fest at The Grange. Half centuries from top-scorer Brandon McMullen and Ritchie Berrington saw the pair share a third wicket stand of 104 in 9 overs on their way to 213 for 6. McMullen's 68 from 35 balls included 4 fours and 5 sixes, while Berrington hit 54 from 29 deliveries (3 fours, 4 sixes). The Irish attack with the exception of Mark Adair (1-20) came in for some brutal punishment. Brad Currie removed Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker in the first over of the chase on the way to 5 for 13, and at 108 for 7 in the 12th, it looked all over. However, Adair clubbed 6 sixes and 4 fours on his way to a career best 72 to bring Ireland right back into it. However, he attempted one big blow too many to fall to Man of the Match Currie, as the Irish fell just short.
World T20 Qualifier, Europe, Ireland v Germany: abandoned
Goldenacre, 27 July.
Ireland 
Germany
The abandonment, due to heavy overnight rain, means Ireland have secured qualification for the T20 World Cup.
World T20 Qualifier, Europe, Ireland beat Jersey by 9 wickets
Goldenacre, 24 July.
Jersey 78-9 (20 overs; Asa Tribe 26; Barry McCarthy 3-7, Ben White 2-10, Josh Little 2-23) Ireland 80-1 (10.2 overs; Paul Stirling 35*, Andy Balbirnie 25)
Man of the Match Barry McCarthy (Alan Rennie Photography)
Ireland brushed aside the challenge of Jersey to make it four wins on the bounce and leave themselves one victory away from qualifying for the T20 World Cup. Once again the win was set up by the bowling unit with Barry McCarthy's three wickets enough this time to persuade the adjudicators to give him the Man of the Match accolade. Ben White's superb tournament continued with another two wickets, and Josh Little (2-23) set the ball rolling with early strikes. George Dockrell - playing his 300th game for the Irish - also got in on the action as Jersey were kept to a very modest 78 for 9. Skipper Paul Stirling (35*) and Andy Balbirnie (25) made short work of the chase, getting there just after the midway point, while Lorcan Tucker also passed 1000 T20I runs in a comprehensive 9-wicket win.
World T20 Qualifier, Europe, Ireland beat Austria by 128 runs.
Grange, 23 July.
Ireland 226-4 (20 overs; Lorcan Tucker 94*, Ross Adair 46, Neil Rock 36; Aqib Iqbal 2-47)
Austria 98 (18.4 overs; R Shigiwal 33, Aqib Iqbal 29; Mark Adair 4-13, Josh Little 2-16, Curtis Campher 2-18)
Lorcan Tucker scored 94 not out (ICC/Ian Jacobs/Cricket Scotland)
Ireland produced a record breaking display to brush aside the tournament whipping boys Austria. They produced their highest T20I total of 226 for 4, with Lorcan Tucker making his highest score - his unbeaten 94 including 8 fours and 4 sixes. Ross Adair - a late replacement after Andy Balbirnie got a niggle in the warm-up - cleared the ropes three times in a hard-hit 46, while Neil Rock's 36 was also a personal best for the Rush man. Mark Adair struck with his first ball going on to claim a career best 4 for 13 as Austria were bowled out for 98 - two wickets apiece for Josh Little and Curtis Campher. The margin of 128 runs was also an Irish record - a sterner test awaits in the form of Jersey on Monday.
Man of the Match Lorcan Tucker
World T20 Qualifier, Europe, Ireland beat Denmark by 9 wickets.
Grange, 21 July.
Denmark 122-9 (20 overs; Barry McCarthy 3-16, Mark Adair 3-17, Ben White 2-33) Ireland 123-1 (14.3 overs; Paul Stirling 55*, Andrew Balbirnie 53)
Ireland's Paul Stirling (Capt), on his way to a fine 55 not out (Ian Jacobs/Cricket Scotland)
Ireland made it two wins from two with a convincing 9-wickets win over Denmark at the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Edinburgh. The victory was set up by a dominant bowling display with Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy each taking three wickets, and two for Ben White to restrict the Danes to a modest 122 for 9. Oliver Hald - who plays his club cricket with Phoenix, and The Hills' Nicolaj Laegsgaard were best with the bat making 21 and 20. Man of the Match Andrew Balbirnie and skipper Paul Stirling both scored half centuries as they shared an opening stand of 90, sealing the win in the 15th over. Balbirnie's 53 from 28 balls saw him hit 4 fours and clear the ropes three times, while Stirling's unbeaten 55 from 39 balls included 9 boundaries. Ireland are back in action on Sunday, when they take on Austria.
Ireland captain Paul Stirling after beating Denmark
World T20 Qualifier, Europe, Ireland beat Italy by 7 runs.
Goldenacre, 20 July.
Ireland 158-8 (20 overs; Curtis Campher 61, Harry Tector 41, Andy Balbirnie 26; Gareth Berg 3-24, Harry Manenti 3-39)
Italy 151-9 (20 overs; Gian-Piero Meade 26, Gareth Berg 26; Mark Adair 3-33, Ben White 2-22, Josh Little 2-29)
Ireland survived a late scare to get their quest for a T20 World Cup spot off to a successful, if not convincing start. They lost early wickets and at the midway point of their innings looked vulnerable at 59 for 3. A stand of 76 between Man of the Match Curtis Campher (61) and Harry Tector (41) got them up to 158 for 8 - three wickets for Gareth Berg and Harry Manenti. Josh Little and Mark Adair struck early blows, while Ben White also claimed two wickets as Ireland always looked relatively secure. That was until with 20 needed from the last over, Berg struck 10 off the first three balls to get the pulses racing, evoking memories of recent horror losses from similar situations. However, Adair dismissed Berg with the fourth delivery to finish with three wickets and secure a welcome 7-run win.
World Cup Qualifier, 7th-8th Place: : Ireland beat Nepal by 2 wickets
Takashinga, Harare, 4 July.
Nepal 268-9 (50 overs; G Jha 57*, A Saud 48, K Malla 44, S Lamichhane 32, R Paudel 29; C Young 2-36, M Adair 2-47, B McCarthy 2-63) Ireland 269-8 (49.2 overs; C Campher 62, H Tector 60, G Dockrell 33; Karan KC 3-55, K Mahato 2-55)
Nepal's number 9 Gulsan Jha celebrates his half century. (ICC)
Ireland finished the tournament as they began it, with another lacklustre display, limping home to a 2 wickets victory with just four balls to spare. Following the match, Andrew Balbirnie announced that he was standing down as captain of Ireland's ODI and T20 sides.
World Cup Qualifier, 7th-10th Place: : Ireland beat USA by 6 wickets
Takashinga, Harare, 30 June.
USA 196 (42.4 overs; Saiteja Mukkamalla 55, Sushant Modani 55, Usman Rafiq 28*, Steven Taylor 23; Craig Young 3-35, Andy McBrine 2-19, Mark Adair 2-37, Barry McCarthy 2-49) Ireland 197/4 (34.2 overs; Paul Stirling 58, Andy Balbirnie 45*, Andy McBrine 35, Harry Tector 25, Lorcan Tucker 25; Nosthush Kenjige 2-41)
A first ball duck for USA skipper Monank Patel bowled by Craig Young. (ICC)World Cup Qualifier, Group B: : Ireland beat UAE by 139 runs
Bulawayo AC, 27 June.
Ireland 349/4 (50 overs: Paul Stirling 162, Andy Balbirnie 66, Harry Tector 57, Andy McBrine 24; Sanchit Sharma 3-46)
UAE 211 (39 overs; Muhammad Waseem 45, Basil Hameed 38*, Sanchit Sharma 38*; Curtis Campher 2-14, Josh Little 2-30, George Dockrell 2-32, A McBrine 2-34)
Paul Stirling on his way to a century. (ICC)
Excellent total by Ireland but it all feels like a day late and a dollar short. Paul Stirling's 162 from 134 balls (15 fours, 8 sixes) set them up, sharing stands of 41 with Andy McBrine (24) for the first wicket, and a match winning 184 in just under 30 overs with Andy Balbirnie (66). Harry Tector hit 4 fours and cleared the ropes twice in a rapid 57 from just 33 balls, and a few lusty late blows from Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell took the Irish to 349 for 4. Josh Little has struck twice and the contest is already all but over at the 20 overs mark. To be fair to the UAE they are making Ireland work and the 7th wicket stand is now 68 and counting. In the end though a very convincing 139 runs win. Two wickets apiece for Little, McBrine, Campher and Dockrell.
World Cup Qualifier, Group B: : Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 133 runs.
Queens, Bulawayo, 25 June.
Sri Lanka 325 (49.5 overs; D Karunaratne 103, S Samarawickrama 82, D de Silva 42*, C Asalanka 38; M Adair 4-46, B McCarthy 3-56, G Delany 2-52) Ireland 192 (31 overs; C Campher 39, H Tector 33, G Dockrell 26*; W Hasaranga 5-79, M Theekshana 2-29)
Gareth Delany is bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga who has taken 16 wickets in 3 matches to date. (ICC/Getty Images)
Toss: Ireland
World Cup Qualifier, Group B: : Ireland lost to Scotland by 1 wicket.
Queens, Bulawayo, 21 June.
Ireland 286/8 (50 overs: Curtis Campher 120, George Dockrell 69, Andy McBrine 32 ; Brandon McMullan 5-34) Scotland 289/9 (50 overs: Michael Leask 91*, Chris McBride 56, Mark Watt 47, Chris Greaves 20; Mark Adair 3-57, George Dockrell 2-34, Josh Little 2-73)
Michael Leask sweeps on his way to a match winning 91. (ICC/Getty Images)
A dream start for the Scots with Brandon McMullan having Paul Stirling caught at slip chasing a wide and then trapping Andy Balbirnie lbw first ball. Dockrell and Campher retrieved the situation with a partnership of 134 before McMullan returned to 'york' Dockrell who paid the price for showing all his stumps. Campher back into the side today and scores a century - good selection! Two wickets apiece for Mark Adair and Josh Little have Ireland on course for a much needed win Scotland staging a late rally with Michael Leask and Mark Watt sharing a half century stand. Still, a tall ask with the required rate 11 an over. Missed stumping in 44th over as Leask gets a life, but Tucker redeems himself as he gets Mark Watt off a wide in the 46th over. Much needed for Ireland. Leask still there to offer hope for Scotland. He has his half century and they need 44 from 4 overs. Could that be decisive? Josh Little returns and his over goes for 22 - Leask getting 21 of them. Two overs to go. 16 needed. Going right to the wire. Last over coming up. 8 needed. Misfield allows boundary off first, followed by a single. Adair strikes with the third ball. Three needed off 3 balls. Last pair at the wicket. Misses short ball. 3 off 2 balls. They scramble a bye. Last ball. 2 needed. Leask on strike. He wins it. Inside edge evades Tucker. Incredible really having been 152 for 7 in the chase.
World Cup Qualifier, Group B: : Ireland lost to Oman by 5 wickets
BAC, Bulawayo, 19 June.
Ireland 281/7 (50 overs; George Dockrell 91*, Harry Tector 52, Lorcan Tucker 26, Bilal Khan 2-64, Fayyaz Butt 2-65)
Oman 285/5 (48.1 overs; Kashyap Prajapati 72, Zeeshan Maqsood 59, Aqib Ilyas 52, Mohammed Nadeem 46*, Ayaan Khan 21; Mark Adair 2-47, Josh Little 2-47)
George Dockrell's unbeaten 91 was in vain (ICC/Getty Images)
A fine opening stand of 51 between Paul Stirling and Andy McBrine ended in the 9th over with the end of Stirling, who pulled to deep square.. And one brings two as McBrine departs next ball as he tamely hits long hop to mid-off.. Andy Balbirnie the next to go as his poor form continues. Lorcan Tucker employs the sweep to good effect as he races to 26, but is bowled to peg Ireland back. Harry Tector and George Dockrell rebuilt the innings with a 5th wicket stand of 79 before Tector fell just after reaching his half century. Dockrell also has passed 50, while Gareth Delany (20) and Mark Adair (15) perish in the chase for late runs. Ireland finish on 281 for 7 with Dockrell's unbeaten 91 from 89 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes) an excellent effort. It should be enough but will it? Oman going well in the chase. Two wickets apiece for Mark Adair and Josh Little but Oman sealed the win with four of their batters making half centuries. A horrible loss for Ireland who now have little margin for error in their remaining three group games against Scotland, Sri Lanka and UAE.
World Cup Qualifier, Warmup: Ireland beat USA by 5 wickets
BAC Bulawayo, 13 June.
USA 312/6 (50 overs: Aaron Jones 89, Monak Patel 77, Saiteja Mukkamalla 44*, Sushant Modani 43, Steven Taylor 28; Ben White 2-56, Graham Hume 1-26, Josh Little 1-33, Andy McBrine 1-49, Barry McCarthy 1-69) Ireland 314/5 (44.5 overs: Harry Tector 148*, Lorcan Tucker 68, Paul Stirling 55, Curtis Campher 21)
Ireland won the Toss and opted to field first in this 15-a-side (11 batting, 11 bowling) warmup game. All the USA batters got a start and with Patel and Jones adding 125 in their third wicket partnership USA would have been pleased with a total over 300 which would pose a proper challenge for the Irish batting lineup. But there was a disastrous start to the reply with Stirling's 'new' opening partner Andy McBrine out in the first over with Andy Balbirnie following last ball of the second. Why McBrine? Could it be a left hand, right hand experiment, perhaps we'll hear something after the game? Normal service resumed as Stirling and Tector added 87 before Stirling completed his half-century and was out in the same over. Tector and Tucker added 122, with Tector completing his century in 98 balls (6x4, 4x6). Just a shade over four an over was required for the last ten overs and that wasn't a problem for Ireland as Tector put his foot down and wrapped up the win with over five overs to spare. Another great knock from the ICC ODI Player of the Month - his 148* came off 122 balls and included 10x4s & 7x6s)
World Cup Qualifier, Warmup: Ireland lost to the Netherlands by 2 wickets
Queens, Bulawayo, 15 June.
Ireland 193 (39.2 overs: Lorcan Tucker 74, Gareth Delany 46, Graham Hume 30; Logan van Beek 2-23, Aryan Dutt 2-27, Clayton Floyd 2-36, Shariz Ahmed 2-45)
Netherlands 196/8 (37.3 overs: Wesley Barresi 89, Max O'Dowd 35, Shariz Ahmad 30; Ben White 5-62)
A case of Déjà Vu as Ireland lost both openers inside the first three overs, and worse when Tuesday's centurion Harry Tector joined them soon after. Balbirnie and Tucker doubled the score, such as it was, before Vikram Singh claimed the wicket of Balbirnie and Shariz Ahmad took the wicket of Dockrell in his first over. Gareth Delany and Lorcan Tucker staged a recovery and late order runs from Graham Hume carried Ireland to a disappointing 193. An impressive performance by the Dutch who are missing 7 county players, including their main 5 fast bowlers. Spin the order of the day from Ireland as Andy McBrine took the new ball and was rewarded with the wicket of Vikram Singh. A four wicket burst from Ben White caused a middle order stumble and offered some hope for Ireland - 6 down and still 70 required, but a half-century partnership between Barresi and Shariz Ahmad ensured the win with time to spare, although both fell with the finishing line in sight. The Irish spinners with all 8 wickets to fall, five for Ben White and one each for Andy McBrine, George Dockrell and Harry Tector, Delany the only one of the five spinners not to take a wicket.. White will have staked a claim for a start against Oman on Monday but the Irish line up seems pretty settled - there have been few signs of change in the thinking for some time now, win or lose.
England beat Ireland by 10 wickets - Day 3
Lord's, London, 3 June.
Ireland Ireland 172 & 362/9 closed (86.2 overs; M Adair 88, A McBrine 86*, H Tector 51, L Tucker 44, M A; J Tongue 5-66) England 524/4 dec. (82.4 overs; O Pope 205, B Duckett 182, Z Crawley 56, J Root 56; A McBrine 2-99) & 12/0 (0.4 overs)
Mark Adair hit a defiant 88 in Ireland's second innings (Ray Lawrence)
Ireland closed 9 wickets down as James McCollum took no further part in the match following his ankle injury yesterday. England forced to bat again to the apparent delight of all in the ground.
Odran Flynn reflects on the third and final day as England win by 10 wickets.
England v Ireland - Day 2
Lord's, London, 2 June.
Ireland 172 & 97/3 (26 overs; H Tector 33*, L Tucker 21*; J Tongue 3-27) England 524/4 dec. (82.4 overs; O Pope 205, B Duckett 182, Z Crawley 56, J Root 56; A McBrine 2-99)
Lorcan Tucker (Ray Lawrence)
It was another hard day at the office for the Irish bowlers who struggled to exert any control on a dominant England top-order. Ollie Pope filled his boots with a double century, while Ben Duckett made 182. There were two wickets for Andy McBrine, but by that stage England had passed 500 and were searching for quick runs. They eventually declared 352 ahead, and had the Irish in deep trouble. Josh Tongue struck twice in an over, trapping PJ Moor lbw, then having Andy Balbirnie caught behind to a truly dreadful shot. James McCollum retired hurt with an ankle injury, while Paul Stirling was caught down the leg side. Harry Tector (33*) and Lorcan Tucker (21*) took Ireland to 97 for 3 at the close. The crowd - and food/drink merchants - will be hoping Irish resistance can continue well into the third day.
Odran Flynn reflects on another tough day for Ireland.
Test: England v Ireland - Day 1
Lord's, London, 1 June.
Ireland 172 (56.2 overs; J McCollum 36, C Campher 33, P Stirling 30; S Broad 5-51, J Leach 3-35, M Potts 2-36) England 152-1 (25 overs; B Duckett 60*, Z Crawley 56, O Pope 29*)
James McCollum (Ray Lawrence)
A chastening day for Ireland who were bowled out for 172 just after tea, James McCollum, Curtis Campher and Paul Stirling all got 30s but no Irish batter threatened to play the substantial innings required. Stuart Broad did the damage - removing PJ Moor, Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector cheaply. He finished with 5-51 to get his name on the honours board, while there three wickets for Jack Leach and two for Potts. England raced out of the blocks with half centuries for Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. The latter fell to a juggled caught and bowled by debutant Fionn Hand. A rare bright moment in the field for Ireland. There will need to be more of them early tomorrow or you fear that the Bazball juggernaut may cause some serious damage to a very limited and one-dimensional Ireland attack.
Odran Flynn reflects on a tough opening day for Ireland at Lord's.
Essex lost to Ireland by 10 wickets, day 3
Chelmsford, 28 May.
Essex 1st Inns 343 (Overs 71.5, Robin Das 132, GH Dockrell 74, MR Adair 62, T Mayes 4-68, F Hand 2-50, AR McBrine 2-98 & 2nd inns 307-8 dec (Overs 53, MR Adair 85, WEL Buttleman 65, NRM Thain 36, GI Hume, 3-50 T Mayes 3-55) Ireland 1st Inns 419 (Overs 87.5, PR Stirling 107, LJ Tucker 97 ,AR McBrine 67 ,F Hand 48*, JA Richards 5-96, MR Adair 2-64 & 2nd inns 232-0 closed (Overs 42.4), PJ Moor 118*, JA McCollum 100*)
James McCollum and PJ Moor both made hundreds (Ray Lawrence)
Centuries from PJ Moor and James McCollum led Ireland to a morale boosting ten-wicket win over Essex ahead of the Lord's Test. Having been set 232 in 50 overs, the opening pair had little trouble in reaching their generous target in the 43rd. Mark Adair had earlier scored a rapid 85 for the hosts, while there were three wickets apiece for Tom Mayes and Graham Hume. In truth, the fixture was no more than a glorified practice session, but most of the batters - Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector aside - got valuable time in the middle while the bowlers got some overs in their legs.
Essex v Ireland, Day Two close
Chelmsford, 27 May.
Essex 343 (71.5 overs: Robin Das 132, George Dockrell 74, Mark Adair 64; Tom Mayes 4-68) and 59-2 (15 overs; Robin Das 27*; Graham Hume 2-14) Ireland 419 (87.5 overs: Paul Stirling 107, Lorcan Tucker 97, Andy McBrine 67; Jamal Richards 5-96)
Paul Stirling made a century on the second day against Essex (Ray Lawrence)Andy McBrine after the second day.
3 day: Essex v Ireland - Day 1 Close
Chelmsford, 26 May.
Essex 343 (71.5 overs: Robin Das 132, George Dockrell 74, Mark Adair 62: Tom Mayes 4-68, Fionn Hand 2-50, Andy McBrine 2-98) Ireland 38/2 (16 overs: PJ Moor 20*; Jamal Richards 2-18)
George Dockrell scored 74 (Ray Lawrence)
Billed as a first-class match, the three-day fixture has more the look of a glorified practice session with Essex fielding four Irish players as well as fringe players. Robin Das took his opportunity, scoring 132 on debut, with half centuries too for George Dockrell and Mark Adair. Tom Mayes (4-68) was the most successful of the Irish attack, while Fionn Hand and Andy McBrine took two apiece as Essex made 343. Faced with 16 overs before the close, the Irish lost James McCollum and Andy Balbirnie cheaply. PJ Moor will be hoping to build on his 20 not out, while the batting will be boosted by the arrival on Saturday of Paul Stirling after his stint with the Brummie Bears.
World Cup Super League, 3rd ODI: : Ireland lost to Bangladesh by 5 runs
Chelmsford, England, 14 May.
Bangladesh 274 (48.5 overs: T Iqbal 69, M Rahim 45, M Hassan 37, L Das 35, N Shanto 35; M Adair 4-40, G Dockrell 2-31, A McBrine 2-39) Ireland 269/9 (50 overs: P Stirling 60, A Balbirnie 53, L Tucker 50, H Tector 45; M Rahman 4-44, H Mahmud 2-44)
Mark Adair congratulated after taking one of his four wickets (Ray Lawrence)
Ireland lost a last-ball thriller against Bangladesh to lose the series 2-0 at Chelmsford. Half centuries for Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker and Andy Balbirnie had them in control of a pursuit of 274, but the dismissal of Harry Tector (45) produced a wobble as Mustafizur (4-44) produced a fine death display to deny them a deserved win. Earlier Mark Adair took four wickets, with two apiece for spinners George Dockrell and Andy McBrine in a fine bowling effort.
World Cup Super League, 2nd ODI: : Ireland lost to Bangladesh by 3 wickets
Chelmsford, England, 12 May.
Ireland 319/6 (45 overs: Harry Tector 140, George Dockrell 74*, Andrew Balbirnie 42, Mark Adair 20*; Hassan Mahmud 2-48, Shoriful Islam 2-83) Bangladesh 320/7 (44.3 overs: Najmul Shanto 117, Towhid Hridoy 68, Mushfiqur Rahim 36*, Shakib Al Hasan 26, Litton Das 21; Curtis Campher 2-37, George Dockrell 2-52) (Match reduced to 45 overs pre-start.)
Harry Tector scored 140 (CI)
Harry Tector's 140 was in vain as Bangladesh chased 320 to win by 3 wickets in the final over of a thrilling game at Chelmsford. Tector hit an Irish record 10 sixes in his innings, sharing stands of 98 with Andy Balbirnie (42) and 115 for the 6th wicket in 11.2 overs with George Dockrell, whose unbeaten 74 included 3 fours and 4 sixes. Shanto's brilliant century, sharing a partnership of 131 with Towhid Hridoy (68) put Bangladesh in the ascendancy, but the Irish kept chipping away. George Dockrell took two wickets - his 300th and 301st across all formats - and if Paul Stirling had taken a catch at slip, or Mushfiqur not survive two tight third umpire calls - one for a run out, another for a no-ball catch called for height - then the final result may have been different.
World Cup Super League, 1st ODI: : Ireland v Bangladesh - NO RESULT
Chelmsford, England, 9 May.
Bangladesh 246/9 (50 overs: Mushifiqur Rahim 61, Najmul Hossain 44; Josh Little 3-61, Graham Hume 2-32, Mark Adair 2-44) Ireland 65/3 (16.3 overs: Harry Tector 21*, Stephen Doheny 17)
Sri Lanka beat Ireland by an innings and 10 runs - Day 5
Galle, 28 April.
Ireland 492 & 202 (77.3 overs: H Tector 85, A Balbirnie 46; Ramesh Mendis 5-64, Asitha Fernando 3-30, Prabath Jayasuriya 2-88) Sri Lanka 704/3 (151 overs: Kusal Mendis 245, Nishan Madushka 205, Dimuth Karunaratne 115, Angelo Mathews 100*)
Ramesh Mendis claimed 5-64 in the Sri Lankan win. (SLC)
It was a painful morning for Ireland as Asitha Fernando peppered them with short bowling. Balbirnie forced retire hurt in the third over of the day, hit on the grill but returned to the crease to join Tector who was also hit on the helmet. Another rib-tickler from Fernando accounted for Tucker when it dropped onto the stumps. Both the first innings centurions, Stirling and Campher also fell before Lunch, Stirling caught at extra cover driving, and Campher gloving an attempted sweep to leg slip. Deficit crept down but another wicket fell to Mendis when Balbirnie chipped tamely to mid-off and McBrine followed quickly edging the off-spinner to slip. Mendis completed a five-for when Hume edged behind before Harry Tector completed a hard earned 50 and immediately launched an attack to take Ireland closer to making Sri Lanka bat again. Amazing stuff from Tector but he was finally yorked by the returning Fernando who accounted for White next ball to seal the win.
Andrew Balbirnie after his side lost the Second Test by an innings and 10 runs
Sri Lanka v Ireland - Day 4 Close
Galle, 27 April.
Ireland 492 & 54/2 (22 overs: A Balbirnie 18*) Sri Lanka 704/3 (151 overs: Kusal Mendis 245, Nishan Madushka 205, Dimuth Karunaratne 115, Angelo Mathews 100*)
A Test match highest score for Kusal Mendis who was finally out for 245 (SLC)
A perfect day from Sri Lanka's point of view as their top four all completed centuries before their spinners removed the Irish openers in the final session. The wickets of Double centurions Madushka and Mendis for McBrine and Hume brought little respite, as Angelo Mathews arrived at the crease to plunder the tiring Irish attack. The declaration came perhaps a little sooner than expected, immediately after Mathews posted his hundred - 212 ahead and with 22 overs left for Ireland to endure. Unsurprisingly the Sri Lankan spinners were quickly into action with off-spinner Mendis bowling McCollum who gloved one that turned and bounced down onto his stumps, and PJ Moor was caught at short extra cover driving at Jayasuriya. The day ended with Balbirnie and Tector at the crease surrounded by close catchers. More of the same to come tomorrow no doubt.
Sri Lanka v Ireland - Day 3 Close
Galle, 26 April.
Ireland 492 (145.3 overs: C Campher 111, P Stirling 103, A Balbirnie 95, L Tucker 80, A McBrine 35; Prabath Jayasuriya 5-174, Asitha Fernando 2-78, Viswa Fernando 2-92) Sri Lanka 357/1 (77 overs; Nishan Madushka 149*, Dimuth Karunaratne 115, Kusal Mendis 83*)
Nishan Madushka celebrates a maiden Test century (SLC)
No early breakthrough for Ireland this morning as the Sri Lankan openers took their partnership past 200. Skipper Karunaratne posted his sixteenth century and his sixth in Galle before falling to Curtis Campher just two balls before the lunch break when he top-edged a hook to Humphreys at fine-leg. Madushka has completed a maiden Test century, and like Stirling yesterday, completed it with a 6. Balbirnie dropped Madushka on 131, a straightforward chance at slip with just a hint that the pitch is starting to offer help to the bowlers. It has a reputation for breaking up later in the game and Ireland must hope that this one is no different and that it happens sooner rather than later. Follow-on saved and bookmakers offering only even money on a home win while Ireland sit at fifty to one! Kusal Mendis going along at a run-a-ball and it's one-way traffic at the moment. Early Tea taken when Bad Light caused a stoppage with rain delaying the resumption before the umpires called it a day. A full session lost which Sri Lanka couldn’t really afford as they hope to force a result.
Ireland bowling coach Ryan Eagleson
Sri Lanka v Ireland - Day 2 Close.
Galle, 25 April.
Ireland 492 (145.3 overs: C Campher 111, P Stirling 103, A Balbirnie 95, L Tucker 80, A McBrine 35; Prabath Jayasuriya 5-174, Asitha Fernando 2-78, Viswa Fernando 2-92) Sri Lanka 81/0 (18.1 overs; Nishan Madushka 41*, Dimuth Karunaratne 39*)
Paul Stirling, the first of two Irish centurions on Day 2. (SLC)
Bad light brought an early end to the day with Sri Lanka making a good start to their huge chase. Lorcan Tucker could only add another two runs to his overnight total before he was bowled by the fourth ball of the morning but Paul Stirling returned to the crease to become Ireland's third Test centurion. He got off the mark yesterday with a Six and went to his 100 in the same way. When he was caught at fine leg hooking at Fernando, he and Campher had added 64 in another good session for the visitors. Campher would go on to become Ireland's fourth Test centurion, making 111 as he and Andy McBrine (35) added 89 for the 7th wicket. The hosts then getting a taste of their own medicine as Ireland are dismissed for 492 - their highest score in Tests. Five wickets for Prabath Jayasuriya, but at a cost of 174. Ireland induced a few edges from openers Karunaratne and Madushka early on, but nothing went to hand, and when play ended both were looking comfortable, albeit with a lot more to do. Another day of record-setting for Ireland that has enhanced their Test match credentials no end.
Paul Stirling press conference after the second day
Test: Sri Lanka v Ireland - Day One Close
Galle, 24 April.
Ireland 319/4 (90 overs: A Balbirnie 95, P Stirling 74 ret.ht., L Tucker 78*, C Campher 27*; Prabath Jayasuriya 2-95) Sri Lanka
Ireland have given Sri Lanka plenty to think about on Day 1. (Sri Lanka Cricket)
Ireland chose to bat first and rejigged their batting order. No Stirling at the top of the order with PJ Moor and James McCollum the chosen pair. Moor was an early casualty but Balbirnie was batting positively, posting a half-century and was then joined by Paul Stirling, batting at five. Left arm spinner Jayasuria claimed both McCollum and Tector before lunch, to leave both sides reasonably satisfied with their opening sessions. The afternoon was all Ireland with both players looking solid. They added 93 without losing a wicket in a dream session. It's incredibly hot and steamy in Galle, so could they build on this excellent platform. 400 should be the minimum for them with 600 the dream target to give Sri Lanka a dose of their own medicine. The final session began with Paul Stirling having to be helped off with severe cramp. Their stand was worth 115, Hopefully he will be able to bat later, if and when, required. No century for the skipper who was caught at slip from the back of his bat as he swept. Lorcan Tucker is batting well and he has gone past 50 and will have his eye on a century tomorrow as Ireland brought up the 300. A 5th wicket stand of 87* between Tucker and Campher sees 120 added in the final session. A day to remember for Ireland.
Andrew Balbirnie after the first day of the 2nd Test
Sri Lanka beat Ireland by an innings and 280 runs
Galle, 18 April.
Sri Lanka 591/6 declared (131 overs: Dimuth Karunaratne 179, Kusal Mendis 140, Sadeera Samarawickrama 104*, Dinesh Chandimal 102*; Curtis Campher 2-84) Ireland 143 (52.3 overs; L Tucker 45, J McCollum 35, H Tector 34, P Jayasuriya 7-52, V Fernando 2-38 ) and 168 (54.1 overs; H Tector 42, G Dockrell 32, C Campher 30, M Adair 23*; M Fernando 2-3, P Jayasuriya 3-56, R Mendis 4-76)
Prabanth Jayasuriya congratulated after taking seven wickets (Sri Lanka Cricket)
Lorcan Tucker raced to 45 when Ireland's first innings resumed this morning, but once he fell lbw, the end came quickly with Jayasuriya taking seven wickets. Following on, the Irish reply again started badly with Murray Commins bagging a pair, quickly followed back to the pavilion by Andy Balbirnie, James McCollum, Lorcan Tucker and PJ Moor. They recovered from 40-5 with the YMCA pair of Harry Tector (42) and Curtis Campher (30) sharing a sixth wicket stand of 60 ended by a brilliant catch at short leg. Harry Tector then run out after slipping mid-pitch looking for non-existent single. The eighth wicket was that of Andy McBrine who edged low to second slip. All about respectability now as George Dockrell and Mark Adair showed some late order resistance before Dockell trapped lbw for 32, followed shortly after by Ben White. Ten wickets in the match for Jayasuriya. A record win for Sri Lanka. The Test hasn't been a contest at any stage. The second Test starts next Monday, when hopefully the Irish can provide stiffer opposition.
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie reflects on the Test loss against Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka v Ireland, Day 2 close
Galle, 17 April.
Sri Lanka 591/6 declared (131 overs: Dimuth Karunaratne 179, Kusal Mendis 140, Sadeera Samarawickrama 104*, Dinesh Chandimal 102*; Curtis Campher 2-84) Ireland 117/7 (45 overs; James McCollum 35, Harry Tector 34, Lorcan Tucker 21*, Prabath Jayasuriya 5-42, Vishwa Fernando 2-22 )
James McCollum scored 35 (Sri Lanka Cricket)
Sri Lanka finally take pity on the beleaguered Irish bowlers and declare on 591 for 6. Four centurions in the hosts batting effort, with today's two hundred makers Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dinesh Chandimal adding an unbroken 183 in 36 overs for the seventh wicket. Ireland had started the day well with a wicket for Curtis Campher in the second over, as well as one for Andy McBrine with his first ball. Chandimal was dropped by Lorcan Tucker on 18 and the Irish were made to pay dearly. They have 45 overs to face. They must be very tired but the battle to save the Test begins. And as feared, Ireland soon in disarray as Murray Commins falls first ball, followed quickly after by Andy Balbirnie. An excellent third wicket stand of 70 between James McCollum and Harry Tector stemmed the bleeding for a while, but both fell to Prabath Jayasuriya in quick succession along with Curtis Campher to leave Ireland in tatters. It got worse before the close as PJ Moor and George Dockrell also fell to the left-arm spinner Jayasuriya who gets his five-wicket haul. All about pride now for Ireland as the pitch is already turning sharply. They will do well to take this into a fourth day.
Harry Tector after a tough second day for Ireland
Test: Sri Lanka v Ireland, Day 1 close
Galle, 16 April.
Sri Lanka 386/4 (88 overs; Dimuth Karunaratne 179, Kusal Mendis 140, Nishan Madushka 29; Curtis Campher 1-44, Mark Adair 1-61, George Dockrell 1-65, Ben White 1-86) Ireland
The captains with the series trophy. (Sri Lanka Cricket)
Late wickets have given a gloss on what was an otherwise tough day in the field for Ireland against a Sri Lankan side heading towards 400 runs. Centuries for captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis whose partnership for the second wicket was a mammoth 281. George Dockrell with the very welcome breakthrough, and one brings two as Ben White has Angelo Mathews caught behind for duck. The new ball was taken and Mark Adair induced an edge from a loose drive by Karunaratne, who goes for a brilliant 179. Curtis Campher with the first wicket as Andrew Balbirnie's side get a harsh dose of reality in the Test arena, but will take a little solace from the late wickets. You get the feeling that Monday could be another tough day for the Irish.
Ireland stand-in Head Coach Gary Wilson after the first day in Galle.
Day 1 highlights (Sri Lanka Cricket)
Bangladesh beat Ireland by 7 wickets - Day 4 (close of play)
Dhaka, 7 April.
Ireland 214 and 292 (116 overs: L Tucker 108, A McBrine 72, H Tector 56; Taijul Islam 4-90, Ebadot Hossain 3-37, Shakib-Al-Hasan 2-26) Bangladesh 369 and 138/3 (27.1 overs: Mushfiqur Rahim 51*, Tamin Iqbal 31, Litton Das 23; M Adair 1-30, B White 1-43, A McBrine 1-52)
Mushfiqur Rahim who added an unbeaten half-century to his first innings 126. (BCB)
Ireland could only add six runs to their overnight total in the nine overs that it took Ebadot Hossain to claim the final two wickets, bowling Andy McBrine and having Graham Hume caught behind. A 137 run lead for the visitors, who would have been disappointed not to have added a few more this morning. There was a wicket apiece for Mark Adair, Andy McBrine and Ben White in the chase, but the hosts were positive, and thanks to an unbeaten half century from Mushfiqur Rahim, sealed the seven wicket win. Plenty to be proud of in the Irish performance, but they will reflect on a first innings batting display that saw them make 100 short of par. A final Test for Aleem Dar who was given a guard of honour. Ireland now head to Sri Lanka for two Tests.
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie reflects on the Test against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh v Ireland - Day 3 (close of play)
Dhaka, 6 April.
Ireland 214 and 286/8 (107 overs: L Tucker 108, A McBrine 71*, H Tector 56; T Islam 4-86, Shakib-Al-Hasan 2-26) Bangladesh 369 (80.3 overs: Mushfiqur Rahim 126, Shakib-Al-Hasan 87, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 56*, Litton Das 43; A McBrine 6-118, Mark Adair 2-64, B White 2-72)
Lorcan Tucker celebrates his century with his batting partner Andy McBrine (BCB)
A century by Lorcan Tucker spearheaded an Ireland fightback on the third day of their Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka. The Pembroke man became Ireland's second Test centurion - following in the footsteps of Kevin O'Brien - making a brilliant 108 before being dismissed with the second new ball. Tucker shared a sixth wicket stand of 72 with Harry Tector who made 56, and 111 for the 7th wicket with Donemana's Andy McBrine. McBrine finished the day unbeaten on 71 as Ireland closed the day on 286 for 8 - a lead of 131. Day Four will get underway on Friday at 5am.
Test: Bangladesh v Ireland - Day 2 (close of play)
Dhaka, 5 April.
Ireland 214 and 27/4 (17 overs; PJ Moor 10*, H Tector 8*; T Islam 2-7, Shakib Al Hasan 2-11) Bangladesh 369 (80.3 overs: Mushfiqur Rahim 126, Shakib-Al-Hasan 87, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 56*, Litton Das 43; A McBrine 6-118, Mark Adair 2-64, B White 2-72)
Mushfiqur Rahim sweeps a boundary on the way to his century. (BCB)
After early hope with a second wicket for Mark Adair, it was all Bangladesh for most of the day as the experienced pair of captain Shakib-Al-Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim added 159 before Shakib edged McBrine to Lorcan Tucker with Mushfiqur and Litton Das adding a further 87 for the fifth wicket. A first Test wicket for Ben White, Das lofting to Tector immediately after a missed run out chance, that saw both batters at the one end, only for a poor throw to allow Das the short reprieve. Three quick wickets for Andy McBrine just after the tea break has given Ireland hope of restricting the Bangladesh lead to around 150 and given him a five-for. First Donemana player to get his name on the Honours board in Dhaka! McBrine finished with six wickets, while there was a second for White as Bangladesh made 369. A tricky hour to negotiate and four didn't survive as McCollum, Commins, Balbirnie and Campher fell to leave the innings in tatters. Ireland need a further 128 to make Bangladesh bat again.
Test: Bangladesh v Ireland - Day 1 (close of play)
Dhaka, 4 April.
Ireland 214 (77.2 overs: H Tector 50, L Tucker 37, C Campher 34, M Adair 32; Taijul Islam 5-58, Mehidy Hasan 2-43, Ebadot Hossain 2-54) Bangladesh 34/2 (10 overs: Tamim Iqbal 21; M Adair 1-3, A McBrine 1-13)
Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie falls lbw to Taijul Islam (BCB)
Ireland were bowled out leaving Bangladesh to face ten overs on the first day of their Test match in Dhaka. Harry Tector scored a half century as he and Curtis Campher shared a fourth wicket stand of 74 after Ireland had been in early trouble at 48 for 3. Tector's dismissal sparked another mini collapse as they lost three wickets for just two runs to be deep in the mire at 124 for 6. Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine added 35 and Tucker and Mark Adair 40 before Tucker was stumped attempting a 'paddle' off slow left armer Tailjul Islam who completed his eleventh five-for when he had Adair lbw. Instant success in the Bangladesh reply for Mark Adair, as a bit of movement back in causes Najmul to chop on in the opening over and Ireland claimed a second off the final delivery of the day, as McBrine's turn and bounce accounted for Tamim, who edged to Adair at slip for Ireland to finish the day on a high.
3rd T20I: Bangladesh lost to Ireland by 7 wickets.
Chattogram, 31 March.
Bangladesh 124 (19.2 overs: Shamim Hossain 51; M Adair 3-25, M Humphreys 2-10) Ireland 126/3 (14 overs: P Stirling 77)
Matthew Humphreys congratulated after taking a wicket. (BCB)
Finally Ireland come through with the ball - seven bowlers used and all took at least one wicket with Mark Adair claiming three and Matthew Humphreys two, one with his first T20 delivery. Only 4 extras in the Bangladesh innings, 3 wides and 1 leg-bye, an improvement in that area today also. Shamim Hossain's half-century came off 40 deliveries, with the next highest score opener Talukdar's 15. Paul Stirling said at the Toss that he wanted Ireland to show what they could do in the chase, and he certainly did that bringing up his half-century in only 31 balls (7x4, 2x6) and powering on, before falling for 77 off 41 (10x4, 4x6). Disappointing for the skipper not to be there at the end, but he dominated the bowling as we know only he can. With only fifteen required after his departure, it was left to Campher to finish the game in style with a six off the final delivery of the fourteenth over. It all came good for Ireland in the final white-ball match of the tour, just the boost the squad needed going into next week's Test match.
Ireland captain Paul Stirling after his Man of the Match display
2nd T20I: Bangladesh beat Ireland by 77 runs.
Chattogram, 29 March.
Bangladesh 202/3 (17 overs: L Das 83, R Talukdar 44, S al Hasan 38*, T Hridoy 24; B White 2-28) Ireland 125/9 (17 overs: C Campher 50, H Tector 22, G Hume 20*; Shakib al Hasan 5-22, Taskin Ahmed 3-28 )
Shakib Al Hasan took five wickets (BCB)
Rain that arrived just after the Toss, causing an hours delay meant that the match was reduced to seventeen overs per side. Bangladesh needed no second invitation when asked to bat and tucked in to the tune of 124 inside 10 overs before the first wicket fell. Ireland clawed their way back in the final seven overs with the spin of Tector and White but the Bangladesh total of 202 looked impregnable at the change of innings. With Paul Stirling going first ball of the chase and Lorcan Tucker out to the first ball of the second over Ireland’s slender prospects were in tatters. The left arm spin of Shakib al Hasan sealed their fate as he took five wickets for just 22 runs. There was token resistance from Campher and Hume as they swung the bat towards the end in a lost cause, the 77 run margin reflecting Bangladesh’s dominance throughout the tour to date..
Ireland captain Paul Stirling
1st T20I: Bangladesh beat Ireland by 22 runs (DLS)
Chattogram, 27 March.
Bangladesh 207/5 (19.2 overs: R Talukdar 67, L Das 47, S Hossain 30 S Al Hasan 20; C Young 2-45) Ireland 81/5 (8 overs: G Delany 21*; Taskin Ahmed 4-16) (Ireland Target was 104 in 8 overs.)
Rony Talukdar celebrates his half century. (BCB)
Bangladesh were on the way to surpass their previous highest T20 total of 215, when rain cut short their innings after two balls of the twentieth over. There were two wickets for Craig Young on his comeback, with one each for Mark Adair, Harry Tector and Graham Hume. All came at a price however, as Bangladesh cleared the ropes on eight occasions, something that Ireland would fail to do even once when their turn came to bat. The rain gave Ireland a chance of an upset, their target in the 8 overs that were ultimately possible, was 104. Certainly a tough ask, but certainly much better than their chances were of scoring 208 in 20. Paul Stirling blasted 18 off Nasum Ahmed's opening over, and Ross Adair took 13 off Mustafizur Rahman's second, to raise Irish hopes, but that was as good as it got for Ireland, as Taskin removed Tucker, Stirling and Dockrell in the fourth over. He returned to bowl the final over for only nine runs and claiming Tector as his fourth wicket, leaving Ireland 22 runs adrift on the DLS calculation.
3rd ODI: Bangladesh beat Ireland by 10 wickets
Sylhet, 23 March.
Ireland 101 (28.1 overs: LJ Tucker 28, C Campher 36; Hasan Mahmud 5-32 Taskin Ahmed 3-26, Ebadot Hossain 2-29) Bangladesh 102/0 (13.1 overs: Liton Das 50*, Tamim Iqbal 41*)
One for the record books as Ireland suffered the first 10 wicket loss in the 185 ODIs they have played, while Bangladesh recorded their biggest ever win in terms of wickets. The pre-match talk from the Irish camp, “We have some world-class batters, chasing is definitely the best option under lights...", meant that Balbirnie's decision to bat first came as a bit of a surprise. But an even bigger surprise was to follow, as Ireland were blown away by pace and bounce rather than the expected ordeal by spin. By contrast the Bangladesh openers were untroubled by anything Ireland threw at them, and knocked off the 102 runs required in just 79 deliveries. The whole game was completed in just over forty overs, but no one in the home crowd would have felt short-changed by what they saw. A day to remember for Bangladesh and a day to forget for Ireland.
2nd ODI: Bangladesh v Ireland. Match Abandoned
Sylhet, 20 March.
Bangladesh 349/6 (50 overs: Mushfiqur Rahim 100*,Najmul Hossain Shanto 73, Liton Das 70, Towhid Hidoy 49, Tamim Iqbal 23, Graham Hume 3-58) Ireland 0/0 (0 overs)
Mushfiqur reaches his century. (Bangladesh Cricket Board Twitter)
HEAVY RAIN led to the abandonment of the second one-day international in Sylhet last night and probably saved Ireland from a second heavy defeat by Bangladesh after the home side posted a whopping 349-6 from 50 overs. The forecast storms arrived during the dinner break and did not allow a re-start. Graham Hume was again the pick of the Ireland bowlers, mixing up his medium pace intelligently for a return of 3-58, to follow up his 4-60 in the opener, but the spinners suffered with combined figures of 0-155 from 20 overs. Debutant Matthew Humphreys, a 20-year-old left armer from the Belfast area, quickly discovered that senior cricket is big step up from U19s where he has been a stand out performer, while Andy McBrine and Harry Tector fared little better. The home side’s total was their highest in ODIs, beating the 338-8 they amassed on Saturday, and Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100 not out from 60 balls, completed from the last delivery of the innings, is his country’s fastest in List A matches. Ireland may regret leaving specialist spin bowling coach Nathan Hauritz in Dublin because with the slow men lacking inspiration and star paceman Josh Little sidelined, it’s hard to see where wickets are to come from in Thursday’s final game.
1st ODI: Bangladesh beat Ireland by 183 runs
Sylhet, 18 March.
Bangladesh 338/8 (50 overs: Shakib Al Hasan 93, Towhid Hidoy 92, Mushfiqur Rahim 44, Liton Das 26, Najmul Hossain Shanto 25; GI Hume 4-60) Ireland 155 (30.5 overs: GH Dockrell 45, ST Doheny 34, PR Stirling 22; Ebadot Hossain 4-42, Nasum Ahmed 3-43, Taskin Ahmed 2-15)
Ireland celebrate the wicket (BCB)
Ireland crashed to a crushing 183-run loss in the first match of their ODI series against Bangladesh in Sylhet. The hosts compiled their record ODI total of 338/8 after being put in, with Shakib Al Hasan (93) and debutant Towid Hridoy (92) sharing a fourth wicket stand of 135. The wicket of Shakib didn't slow Bangladesh with the equally experienced Mushfiqur racing to 44 as he and Towid added 80 in 8 overs. Graham Hume (4-60) was the pick of the tourists attack. Stephen Doheny (34) and Paul Stirling (22) got the reply off to a fine start as they added 60 in 11 overs for the opening wicket. However a collapse followed which saw five wickets fall for 16 to effectively settle the contest. George Dockrell top-scored with 45 to give the margin a modicum of respectability but it was a little crumb of comfort on a day when Heinrich Malan's side were totally outplayed by the in-from Tigers. The sides meet again on Monday at the same venue.
Andrew Balbirnie after his team lost the first ODI against Bangladesh by 183 runs
Bangladesh Cricket Board lost to Ireland by 77 runs (DLS)
Sylhet, 15 March.
Ireland 255/6 (40 overs: Curtis Campher 75*, Paul Stirling 54, Gareth Delany 36, Stephen Doheny 30; Rubel Hossain 2-50, Rahman Raja 2-51. Bangladesh 181 (32.1 overs: S Sarkar 48, S Hossain 35, Akbar Ali 26; Andy McBrine 3-12, Mark Adair 2-36) (Par score 258 in 40 overs.)
Curtis Campher top-scored for Ireland with an unbeaten 75. (www.jcsportsphotography.com)
Curtis Campher and Paul Stirling scored half centuries as Ireland beat a BCB XI by 77 runs in a warm-up game ahead of their ODI series. Rain meant the game was reduced to 40 overs and having been put in Stephen Doheny (30) added 53 for the first wicket with Stirling, who hit 7 fours and 3 sixes in his 54 from 50 balls. Stirling dominated the second wicket partnership, also 53 with skipper Andy Balbirnie who laboured for his 17 before retiring. A flurry of wickets had Ireland wobbling slightly at 135 for 4. However Campher clubbed 7 fours and 4 sixes in a hard hit unbeaten 75 from just 50 balls, sharing a seventh wicket stand of 75 in 46 balls with Gareth Delany as Ireland finished on 255 for 7. Graham Hume (1-4) bowed a tight opening spell but the hosts rallied with Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, and Fionn Hand taking early punishment. However, Andy McBrine (3-12) took wickets in three consecutive overs to put Ireland in control. Ireland used nine bowlers, with a wicket each for Matthew Humphreys, Gareth Delany, and Harry Tector, while Adair came back well to take two at the death, and Hand completed the morale boosting win ahead of Saturday's series opener.
3rd ODI: Zimbabwe v Ireland - no result
Harare SC, 23 January.
Zimbabwe 55/1 (13 overs; I Kaia 24*) Ireland
A stop start morning with persistent rain calling an end to what has been a close and keenly fought series.
2nd ODI: Zimbabwe lost to Ireland by 46 runs.
Harare SC, 21 January.
Ireland 294-7 (50 overs; S Doheny 84, H Tector 75, P Stirling 45, G Dockrell 50; T Chatara 3-51) Zimbabwe 248 (47.3 overs; G Ballance 52, I Kaia 51, R Burl 41, C Chibhabha 40; J Little 4-38)
Josh Little returned his best bowling figures in one day internationals as Ireland levelled the series against Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe Cricket)Josh Little after his four wickets in the second ODI against Zimbabwe
2nd ODI: Zimbabwe lost to Ireland by 46 runs.
Harare SC, 21 January.
Ireland 294-7 (50 overs; S Doheny 84, H Tector 75, P Stirling 45, G Dockrell 50; T Chatara 3-51) Zimbabwe 248 (47.3 overs; G Ballance 52, I Kaia 51, R Burl 41, C Chibhabha 40; J Little 4-38)
Josh Little returned his best bowling figures in one day internationals as Ireland levelled the series against Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe Cricket)Josh Little after his four wickets in the second ODI against Zimbabwe
1st ODI: Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 3 wickets (DLS)
Harare SC, 18 January.
Ireland 288/4 (50 overs; A Balbirnie 121 ret, H Tector 101*; Nyauchi 2-65) Zimbabwe 214/7 (37 overs; R Burl 59, S Raza 43, C Ervine 38, G Ballance 23; M Adair 2-40, G Hume 2-41) (Target score 214 in 37 overs)
Century for Andrew Balbirnie (Zimbabwe Cricket)
Ireland lost a last ball thriller in Harare, despite dominating the contest for long periods of the game. Skipper Andrew Balbirnie, playing in his 200th game, top scored with 121 before having to retire hurt. He and Harry Tector had added 212 for the third wicket after they had been in early trouble at 25 for 2. They looked on course to break the Irish ODI partnership record of 227 before Balbirnie edged a high full toss onto hiss helmet which felled him. Tector scored his third ODI hundred in his last four innings in the final over and a total of 288 for 4 looked a winning one. The Zimbabwe reply always seemed to be playing catch-up and at 99 for 4 in the 23rd over with both Ervine and Ballance in the hutch, the home crowd were very quiet. Ryan Burl though had other ideas and he and Sikander Raza powered their way back into the contest - energised by an assault on George Dockrell, whose solitary over cost 17. Rain arrived in the 34th over with Ireland two runs ahead on DLS. An 80 minute delay saw a revised target of 214 in 37 - 39 runs off 22 balls. That looked even more challenging when Raza holed out off Adair. Still Burl kept finding boundaries and with 13 needed off the last over, it was game on. The run out of Burl looked to have won it, but Brad Evans went six and out to leave the equation at five off two balls. A single left Clive Madande on strike and he was the home town saviour as he thumped a full toss to long on. A real thriller, with more to come on Saturday.
Paul Stirling after Ireland lost the first ODI against Zimbabwe on the last ball
3rd T20I: Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 4 wickets.
Harare SC, 15 January.
Ireland 141/9 (20 overs: H Tector 47, C Campher 27, G Dockrell 23; W Madhevere 2-8, L Jongwe 2-23, T Chatara 2-26, R Burl) Zimbabwe 144/6 (19 overs: C Ervine 54, R Burl 30*; B White 2-26, B McCarthy 2-32)
(Zimbabwe Cricket)2nd T20I: Zimbabwe lost to Ireland by 6 wickets.
Harare SC, 14 January.
Zimbabwe 144 (20 overs; C Ervine 42, I Kaia 25; G Hume 3-17, H Tector 2-22) Ireland 150-4 (19.4 overs; R Adair 65, A Balbirnie 33, H Tector 26; R Burl 2-26)
Ross Adair reaches his half-century as Ireland won the 2nd T20I in Harare. (Zimbabwe Cricket)Man of the Match Ross Adair speaking after the match
2nd T20I: Zimbabwe lost to Ireland by 6 wickets.
Harare SC, 14 January.
Zimbabwe 144 (20 overs; C Ervine 42, I Kaia 25; G Hume 3-17, H Tector 2-22) Ireland 150-4 (19.4 overs; R Adair 65, A Balbirnie 33, H Tector 26; R Burl 2-26)
Ross Adair reaches his half-century as Ireland won the 2nd T20I in Harare. (Zimbabwe Cricket)Man of the Match Ross Adair speaking after the match
1st T20I: Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 5 wickets
Harare SC, 12 January.
Ireland 114 all out (19.2 overs; G Delany 24, C Campher 20, S Doheny 15; R Burl 3-29, W Mazakadza 2-13, T Chatara 2-17, R Ngarva 2-20) Zimbabwe 118/5 (18 overs; G Ballance 30, S Williams 34*, M Adair 2-12, H Tector 2-17)
Andrew Balbirnie misses a wide delivery in the first T20I at the Harare Sports Club (Zimbabwe Cricket)
A rusty batting display saw Ireland beaten by five wickets against Zimbabwe in the opening match of their T20I series in Harare. The Irish gave debuts to both Ross Adair and Stephen Doheny in a new look to the top of the order. However, they slumped to 45 for 4 at the halfway stage, and only a run-a-ball 20 from Curtis Campher and a top score of 24 by Gareth Delany down the order saw them past 100. A final total of 114 looked well short at the halfway stage, but wickets in the first two overs from Harry Tector - his first bowl in the format at this level - and Mark Adair put a different complexion on matters. However, Gary Ballance's return to international cricket proved a timely one, as he steadied the ship with a solid 30. Further wickets for Tector (2-17) and Adair (2-12) gave the tourists hope, but Sean Williams' unbeaten 34 ensured the win with two overs to spare, sending the sizeable home crowd home happy. Ryan Burl's three wickets saw him collect the Man-of-the-Match award, while there were two apiece for Mazakadza, Chatara, and Ngarva on a day where the bowlers made use of a sluggish track. The sides meet again on Saturday at the same venue in the second game of the series.
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie is interviewed after the match
Ireland Wolves 2023
2nd 4 day: West Indies U23 beat Emerging Ireland by 433 runs
CCG, Antigua, 2 December.
West Indies U23 326 & 321/8 dec. (71.2 overs: Kevin Wickham 105*, Akeem Auguste 75, Teddy Bishop 46, Nayeem Young 32, McKenny Clarke 22; Tom Mayes 5-75, Mike Frost 2-136, Liam McCarthy 1-48)
Emerging Ireland 72 & 142 (37.5 overs: Liam McCarthy 32, Stephen Doheny 23; McKenny Clarke 2-16, Joshua Bishop 4-35, Kelvin Pitmann 1-35, Nayeem Young 1-20)
Kevlon Anderson celebrates his century (West Indies Cricket)
Toss: Ireland. There was no great urgency in the post Tea batting which suggested that there wouldn’t be an overnight declaration by the West Indies so Ireland's agony continues into Day 3. Carlon Tuckett is lbw to Mike Frost in the third over of play so that might prompt a change of tactics from the hosts. Kevin Wickham is now showing signs of aggression and it looks like he's been given the chance to score a first class century so perhaps that or his wicket will precipitate the declaration. Young hits Mayes for consecutive boundaries and holes out at long on going for his third in a row. Joshua Bishop smashes Mayes to extra to give him a fourth wicket. And still they come!!! Tom Mayes denied a second five-for in the match with Wickham dropped on 86, a push to extra! And a repeat only this time it's through the hands and onto the head and Commins is forced to leave the field. Will he be fit to bat? Mayes gets his deserved 5th wicket and has match figures of 10-139. Declaration brings lunch a few minutes early with the lead standing at 575. Normal service resumed after Lunch - McCollum 2, Carmichael 14, Tector 0! Fionn Hand to bat at five as a concussion sub instead of Murray Commins but gone for 4 followed by Topping 11, Mayes 5 and MacBeth 8.
1st 4 day: West Indies U23 beat Emerging Ireland by an innings and 134 runs
CCG, Antigua, 25 November.
Emerging Ireland 213 & 62 (32.4 overs: Isai Thorne 4-8, Joshua Bishop 2-5, Nyeem Young 2-15, Johann Layne 1-12, Ashmead Nedd 1-22) West Indies U23 409 (96.4 overs: Joshua Bishop 102*, Teddy Bishop 92, Kevlon Anderson 79, Johann Layne 56; Mike Frost 4-89, Matthew Foster 3-81, Gavin Hoey 2-57)
Joshua Bishop celebrates reaching his century (West Indies Cricket)
Emerging Ireland are facing an uphill battle to salvage anything after the West Indies Academy dominated the second day of their first-class match in Antigua. The Irish batting has been frail all tour, and after Murray Commins - who hit 17 fours in his 93 - added 128 for the third wicket with Cade Carmichael (59), the wheels came off as they lost eight wickets for 70 runs to be bowled out for 213. Early wickets for Matty Foster gave them hope but the initiative was taken back by the hosts with Teddy Bishop (92) and Kevlon Anderson (79) sharing a third wicket partnership of 152. When left-arm spinner Mike Frost took four wickets it appeared that the Irish would be able to restrict the lead to manageable proportions. However, a counter-attacking 9th wicket stand of 84 in 12 overs saw the Irish team wilt in the face of the onslaught. Teddy Bishop thumped an unbeaten 102 from just 69 balls that included 9 fours and 8 sixes, and he found a willing ally in Johann Layne, whose 50-ball 56 saw him hit six fours and clear the ropes three times as West Indies finished on 409. With a lead of 196, Heinrich Malan's side faced a tricky final hour before the close. They failed to emerge unscathed with the loss of James McCollum, quickly followed by Cade Carmichael and Murray Commins to leave them very much behind the eight ball at 29 for 3. The third day's play gets underway on Monday at 2pm Irish time.
3rd ODM: West Indies U23 beat Emerging Ireland by 6 wickets
SVRS, Antigua, 21 November.
Emerging Ireland 175 (43.4 overs; Stephen Doheny 64, Tom Mayes 27, Morgan Topping 20; Ashmead Nedd 3-28, Joshua Bishop 3-32, Kevin Wickham 3-42) West Indies U23 179/4 (40.3 overs; Nyeem Young 75*, Matthew Nandu 63*; Matthew Humphreys 2-52, Liam McCarthy 1-12, Scott Macbeth 1-32)
Murray Commins goes cheaply, well caught after a miscued attempted pull. Cade Carmichael is bowled for 5 by one that nipped back off the seam. Stephen Doheny reaches his 50 from 63 balls (5 fours) - it's been a one-man show thus far. End of a useful third wicket stand of 65 as Morgan Topping is trapped by the left-arm spinner. Ireland have a useful platform to push on as we approach the mid-way point of the innings. But Tim Tector's torrid tour continues with his third duck and Ireland now are 98 for 4. Could have been five down but Macbeth is dropped on 1 - a simple return catch to Nedd spilled, and on 2 by the keeper. His luck runs out though as he is bowled, quickly followed by skipper Doheny who walks past one and is stumped. He had become a bit frustrated as the runs had dried up. Gavin Hoey quickly follows as the innings continues to stutter. Tom Mayes and Fionn Hand can score freely - can they change the dynamic of the contest? Another drop by the hosts as Bishop spills a tough return catch from Hand. Tom Mayes little cameo ended by a quicker ball from Wickham. Humpheys hits tamely to long-on to give Wickham his second, who gets a third as he takes a terrific running catch off his own bowling to get Fionn Hand (17). Will 175 be enough. It feels under-par. Ireland will have to bowl exceptionally well if they are to win the the series decider. An early breakthrough as Liam McCarthy gets Kadeem Alleyne to edge one to Stephen Doheny. Matthew Humphreys then induces Teddy Bishop to mistime one tamely to mid-on, and then has another next ball as Johnson edges to Commins at first slip. Game on! A quiet period sees West Indies go safety first but it's ended by Macbeth who bowls Wickham for 18. Nyeem Young and Matthew Nandu have put on a half century stand with a safety first approach - not great to watch on a sluggish track but effective. Tim Tector almost breaks the deadlock as he gets a hand to a return catch but can't quite hold on to the tough chance. Then he has a good shout for lbw turned down - bit of bat involved? In the end a comfortable win for the hosts as the bowlers ran out of ideas. An unbroken stand of 115 between Young and Nandu with both making half centuries. The teams now switch to red-ball cricket with the first four-day game starting on Saturday.
2nd ODM: West Indies Academy beat Emerging Ireland by 7 wickets
CCG, Antigua, 19 November.
Emerging Ireland 103 (27.3 overs, Scott Macbeth 29, Stephen Doheny 27, Murray Commins 16; Ashmead Nedd 3-12, Joshua Bishop 3-20, McKenny Clarke 2-20, Nyeem Young 2-21) West Indies U23 107/3 (15.4 overs, Jordan Johnson 40*, Teddy Bishop 32*; Fionn Hand 2-29, Matthew Foster 1-19)
The West Indies Academy levelled the series with an emphatic seven wicket win over Emerging Ireland in a match that was over before the lunch interval. Once again the Irish top order batting failed, but unlike Friday, there was no late order revival to bail them out. Scott Macbeth top scored with 29, while skipper Stephen Doheny made 27, and Friday centurion Murray Commins made 16. The hosts bowlers kept the pressure on throughout with wickets for Ashmead Nedd 3-12, Joshua Bishop 3-20, McKenny Clarke 2-20, and Nyeem Young 2-21. To be able to defend a meagre 103 the Irish would have to make early inroads, but although Fionn Hand (2-29) and Matthew Foster (1-19) did have some success, the result was never in doubt. Jordan Johnson cleared the ropes three times and hit four boundaries in a rapid unbeaten 40 from just 21 balls, adding 67 with Teddy Bishop (32*) as the target was reached in the 16th over. The teams will meet in the third and deciding one-day game on Tuesday, before the attention switches to the red-ball format.
1st ODM: West Indies U23 lost to Emerging Ireland by 26 runs
SVRS, Antigua, 17 November.
Emerging Ireland 245 (49.1 overs; Murray Commins 118*, Tom Mayes 51, Gavin Hoey 25; Joshua Bishop 4-45, Kevin Wickham 2-50, Johann Layne 2-52) West Indies U23 219 (41.4 overs; Matthew Nandu 59, Kadeem Alleyne 42, Junior Sinclair 35, Leonardo Julien 28; Scott Macbeth 3-33, Gavin Hoey 3-43)
Two early wickets for West Indian paceman Johann Layne sees Stephen Doheny and Cade Carmichael both dismissed cheaply. Murray Commins and Adam Rosslee at the crease now. The third one goes as Rosslee trapped lbw - given after the fifth appeal.. Two balls later and Tim Tector also given lbw - just the three appeals this time! Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop has a third as he bowls Scott Macbeth who played down the wrong line. An enterprising stand is ended when Gavin Hoey cuts to slip to give Bishop his fourth. Murray Commins (dropped on 39) closing in on his 50 has added 31 and counting with Fionn Hand.The stand is ended by Kevn Wickham who also accounts for Matthew Humphreys. Cummins the glue that is holding the side together. He and Tom Mayes leading a late order rally with the stand at 70. Can they get up to 200 and beyond as Commins closes in on a century? They can indeed as both landmarks passed.100 stand in 90 balls. Great effort ended by the run out of Mayes, A final total of 245 gives the Irish attack something to defend. One of the West Indies openers is Kadeem Alleyne who was overseas player at Saintfield in the NCU last year. He makes a rapid 41 before being dismissed by short ball from Matthew Foster courtesy of a great catch running back by Murray Commins. Should have been a second wicket in the next over but Rosslee spills sitter at mid-off - Mayes the unlucky bowler. Steady progress by hosts as 100 up in the 18th over. Finally, a welcome second wicket as Scott Macbeth spins one past the bat and Doheny completes the stumping. Quickly followed by one for Gavin Hoey. Ireland chipping away. Wow, just wow. A spectacular running, diving catch by Fionn Hand running back at long-on. If catches win matches, this will be a perfect example of it. Tim Tector into the attack and after bowling a few pies gets a wicket! Lulled Auguste into a false sense of security. Ireland now favourites. 100 still needed. 6th wicket comes courtesy of another well judged catch. Fionn Hand with his first wicket. West Indies fighting back with Nandu reaching 50 and he and Junior Sinclair have added 50 and counting. Balance tilts back towards the hosts as the final drinks break is taken. Has Junior Sinclair given Ireland a chance? Goes for the heave-ho but skied to Hand at mid-off. Is this another twist. That stand was worth 63. The next over and Scott Macbeth has his second as opener Nandu walks past one and it's another stumping for the skipper. Macbeth strikes again in the same over as he gets his third. Ireland on the brink. Matthew Humphreys gets the last wicket as they complete a 26-run win. Remarkable comeback win from where they were.
Ireland Academy 2023
European T10 Eliminator: Ireland Academy lost to Spain by 7 wickets
Cartama Oval, Spain, 20 October.
Ireland Academy 139/6 (10 overs: Jared Wilson 36, Tim Tector 33, Gavin Hoey 24, Liam Doherty 23*; Raja Adeel 2-27)
Spain 143/3 (8.5 overs: Muhammad Barbar 60, Hamza Dar 43*)
Ireland bowed out of the tournament with a loss to hosts Spain who chased their 140 target to win with seven balls to spare. The early losses of Seamus Lynch and Sam Harbinson damaged their hopes of a truly commanding total, but cameos from Jared Wilson 36, Tim Tector 33, Gavin Hoey 24, and Liam Doherty 23* got them up to 139 for 6. Any hopes it would be enough were blown away by a hard hit 60 in 23 balls from Muhammad Barbar (8 sixes) and a rapid 15-ball unbeaten 43 from Hamza Dar (6 sixes).
European T10: Ireland beat England by 6 wickets
Malaga, 19 October.
England 122/5 (10 overs: Cameron Hemp 36, David Scott 26; Mike Frost 2-13) Ireland 123/4 (9.3 overs: Sam Harbinson 66*, Tim Tector 21)
An unbeaten 66 from skipper Sam Harbinson kept alive Ireland's hopes of making Finals Day as they beat England by six wickets in Spain. A much improved bowling display saw the England XI restricted to 122 for 5, with two wickets for Mike Frost and decent spells from Ollie Riley and Jared Wilson. Seamus Lynch fell in the first over, but a breezy cameo from Tim Tector (21) got Ireland back on track. Merrion all-rounder Harbinson then ensured the win as he cleared the ropes six times and also hit five boundaries in his 66 not out from 28 balls to secure victory with three balls left. Ireland take on Italy in their final group game on Thursday afternoon (3pm) needing a win and hoping other results go their way to eke out fourth place.
European T10: Ireland beat Italy by 9 wickets
Malaga, 19 October.
Italy 114/8 (10 overs: Nishermal Fernnado 55, Sarnaru Jayawardena 25*; Tim Tector 2-29, Sam Harbinson 3-26, Mike Frost 2-21) Ireland 119/1 (4.2 overs: Seamus Lynch 54*, Sam Harbinson 44*, Tim Tector 12)
Ireland's quickfire win has guaranteed fourth place and an appearance on Finals Day. There they will Spain in Friday morning's eliminator. Skipper Sam Harbinson led by example taking three wickets in four balls as Italy slumped to 37 for 6. Nishermal Fernando's 55 from 19 balls (5 fours, 5 sixes) helped them to recover to 114 for 8, but it still was way below par in the high scoring tournament. Tim Tector hit two sixes before being trapped lbw, but that didn't trouble the Irish at all. Seamus Lynch cleared the ropes eight times in a 12-ball unbeaten 55, as he and Harbinson - who hit 44 not out from 11 balls - added 86 for the second wicket to seal the win in 26 balls.
European T10: Ireland lost to Jersey by 40 runs
Malaga, 18 October.
Jersey 199/5 (10 overs: Asa Tribe 122 (32 balls, 7x4s 14x6s), Jonty Jenner 34; Jared Wilson 2-34, Adam Kennedy 1-49) Ireland 159/6 (10 overs: Sam Harbinson 97, Scott Macbeth 42*; Asa Tribe 2-17, Toby Britton 2-31)
The trophy (CricketEurope)
First ball of the second over and Hoey and Wilson collide in the covers spilling Asa Tribe's chipped catch - he went on to score a century off 24 balls before he finished with 122 off 32 - a costly drop! It was a case of toss it up and watch it disappear for all the Ireland bowlers. Lynch went caught behind first ball of the chase and Tector first ball of the second over! Skipper Harbinson stepped up with 97 off 31 balls, he almost survived as Saumerauer and Tribe collided but the catch was held, as was Hoey's slog first ball. Doherty gave Tribe the charge first ball, missed, dropped his bat, and was left sprawling and was stumped - just about summed today up! That was Ireland's only game today - plenty of time to get into the nets.
European T10: Ireland lost to Netherlands by 4 wickets
Malaga, 17 October.
Ireland 122/9 (10 overs: Seamus Lynch 44, Gavin Hoey 28; Olivier Elenbaas 2-14, Arvan Jain 2-16, Sebastiaan Braat 2-23, Clayton Floyd 2-26) Netherlands 126/6 (8.3 overs: Sikander Zulfiqar 36, Michael Levitt 24; Sam Harbinson 3-28)
Toss: Netherlands
European T10: Ireland beat Spain by 51 runs
Malaga, 16 October.
Ireland 216/3 (10 overs: Tim Tector 108*, (32 balls, 5x4 13x6), Seamus Lynch 50, Scott Macbeth 22, Sam Harbinson 14*) Spain 165/6 (10 overs: Muhammad Ihsan 43, Muhammad Yasin 37*, Awais Ahmed 22; Gavin Hoey 2-17)
Tim Tector's unbeaten century ensured Ireland got Championship week off to a winning start with a 51-run win over hosts Spain at the Cartama Oval. The YMCA batsman hit 13 sixes and 5 fours in his 108 off 32 balls as the Irish posted a mammoth 216 for 3. He shared stands of 70 with a Seamus Lynch for the second wicket - who continued his love affair with the T10 tournament as he pummelled 7 sixes and 2 fours in his 12-ball half century - and 86 for the third wicket with Scott Macbeth (22). Skipper Sam Harbinson (14*) also cleared the ropes twice as the Irish innings saw 23 sixes and 10 fours scored. Tector dismissed the dangerous Daniel Doyle-Calle second ball, and despite hard-hit cameos from Ihsan (43 - 6 sixes) and Yasin (37* - 5 sixes) Ireland were always in control. Pembroke leg-spinner Gavin Hoey (2-17) was one of the few bowlers in the contest to escape serious punishment as Spain ended on 165 for 6.
European T10: Ireland lost to Germany by 9 wickets
Malaga, 16 October.
Ireland 130/7 (10 overs: Seamus Lynch 53, Cameron Melly 25: Ghulam Ahmadi 3-17, Fayaz Khan 2-17) Germany 132/1 (7.4 overs: Jamshed Khan 60*, Shahid Afridi 44*)
Ireland were brought down to earth after a nine-wicket humbling by Germany who made light work of a potentially tricky 130 target. Seamus Lynch again made a powerful half century, hitting seven sixes in his 18-ball 53 as he and Cameron Melly (25) got them off to a quick start in an opening stand of 46. Thereafter the innings stuttered as Man of the Match Ghulam Ahmadi (3-17) and Fayaz Khan (2-17) took wickets at regular intervals. There were some late blows from Jared Wilson (14*), Gavin Hoey (12) and Sam Harbinson (10*) but a total of 130 for 7 looked light at the halfway stage and so it proved. Tim Tector took a wicket in the opening over having been hit twice out of the park, but that was the sole success for the Irish as the Germans powered to victory with a second wicket stand of 120 between Jamshed Khan who hit 6 fours and 5 sixes in a top score of 60 from 24 balls, and Shahid Afridi who thumped five maximums in his 18-ball unbeaten 44. A chastening loss for Pete Johnston's side who face defending champions The Netherlands on Tuesday afternoon.
European T10: Ireland beat Hungary by 54 runs
Malaga, 7 October.
Ireland Academy 168/2 (10 overs: Cameron Melly 58*, Scott Macbeth 45*, Tim Tector 39, Gavin Hoey 18)
Hungary 114/7 (10 overs: Leus du Plooy 37, Ashrith Darapureddy 27, Vinoth Ravindram 20; Tim Tector 2-3, O Riley 2-17)
Ireland marched into the final with another resounding win, this time against Hungary. The Irish continued to rotate their batting line-up and once again it proved successful as Tim Tector and Cameron Melly got them off to the proverbial flyer. YMCA opener Tector thumped five sixes in a 13-ball 39 as 50 came up in three overs. Melly then took up the mantle as he and Gavin Hoey (18) put on 62 for the second wicket. The runs kept flowing as Scott MacBeth joined his Brigade colleague Melly - 56 coming from the last 20 balls. Melly top-scored with an unbeaten 58 from 28 balls (4 fours, 5 sixes), while Macbeth's 12-ball 45 not out included 6 sixes. A total of 168 for 2 was certainly an imposing one, and despite a hard-hit 37 from Derbyshire's Leus Du Plooy they never came close to worrying Ireland. Tim Tector (2-3) removed both Du Plooy brothers, while his YMCA colleague Olly Riley again bowled with real pace. The only concern for Pete Johnston's side will be an unusually sloppy fielding display with two dropped catches and a number of misfields. Ireland will play either Hungary again or Finland in the final at 7.30pm on Saturday evening.
Group Final : Hungary lost to Ireland Academy by 8 wickets
Malaga, 7 October.
Hungary 137/2 (10 overs: Ximus du Plooy 52*, Ashrith Darapuereddy 43, Leus du Plooy 18) Ireland Academy 138/2 (8.4 overs: Tim Tector 48, Scott Macbeth 44*, Seamus Lynch 36; Ximus du Plooy 2-29)
Group Winners - Ireland Academy (ECN)
Ireland clinched Group D of the European Championships with their third win over Hungary and will proceed to Finals week later in the month. This was their toughest test yet as Hungary posted 137 for 2 with a half century from Ximus du Plooy. Ireland' batters though have dominated all week and did once again in the decider. Seamus Lynch set the tone with an explosive 36 from just 11 balls (2 fours, 4 sixes) as he dominated an opening stand of 54 in only three overs. Fellow opener Tim Tector and Scott Macbeth continued to clear the ropes with ease, with the pair hitting a combined 11 sixes. Tector also hit two fours in his top-score of 48 (21 balls), while Macbeth's unbeaten 17-ball 44 ensured the eight wicket win in the penultimate over. Pete Johnston' side have been the stand-out side by a considerable margin, but they will face a sterner test in nine days where holders The Netherlands, Italy, Jersey, and hosts Spain have already qualified, likely to be joined by an England XI and Scotland.
European T10: Ireland beat Hungary by 7 wickets
Malaga, Spain, 6 October.
Hungary 94/5 (10 overs: Ashrith Darapureddy 51*; Olly Riley 2-3, Gavin Hoey 2-18, Jared Wilson 1-15) Ireland 96/3 (4.3 overs: Seamus Lynch 51*, Tim Tector 23)
Seamus Lynch made a record half century as Ireland Academy made it three wins from three with an emphatic seven wickets win over Hungary at the Cartama Oval in Spain. The Terenure opener dubbed ‘La Machina/The Machine’ by the tournament organisers following his exploits last year continued in the same vein with a blistering unbeaten 51 off just ten balls. His knock included seven sixes, three fours and a single as Pete Johnston’s side chased down their modest 95 target in just 4.3 overs. Tim Tector cleared the ropes three times in his 23 from seven balls, while Liam Doherty (13) also made double figures. YMCA’s teenage speedster Olly Riley (2-3) was the pick of the bowlers, getting the prize scalp of Derbyshire’s Leus Du Plooy for just a single – the South African having made a tournament record century the day before. Ireland’s fielding was top quality, with Carson McCullough and a combination of Liam Doherty and Jared Wilson taking exceptional catches. Ireland lead the group going into their final group game later this evening when they play Finland.
European T10: Ireland beat Finland by 66 runs
Malaga, Spain, 6 October.
Ireland 161/0 (10 overs: Sam Harbinson 81*, John McNally 69*)
Finland 95/8 (10 overs: Faheem Nellancheri 39; Carson McCullough 2-12, Scott Macbeth 2-19)
Ireland produced another emphatic display to top the Group beating Finland by 66 runs. The Irish once again mixed up their batting with skipper Sam Harbinson and John McNally getting an opportunity at the top of the order. The duo took full advantage with an unbroken opening stand of 161 in ten overs. Merrion all-rounder Harbinson top scored with 81 from 35 balls (7 fours, 6 sixes), while Clontarf teenager McNally cleared the ropes seven times and clubbed four boundaries too in his 26-ball 69. The Finns never threatened in the chase, with two wickets apiece for Carson McCullough and Scott Macbeth keeping them to 95 for 8. There was also a wicket apiece for Tim Tector, John McNally, Gavin Hoey and Mike Frost. Ireland will take on Hungary on Saturday, with the winners going to the final, while the loser will have another opportunity to make the decider playing the winner of the eliminator game.
European T10: Ireland beat Austria by 61 runs
Malaga, Spain, 5 October.
Ireland 150/2 (10 overs: Seamus Lynch 67, Tim Tector 55; Karanbir Singh 2-19) Austria 89/9 (10 overs: Baseer Khan 23*, Imran Asif 21; Adam Kennedy 3-2, Mike Frost 2-18)
Ireland opened Group D of the T10 European Championships with a convincing 61-run win over Austria at the Cartama Oval in Spain. The win was set up by an opening stand of 125 between Seamus Lynch and Tim Tector which propelled Pete Johnston's side to 150 for 2 in their ten overs. Terenure opener Lynch hit seven 6's and three fours in a top-score of 67, while YMCA's Tim Tector's 55 saw him clear the ropes 6 times as well as three boundaries. Scott Macbeth added late runs with a rapid 19 not out. Austria never threatened to chase it down, kept to jut 89 for 9. CIYMS seamer Adam Kennedy (3-2) took three wickets in an over, while Malahide left-arm spinner Mike Frost (2-18) took two wickets in the final over of a one-sided win. Tim Tector took three catches in the deep as Ireland dominated from start to finish. Ireland are back in action this afternoon when they take on Turkey at 4.30pm.
European T10: Ireland beat Turkey by 10 wickets
Malaga, Spain, 5 October.
Turkey 51/6 (10 overs: Jared Wilson 2-1) Ireland 52/0 (3.5 overs: Liam Doherty 29*, Cameron Melly 21*)
Ireland made it two wins from two as they thumped Turkey by ten wickets in the afternoon game at the Cartama Oval. A fine bowling display saw the Turks restricted to a very modest 51 for 6 with two wickets for Jared Wilson (2-1), and one apiece for Olly Riley, Scott Macbeth and Mike Frost, with Liam Doherty/Seamus Lynch getting a run out. The chase was over in 23 balls with the North West duo of Liam Doherty (29*) and Cameron Melly (21*) getting some batting practice as the Irish coaches changed it up. Doherty cleared the ropes four times in 11 balls, while Melly hit 3 fours and a 6. On Friday, Ireland face Finland and Hungary - for whom Derbyshire's Leus Du Plooy made 93 from 27 balls in their win over the Finns.
Reports & Articles
Balbirnie at the double
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Andy Balbirnie struck an unbeaten 82 to guide Ireland to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Harare yesterday and deliver a first one-day international series win for his great mate and new skipper Paul Stirling.
Ireland end year on a high
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Andrew Balbirnie, in his 100th ODI innings, led Ireland to victory in the third and final one-day international at the Harare Sports Club, reaching their DLS target of 201 with seven wickets and a comfortable 13 balls to spare.
Josh Little goes large
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Josh Little celebrated his 100th cap with a stunning six-wicket haul in Harare yesterday to set Ireland on the way to a hard-fought victory in the second one-day international, and a 1-0 lead in the series going into tomorrow’s final game.
Stirling lauds Little's 'six-for'
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Josh Little’s six-wicket haul in the second one-day international in Harare was described as by Paul Stirling as “one of the best spells up front I have seen” as Ireland took a rare series lead, against Zimbabwe.
Joy of six for Little
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Josh Little marked his 100th cap for Ireland with a six-wicket haul that ensured Ireland beat Zimbabwe in the second one-day international in Harare.
Rain continues to follow Ireland
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Rain continues to follow the Ireland team around the world with the first one-day international against Zimbabwe abandoned after just 25 overs as the drought in Harare came to an abrupt halt.
Ireland end drought in Zimbabwe
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Josh Little struck an important psychological blow for Ireland at the start of their three-match one-day international series against Zimbabwe yesterday before thunderstorms and lightning forced an abandonment of the first game in Harare.
Stirling hungry for more success
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Paul Stirling is hungry for more success after leading Ireland to an historic first away series win in Zimbabwe and believes today’s opening clash holds the key to winning the three-match one-day international series in Harare.
Ireland gain morale boosting series win
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Six months out from the World Cup, Ireland claimed a morale-boosting first series win in Zimbabwe with a six wickets victory in the deciding T20 international in Harare.
Tector seals series win
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Harry Tector was instrumental in delivering back-to-back victories for Ireland over the weekend at the Harare Sports Club and a first series victory on Zimbabwean soil, as the visitors shaded three closely-fought T20 internationals.
Tector and Campher combine to level series
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Paul Stirling hailed the partnership between Harry Tector and Curtis Campher that helped Ireland level the three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe in another last over finish in Harare.
ICC find Raza, Little and Campher guilty of Code of Conduct breach.
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Zimbabwe captain, Sikandar Raza and Ireland players, Curtis Campher and Josh Little have been fined for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I match between Zimbabwe and Ireland.
A game that had everything, except the result!
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It was the game that had everything. A last ball finish, two stunning catches and a major confrontation between the Zimbabwe captain and Ireland’s star bowler.
Ireland beaten in T20 opener
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Paul Stirling’s dream of becoming the first Ireland captain to win a series in Zimbabwe was dealt a blow at the Harare Sports Club last night as his side suffered a last-ball defeat in the first of three T20 internationals.
MOM Sikander Raza condemns Ireland to defeat
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Zimbabwe captain Sikander Raza scored his fourth successive T20 half-century as the hosts beat Ireland in the first T20 international at the Harare Sports Club by one wicket off the final ball.
New era dawns for Ireland
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The Paul Stirling captaincy era will begin officially in Harare this evening when Ireland take on Zimbabwe in the first of three T20 internationals, to be followed next week by three ODIs.
Zimbabwe edge Ireland in last-ball thriller
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There has been little between Zimbabwe and Ireland over the years and it was again the case in Harare in the opening match of their three-game T20I series.
Five Irish players included in Pakistan Super League draft
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Five current Irish internationals have put their names forward for next week's Pakistan Super League draft.
Ireland thumped by West Indies
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Emerging Ireland went down by a whopping 433 runs against the West Indies Academy in the final game of their short trip to Antigua.
Ireland misery continues in Antigua
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Emerging Ireland's batting woes in the West Indies continued after another horror show on the second day of their four-day game against the West Indies Academy in Antigua.
Emerging Ireland stage late fightback
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Four wickets in the final hour of the first day gave the Irish bowlers some reward for their battling endeavours as they looked to square the four-day series.
Malan critical of lack of structure in Irish cricket
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Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan has admitted for the first time his surprise at the lack of structure in Cricket Ireland when he arrived here in March 2022.
Brown appointed Ireland spin bowling coach
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Cricket Ireland have appointed Norfolk Board Performance Manger Chris Brown as their High Performance spin bowling coach.
Ireland slump to emphatic defeat
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Emerging Ireland could only muster 62 in their second innings as they lost by a whopping innings and 134 runs against the West Indies Academy side in Antigua.
Ireland deep in trouble against West Indies
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Emerging Ireland are facing an uphill battle to salvage anything after the West Indies Academy dominated the second day of their first-class match in Antigua.
James McCollum called up to Emerging squad
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Waringstown batsman James McCollum has been called up to the Emerging Ireland squad for their two four-day games against the West Indies Under-23s in Antigua.
West Indies beat Ireland to clinch series
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Ireland's middle-order woes surfaced again as they lost to hosts West Indies by six wickets in Antigua.
West Indies level series
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The West Indies Academy levelled the series with an emphatic seven wicket win over Emerging Ireland in a match that was over before the lunch interval.
Plenty at stake for the next in line
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The presence of Heinrich Malan on Emerging Ireland’s tour to Antigua has raised the stakes for the 14 players who would appear to be the next cabs off the rank for promotion to the senior squad.
No surprises in Ireland squad
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THE Ireland T20 squad that qualified for next year’s World Cup remains in pole position to take part in the tournament after all but one of the 15 players were named for next month’s tour of Zimbabwe.
Stirling to lead Ireland
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Paul Stirling immediately set his sights on the 2027 World Cup after his confirmation yesterday as the permanent Ireland white-ball captain, succeeding his best mate Andy Balbirnie who will remain as Test skipper.
Stirling and Balbirnie get the captaincy nod
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Paul Stirling has been confirmed as Ireland’s permanent white-ball captain, with Andrew Balbirnie staying in charge of the Test match team.
Stirling confirmed as white-ball captain
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Paul Stirling has today been announced as Ireland’s permanent white-ball captain effective immediately.
Ireland knocked out by Spain
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Ireland bowed out of the tournament with a loss to hosts Spain who chased their 140 target to win with seven balls to spare.
Ireland Academy reach finals day
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The Ireland Academy side charged into Finals Day at the European (T10) Championships in Malaga with victories yesterday against the England XI, who had already qualified, and Italy.
Mark Hawthorne pays tribute to Paul Reynolds
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Leading Irish umpire Mark Hawthorne has paid tribute to his colleague Paul Reynolds who died on Tuesday following a lengthy illness.
Tector shares highs and lows
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Tim Tector shared Ireland Academy’s high and low on the opening day of the European (T10) Championships Finals week in Malaga.
Mixed fortunes for Ireland in Spain
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A convincing win over Spain is followed by a heavy loss to Germany on the opening day of the Europeean T10 finals week.
Weldon named in Ireland Academy squad
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Ireland Under 19 international Matthew Weldon has been called up by Ireland Academy for Championship week at the European Cricket finals in Spain this week.
Doheny to lead Ireland Academy in West Indies
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Stephen Doheny will captain an exciting Ireland Emerging squad to Antigua next month where they will play West Indies Under 23s in three 50-over games and two four-day games.
Dominant Ireland win European T10 Group
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Ireland clinched Group D of the European Championships with their third win over Hungary and will proceed to Finals week later in the month.
Ireland beat Hungary to reach final
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Ireland marched into the final with another resounding win, this time against Hungary.
Ireland Academy top group in European T10
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Ireland enjoyed comfortable wins on Friday against Hungary and Finland.
Ireland Academy make it two out of two.
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Ireland made it two wins from two in the European T10 as they thumped Turkey by ten wickets in the afternoon game at the Cartama Oval.
Ireland beat Austria in T10 opener
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Ireland opened Group D of the T10 European Championships with a convincing 61-run win over Austria at the Cartama Oval in Spain.
Ireland going backwards
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Ireland interim captain Paul Stirling expressed his surprise that the one-day international against England in Bristol was abandoned just 30 minutes after the rain arrived.
Rain saves Ireland from total humiliation
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Ireland escaped the likely embarrassment of conceding a record score in Bristol yesterday when a sharp shower around 3pm forced the abandonment of their final one-day international against England.
Ireland at their best can win says Tector.
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Ireland have the chance to finish the summer on a winning note when they face England in the third one-day international of the series at Bristol today.
Tector the main man for Ireland
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Harry Tector fell 11 short of yet another one-day international half-century when Ireland lost to England in Nottingham on Saturday but again showed how far he has progressed since making his ODI debut against the same opposition three years ago.
Ireland fightback gives hope for Malan
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Ireland shook off the disappointment of missing the World Cup in a good work-out against England’s second string at Nottingham. They went down to a 48-run defeat but there was enough to hearten coach Heinrich Malan.
Young efforts in vain as Ireland beaten by England
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A career best List A innings by Craig Young was in vain as Ireland fell to a 48 runs defeat by England in Saturday’s one-day international at Trent Bridge.
Tucker critical of Ireland WCQ preparations
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Lorcan Tucker has given a new take on Ireland’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, with the lack of 50-over action ahead of the tournament in Zimbabwe, he believes, costing them dear,
Ireland name Academy Squad for European Championhips
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The Ireland Academy squad that will play in the upcoming 2023 European Cricket Championships (ECC) has been named.
World Cup absence hurts Ireland
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Head coach Heinrich Malan admits that Ireland’s absence from next month’s World Cup still hurts but the preparation for the next Finals in 2027 starts this week with a three-match one-day international series against England.
Ireland start rebuild process
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CURTIS CAMPHER will move up the batting order against England at Headingley tomorrow and is set for an extended run at No 3 as Ireland start to put the building blocks in place for the next World Cup in 2027.
Root to play first ODI against Ireland
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Out of form England batsman Joe Root has been added to the squad that will play Ireland this week.
New role for Balbirnie
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Ireland have named a familiar 15-strong squad for the three one-day internationals in England later this month but will make a key tactical change with Andy Balbirnie promoted to open the batting with new skipper Paul Stirling.
Balbirnie back on top
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Andrew Balbirnie will return to the top of the order in the three-match one-day international series against England this month, will Curtis Campher promoted to his old number three slot.
Ireland name squad for England series
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Ireland have named a 15-man squad that will face England in a three-match ODI series later this month.
Stirling bemoans missed chance
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Ireland interim captain Paul Stirling bemoaned the missed opportunity to introduce a few fresh faces after the final match of the T20 international series against India at Malahide was abandoned without a ball bowled.
Ireland to make changes for final game?
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Paul Stirling has said he “will be surprised” if Ireland do not make changes for the final T20 international of the summer, the third game against India at Malahide.
Ireland beaten despite Balbirnie heroics
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Andy Balbirnie struck four sixes in a top score of 72 at Malahide yesterday but his one-man show was not enough to prevent India beating Ireland by 33 runs to take a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 international series.
Death bowling costs Ireland
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It's not often that two overs in a match can be identified as the difference between winning and losing but the 19th and 20th of India’s innings all but settled the second T20 international at Malahide.
Ireland edged out by India
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Yet another narrow defeat for Ireland in a big match at Malahide but this time it was the rain that got them closer than they probably deserved.
Ireland fall just short again
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BARRY McCARTHY hit a sparkling unbeaten half century at Malahide as Ireland recovered from an early collapse to again come within a boundary of beating India in the first of three T20 internationals.
Ireland finally back on home soil
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A year and a day since they last played at home, Ireland face the ultimate challenge today with the visit of India to a sold-out Malahide for the first of three T20 internationals.
Familiar foes for Little
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Josh Little can expect to run into a few familiar faces at Malahide today when he spearheads the Ireland attack against the might of India in the first of three T20 internationals.
Tucker excited by Indian challenge
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Ireland wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker is hoping to carry the “energy and excitement” from his barnstorming 133 for Leinster Lightning on Monday into tomorrow’s sold-out first T20 against India at Malahide.
Ireland name squad for India series
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Fionn Hand and Gareth Delany return to the T20 squad, while Graham Hume and Neil Rock are left out from the squad that qualified for the T20 World Cup last month in Scotland.
Scotland clinch title despite Adair heroics
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A sensational innings by Mark Adair was not enough to get Ireland over the line as they won the battle but lost the war at the T20 World Cup qualifying tournament in Edinburgh.
Ireland beaten by Scotland at T20 qualifiers
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Ireland men ended their T20 World Cup qualifying campaign in second place after losing by eight runs to Scotland in Edinburgh, despite a barnstorming all-round performance from Mark Adair.
Stirling looking for Ireland to finish on high
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After Ireland confirmed their place in an eighth successive T20 World Cup, Paul Stirling has said he wants to finish the European qualifiers on a high by beating Scotland today and winning the tournament in Edinburgh.
Ireland brush aside Jersey
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Ireland supporters can start booking their tickets for the USA and West Indies after Jersey were swept aside by one of the more commanding performances from an Irish side in recent years.
Ireland hammer Austria
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Lorcan Tucker smashed 94 not out from 51 balls as Ireland maintained their 100 per cent record in the T20 Qualifiers in Edinburgh with a dismissive 128-run victory in a mis-match against Austria.
McCarthy stars as Ireland beat Jersey
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Barry McCarthy spearheaded a complete Ireland bowling performance in Edinburgh as the Boys in Green moved within one win of qualifying for the T20 World Cup with a thumping nine-wicket victory over Jersey.
Austria thumped by Ireland
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Mark Adair produced his best T20 bowling figures as Ireland took another huge step to qualification for next summer’s World Cup in the USA and West Indies with their biggest ever victory in the shortest format.
Clinical Ireland destroy Denmark
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Two games into the T20 World cup qualifying tournament and this was much more like it as Ireland eased to a second win with a clinical nine wickets victory over Denmark at the Grange in Edinburgh.
Ireland power past Denmark
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PAUL STIRLING led Ireland to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Denmark with an unbeaten half-century in Edinburgh as the Boys in Green took a much more confident step towards qualifying for next year’s T20 World Cup.
Campher saves Irish blushes
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Ireland go into Friday morning’s game against Denmark looking to make it two wins out of two at the T20 World Cup qualifying tournament in Edinburgh.
Nervy start for Ireland
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MARK ADAIR survived a final over scare before bowling Ireland to a nervy seven-run victory over Italy in Edinburgh.
Italian job for Ireland
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There are two spots available in the seven team competition, with the hosts and Ireland clear favourites, but there are potential pitfalls awaiting Heinrich Malan’s side, starting with Italy, who have a very familiar face in their coaching ranks.
Stirling hoping to avoid banana skins
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Paul Stirling is hoping to avoid any banana skins as he leads Ireland as full-time captain for the first time in Edinburgh this week, looking to claim one of the two T20 World Cup places up for grabs at the European qualifiers.
Delany ruled out of T20 World Cup qualifiers
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Gareth Delany has been ruled out of next week's T20 World Cup Qualifers with a broken wrist and is replaced by New Zealander Theo van Woerkom.
Hauritz confirms Ireland departure
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Nathan Hauritz has departed from Cricket Ireland for personal family reasons.
Ireland seek redemption after WCQ horror show
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All but one of the Ireland squad that failed to qualify for the World Cup finals in India this year will get a chance to redeem themselves in Edinburgh this month after being named in the squad for the T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Ireland name T20 WCQ squad
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Ireland will attempt to salvage some pride from the wreckage of a disastrous 50-overs World Cup Qualifying campaign as they travel to Scotland later this month in a bid to make the T20 World Cup.
Dismal campaign sees Balbirnie call time
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Andy Balbirnie called time on his captaincy of Ireland in white-ball cricket last night after a dismal World Cup qualifying campaign, and handed the reins to his great mate and long-time colleague Paul Stirling.
Balbirnie resigns as Ireland white-ball captain
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Andrew Balbirnie has resigned as Ireland white-ball captain following a bitterly disappointing World Cup Qualifying campaign that saw his side finish in seventh place.
Ireland to face Nepal in placings play-off
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Ireland will play Nepal in the 7th/8th play-off at the World Cup qualifying tournament in Harare tomorrow, after Nepal recovered from 63 for six and 106 for seven to beat UAE by three wickets thanks to an undefeated eighth wicket stand of 79.
Ian Callender's thoughts on Ireland's performance
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Watching Netherlands hammer Oman at the Harare Sports Club today only highlighted the horror start that Ireland made at the World Cup qualifying tournament and why they will be flying home on Wednesday
Young stars as Ireland beat USA
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Craig Young admitted it has been a frustrating week but he produced a man of the match performance in his first game in Zimbabwe for eight years.
Ireland beat USA in low-key contest
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Craig Young impressed with three wickets on his first appearance in the World Cup qualifiers in Harare yesterday as Ireland eased past the USA by six wickets to reach Tuesday’s seventh place play-off final.
Stirling stars in consolation win for Ireland
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Paul Stirling took out his frustrations at not qualifying for another World Cup on the UAE bowlers in Bulawayo yesterday with a superb 162 as Ireland finally got off the mark with a 138-run win in their final Group B match.
Stirlo admits he came late to the party
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Paul Stirling admitted his ‘daddy hundred’ came at least two games too late as Ireland ended the group stages of the World Cup qualifying tournament in Bulawayo with a convincing 138-run victory over UAE.
Humiliation for Ireland
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Humiliation for Ireland. Not because of yesterday’s huge 133 runs loss to Sri Lanka but their failure as the fourth ranked team in the World Cup qualifying tournament to even make it into the final six.
Ireland Crash Out
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The dream of playing in the World Cup finals is over for at least another four years for the Boys in Green after a crushing 133-run defeat by Sri Lanka in Bulawayo yesterday
Importance cannot be underestimated
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Defeat by Sri Lanka today will lead to recriminations, and the cricket public will not be fobbed off with another expensive ‘review’ by English consultants.
Do or Die for Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ11:10 pmZZZZ
The Equation for Ireland could not be simpler at the Queen’s Club in Bulawayo tomorrow: beat tournament favourites Sri Lanka in their third match of the World Cup qualifiers or start packing for home.
It's win or bust for Ireland says Balbirnie
(
)
ZZZZ5:20 amZZZZ
Andrew Balbirnie accepts that it is win or bust for Ireland in their remaining two World Cup qualifying matches in Bulawayo after their horror start to the campaign.
Irish hopes fade after Scotland loss
(
)
ZZZZ10:10 pmZZZZ
Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup are hanging by the flimsiest of threads after an astonishing display of hitting by all-rounder Michael Leask took Scotland to a one-wicket victory off the last ball of a thriller in Bulawayo.
Ireland throw away another winning opportunity
(
)
ZZZZ10:07 pmZZZZ
Ireland are going out of their way to make sure they will not be at this year’s World Cup finals after yet another last-over defeat.
Leask breaks Irish hearts
(
)
ZZZZ8:25 amZZZZ
Michael Leask hit a boundary off the final ball as Scotland stunned Ireland with a one-wicket victory at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Ireland face Scotland in must-win clash
(
)
ZZZZ6:36 amZZZZ
IRELAND take on Scotland today in a must-win World Cup qualifying match in Bulawayo with Andy Balbirnie desperate to snap a run of low scores both in England and since his team arrived in Zimbabwe.
Oman loss increases pressure on Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ12:54 amZZZZ
IRELAND were facing the prospect an early flight home from Zimbabwe last night after suffering a surprise five-wicket loss to Oman in Bulawayo, in their opening match of the World Cup qualifying tournament.
Ireland desperate for points in crucial Scotland clash
(
)
ZZZZ11:56 amZZZZ
Ireland assistant coach Gary Wilson admits the team have little margin for error when they resume their World Cup qualifying campaign with a game against Scotland.
Poor Ireland deservedly beaten by Oman
(
)
ZZZZ11:53 amZZZZ
A series of soft dismissals and a poor performance by the spinners cost Ireland any chance of victory in their opening World Cup qualifying game against Oman in Bulawayo.
Ireland begin World Cup quest
(
)
ZZZZ1:26 amZZZZ
IRELAND begin their World Cup final qualifying campaign against Oman in Bulawayo today with further Group B matches against Scotland, Sri Lanka and the UAE to follow, aiming for a top three finish to proceed to the Super Six.
McBrine ready for the fight
(
)
ZZZZ11:00 amZZZZ
Andy McBrine can’t remember the last time he opened the batting – “it must have been my Donemana youth days” – but he will walk out with Paul Stirling to do just that for Ireland in their opening World Cup Qualifying match against Oman in Bulawayo.
Take two for Ireland in World Cup qualification stakes
(
)
ZZZZ10:02 amZZZZ
Ireland’s second attempt to qualify for the Cricket World Cup kicks off in Zimbabwe tomorrow. And while the eyes of the cricketing world are on the pinnacle Test event, this tournament is certainly a pinnacle of the summer for Heinrich Malan’s team.
Ireland slump to dismal defeat by Dutch
(
)
ZZZZ6:12 amZZZZ
Ireland head into the World Cup qualifying tournament next week on the back of a defeat after they were bowled out inside 40 overs by a Netherlands side without their county professionals.
McBrine to remain in opening slot
(
)
ZZZZ6:11 amZZZZ
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie has confirmed that Andy McBrine will open the batting in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe next week.
Second string Dutch put Ireland in a spin
(
)
ZZZZ2:15 amZZZZ
THE WISDOM of Ireland selecting six spin bowlers for the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe was clearly demonstrated at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday despite a two-wicket loss to the Netherlands in their final warm-up match.
Tector tunes up
(
)
ZZZZ1:10 amZZZZ
Harry Tector continued his extraordinary run of form with an unbeaten century as Ireland romped to a five-wicket victory over the USA in their first official warm-up match in Zimbabwe ahead the World Cup qualifiers.
Tector century helps Ireland beat USA
(
)
ZZZZ1:07 amZZZZ
Harry Tector continued his award-winning form from May into June with an undefeated 148 to give Ireland a comfortable five wickets victory in their first warm-up game in Bulawayo, ahead of the World Cup qualifying tournament.
Tector named ICC Player of the Month
(
)
ZZZZ1:20 amZZZZ
Harry Tector has won the Men's Award for May.
Should Ireland be playing Test cricket?
(
)
ZZZZ4:16 amZZZZ
IRELAND managed to avoid an innings defeat at Lord’s. The roar that greeted that minor success was made up of delighted Irish fans, supporters glad of a little extra play at the beautiful ground, and a good dose of English patronising of the plucky Irish.
Ireland rearguard doesn't mask bowling shortcomings
(
)
ZZZZ12:38 amZZZZ
The first two days were excruciatingly embarrassing for those in green - on and off the field - as what had looked a popgun attack was exposed as lacking even a pop, by a strong England batting line-up.
Adair and McBrine restore Irish pride
(
)
ZZZZ10:56 amZZZZ
A remarkable third and, as it transpired, final day when Ireland’s batsmen refused to capitulate and against all the predictions forced their hosts to bat again.
Dogged resistance from Ireland offers crumbs of comfort
(
)
ZZZZ1:16 pmZZZZ
IRELAND fell to a ten-wicket defeat at Lord’s, with a dogged display of resistance batting taking the game deep into the third day. England couldn’t find a way through Andy McBrine, who was denied a century only by running out of partners.
England continue to dominate weak Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ12:15 amZZZZ
The kindest thing to say about this embarrassingly one-sided Test at Lord’s is that Ireland have at least taken the match into a third day despite England’s total dominance.
Vast gulf in class brutally exposed at Lord's
(
)
ZZZZ1:45 amZZZZ
The bottom line, though, is that Ireland still need another 255 to avoid a third successive innings defeat in a Test match, three games in which they have taken only 13 wickets while conceding 1,819 runs.
Ireland put to the sword by England
(
)
ZZZZ12:11 amZZZZ
Can a team, which is so far behind the opposition in terms of talent and Test match experience and the huge difference in financial clout and resources of the respective boards, really enjoy the occasion?
Ireland struggle to hold England in check
(
)
ZZZZ12:28 amZZZZ
When Paul Stirling was adjudged LBW off the fourth ball of the sixth over to reduce Ireland briefly to 19-4, it looked ominously like the first morning of the 2019 Test here. Then, of course, England were on the receiving end and were bowled out by lunch.
Little to cheer for Ireland as England dominate
(
)
ZZZZ11:57 pmZZZZ
THE BUZZ of the new and exciting was missing from Lord’s yesterday as Ireland’s second Test appearance at the famous old ground produced a familiar lack of first-innings runs against England, and an inability to take wickets.
Ireland enter the lion's den
(
)
ZZZZ10:34 pmZZZZ
IF captain Andy Balbirnie needs a prop for his team talk ahead of today’s Test match at Lord’s, he only needs to pin up last week’s Michael Vaughan column: England will try to beat Ireland in two days.
Moor and McCollum seal Test berths
(
)
ZZZZ3:52 amZZZZ
IF there was any doubt that James McCollum and PJ Moor would walk out together to open the batting in the Test match at Lord’s on Thursday they were dispelled yesterday by a record breaking partnership in Chelmsford.
Changing landscape offers major challenges for Irish cricket
(
)
ZZZZ12:55 amZZZZ
Indian franchise leagues spread to other lands and there is talk that leading players will be bought up by mega-clubs and released to countries whenever they decide, the reverse of the current situation.
Stirling century puts Ireland on top
(
)
ZZZZ12:09 amZZZZ
A hard-fought century to Paul Stirling, a sparkling 97 from Lorcan Tucker and an entertaining 67 from Andy McBrine saw Ireland fightback from a precarious 65-5 to end Day 2 leading Essex by 17 runs.
Anxious wait for Young
(
)
ZZZZ10:51 pmZZZZ
Craig Young faces a nervous wait this week to see whether he will make his Test match debut at Lord’s on Thursday after claiming just one victim in two innings as Ireland beat Essex by 10 wickets in a warm-up game at Chelmsford.
McBrine relishing Lord's Test
(
)
ZZZZ10:35 pmZZZZ
Andy McBrine can’t wait to play a second Test match at Lord’s and the North West Warriors captain is hoping to play a much fuller role than he managed last time.
Mayes and Dockrell give Irish selectors a nudge
(
)
ZZZZ8:51 pmZZZZ
George Dockrell and Tom Mayes gave the Ireland selectors a nudge ahead of next week’s Test match at Lord’s with solid performances on the first day of a warm-up game against Essex at Chelmsford.
Ireland made to battle against Essex
(
)
ZZZZ1:08 pmZZZZ
It was a tough day at the office for the Ireland team but not all of the visiting players as they began their match preparation for next week’s Lord’s Test at Chelmsford.
Nathan Hauritz back in Australia
(
)
ZZZZ8:53 amZZZZ
Ireland has confirmed it has granted Nathan Hauritz, National Spin Bowling Coach, compassionate leave for personal family reasons.
Four Ireland players in Essex team for warm-up game
(
)
ZZZZ8:19 amZZZZ
With Essex having a lot of county cricket and a number of injuries, it has also been agreed that the four players not selected in the Ireland team will play for Essex.
Stirling to play against Essex
(
)
ZZZZ12:01 amZZZZ
Ireland has confirmed Paul Stirling will join the Ireland squad on Saturday and play Days Two and Three of the match against Essex that precedes the Test Match against England Men that starts next Thursday.
Ireland at full strength for qualifiers
(
)
ZZZZ12:00 amZZZZ
Ireland have named a full strength squad for the final World Cup qualifying tournament that begins in Zimbabwe next month with dual international Peter ‘PJ’ Moor included in the 15 to provide both experience and local knowledge.
No room for error as Ireland face qualifiers challenge
(
)
ZZZZ9:42 amZZZZ
Gary Wilson admits Ireland will have to play their best cricket throughout the World Cup qualifying tournament next month if they are to join eight automatic qualifiers for the finals in India in October.
Ireland face Oman opener in WCQ
(
)
ZZZZ9:38 amZZZZ
Ireland will open their World Cup qualifying campaign against Oman in Bulawayo on Monday June 19.
Doheny and Hand dropped for World Cup Qualifiers
(
)
ZZZZ8:08 amZZZZ
Stephen Doheny and Fionn Hand have been left out of the Ireland squad that will play in the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe next month. Barry McCarthy, PJ Moor and Ben White are named in the 15.
Foster replaces injured Olphert in Test squad
(
)
ZZZZ7:41 amZZZZ
Matthew Foster has been called up to the Ireland Test squad after Conor Olphert was forced to withdraw.
Tough draw for Ireland in World Cup Qualifier
(
)
ZZZZ5:56 amZZZZ
Ireland have been handed a tough draw in the 50 overs World Cup Qualifiers that take place in Zimbabwe next month.
England name strong squad for Ireland Test
(
)
ZZZZ9:53 amZZZZ
ENGLAND have picked a full-strength squad, captained by Ben Stokes, for next month’s Test match against Ireland at Lord’s and will use the four-day game to fine tune for the Ashes series which starts on June 16.
No sympathy as Ireland beaten again from winning position
(
)
ZZZZ9:32 amZZZZ
Bangladesh showed Ireland how to defend a potential winning total as another late order collapse saw Andrew Balbirnie’s side end their World Cup Super League campaign with another heartbreaking defeat, this time by five runs.
Familiar tale of woe for Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ9:21 pmZZZZ
It was a familiar tale in the World Cup Super League at Chelmsford yesterday as Ireland threw away a seemingly impregnable position to lose a last-over thriller to Bangladesh by five runs, and with it the series 2-0.
Tector denied again
(
)
ZZZZ3:58 amZZZZ
Harry Tector played the innings of his young life at Chelmsford but it wasn’t enough to stop Bangladesh squeezing to a three-wicket victory over Ireland in the second of three World Cup Super League clashes.
Ireland beaten in thriller
(
)
ZZZZ3:55 amZZZZ
Even a brilliant century by Harry Tector and Ireland’s 10th highest ODI total was not enough for victory in the second World Cup Super League game in Chelmsford.
Ireland Mission Impossible ends in failure
(
)
ZZZZ9:35 amZZZZ
Ireland's Mission Impossible to automatically qualify for the World Cup finals was officially terminated yesterday by the rain in Chelmsford.
Rain ends Ireland hopes
(
)
ZZZZ1:35 amZZZZ
IRELAND will head to Zimbabwe next month for a last chance at qualifying for this autumn’s World Cup after seeing their faint hopes of finishing eighth in the Super League washed away in Chelmsford last night.
Ireland seem resigned to qualifier fate
(
)
ZZZZ2:13 amZZZZ
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie appeared resigned to go the World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe next month at his final press conference ahead of the World Cup Super League game against Bangladesh in Chelmsford (10.45am).
Can Ireland pull off mission impossible?
(
)
ZZZZ1:37 amZZZZ
Andy Balbirnie will take on a mission impossible-style task this week as Ireland look to not only beat Bangladesh three times in Chelmsford but also beat the weather and massively improve their run-rate to qualify for the World Cup in the autumn.
No Little in Ireland Test squad
(
)
ZZZZ5:25 amZZZZ
Josh Little has been left out of the Ireland Test squad that will play England at Lord's next month.
Young and Olphert named in Test squad
(
)
ZZZZ1:33 amZZZZ
Craig Young and Conor Olphert have been named in the Ireland squad for the Test Match against England at Lord’s next month.
Young on comeback trail
(
)
ZZZZ9:33 amZZZZ
Craig Young starts his comeback from injury at Fenners today when he is expected to line out in the Ireland Wolves side in the warm-up game for Bangladesh ahead of next week’s World Cup Super League series against Ireland.
Battling Ireland beaten by Sri Lanka
(
)
ZZZZ2:03 amZZZZ
Ireland held out for almost two sessions on the final day of the first Test series but they could not prevent a second successive innings defeat by Sri Lanka in Galle.
Tector heroics in vain
(
)
ZZZZ1:51 amZZZZ
Harry Tector bravely saw off a bumper barrage in Galle but his gallant effort to save the second Test for Ireland ended in failure as Sri Lanka won by an innings and 10 runs to take the series 2-0.
Wilson backs Ireland to salvage draw
(
)
ZZZZ9:27 pmZZZZ
Ireland will likely have to bat for the vast majority of the final day to save the second Test in Galle but acting head coach Gary Wilson has faith that they can do it.
Ireland face last day challenge
(
)
ZZZZ9:20 pmZZZZ
Ireland are faced with a daunting rearguard action to salvage a draw on the final day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle after another record-breaking batting display by the hosts.
Ireland bemoan failing to take their chances
(
)
ZZZZ11:15 pmZZZZ
Sri Lanka finished the day on 357 for one, just 135 runs behind Ireland’s first innings total and if the teams get a full day’s play on Thursday, Ireland could face a difficult last day trying to avoid defeat.
Inconsistency costs Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ11:07 pmZZZZ
Curtis Campher took the only wicket to fall on day three of the second Test in Galle yesterday as Sri Lanka closed ominously on Ireland’s record total.
Stirling joins an elite club
(
)
ZZZZ2:24 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling joined the elite company of players who have scored centuries in all three international formats when he reached three figures on the second day of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka.
Stirling and Campher post centuries in Galle run fest
(
)
ZZZZ2:08 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher scored centuries yesterday in Galle as bat again dominated ball on the second day of the contest.
Ireland dominate Day One
(
)
ZZZZ12:18 amZZZZ
Ireland are getting the hang of this Test match lark. It is only their sixth contest but this was one of those rare occasions when they can say they won the day.
Ireland batters in charge
(
)
ZZZZ12:06 amZZZZ
Andy Balbirnie fell five short of a deserved century in Galle yesterday as Ireland’s batsmen dominated the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka and restored their reputations after last week’s heavy defeat.
Wilson looking for vast improvement
(
)
ZZZZ1:18 amZZZZ
Gary Wilson “wants and expects” Ireland to put up a better performance in the second Test against Sri Lanka that starts today in Galle, and believes that playing more matches over the longer distance is vital to the development of the squad.
Humphreys in line for Test debut
(
)
ZZZZ5:51 amZZZZ
Ireland spin bowling coach Nathan Hauritz has given a big indication that Matthew Humphreys could make his Test match debut against Sri Lanka in the second game of the series.
Wolves set for Bangladesh clash at Fenner's
(
)
ZZZZ3:27 amZZZZ
Ireland Wolves will play Bangladesh at Fenner's next month.
Young guns for Bangladesh
(
)
ZZZZ5:46 amZZZZ
Craig Young has been named in the Ireland squad for next month’s World Cup Super League games against Bangladesh, along with Josh Little who will return from the Indian Premier League for the three-match series in Chelmsford.
Little and Young return for Bangladesh clashes
(
)
ZZZZ9:08 amZZZZ
Josh Little and Craig Young have been named in the Ireland squad that will take on Bangladesh in three World Cup Super League matches next month.
Testing times for Ireland after Sri Lankan lesson
(
)
ZZZZ1:39 amZZZZ
Ireland took the Galle Test match into the final session of day three but, in truth, they were only delaying the inevitable.
Balbirnie seeks new way
(
)
ZZZZ1:33 amZZZZ
Andy Balbirnie wants Ireland to develop their own way of playing Test cricket after seeing his side outclassed by Sri Lanka and thrashed by an innings and 280 runs inside three days in Galle.
Ireland in trouble yet again
(
)
ZZZZ9:28 pmZZZZ
There was a familiar sight at the Galle Cricket Stadium on Monday night with Lorcan Tucker batting in the middle with Andy McBrine.
Ireland look to Tucker after tough second day
(
)
ZZZZ9:19 pmZZZZ
Lorcan Tucker may have to summon the spirit of Dhaka if Ireland are to avoid a humbling three-day defeat by Sri Lanka after the home team continued their total domination of the first Test match between the sides.
Ireland feel the heat in Galle
(
)
ZZZZ1:11 amZZZZ
Welcome to the fierce hot world of Test match cricket.In temperatures of 32 degrees which felt like 38 because of the humidity in Galle, Ireland spent the first day of their fifth Test match in the field and by the close Sri Lanka had piled up 386 for four.
Ireland toil in heat
(
)
ZZZZ8:54 pmZZZZ
George Dockrell sparked a mini-revival by Ireland in the final hour of a steamy first day of the opening Test in Sri Lanka yesterday but the home side went to stumps firmly in control on 386-4.
Adair looking for Ireland to take next step
(
)
ZZZZ10:07 pmZZZZ
Mark Adair wants Ireland to take a step forward in the next two weeks and progress from being competitive in Test match cricket to beating Sri Lanka in Galle and winning over the longest distance for the first time.
Wilson at the helm with Malan at home
(
)
ZZZZ10:03 pmZZZZ
Wilson steps into the leading role for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka which gets under way in Galle on Sunday – with Heinrich Malan taking a break back home.
Wilson keen to extend 100% coaching record
(
)
ZZZZ10:02 pmZZZZ
GARY Wilson has a 100 per cent record as acting Ireland Head Coach, but if that record is still intact at the end of next week, Ireland will have won their first Test match.
White keen for further taste of Test cricket
(
)
ZZZZ6:35 amZZZZ
Dublin-born spinner Ben White is looking forward to hopefully creating a few more special days for Irish cricket during the two Test matches against Sri Lanka over the coming fortnight.
Balbirnie wants Ireland on red alert for Tests
(
)
ZZZZ7:03 amZZZZ
It may be too late for this season, but Andrew Balbirnie has called for a first-class structure to be set up in Ireland from next year.
Start time change for Bangladesh ODI
(
)
ZZZZ4:13 amZZZZ
The second one-day international between Ireland and Bangladesh in May – part of the World Cup Super League series – will now start at 10.45am.
No fairytale ending for Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ8:47 pmZZZZ
There was no fairytale ending for Ireland after their superb comeback on day three in Dhaka as Bangladesh completed a seven wickets win 45 minutes after lunch.
Balbirnie rues lack of runs
(
)
ZZZZ8:00 pmZZZZ
ANDY BALBIRNIE pinpointed where Ireland’s return to Test cricket had gone wrong in Dhaka after Bangladesh completed a comfortable seven-wicket victory yesterday - and it wasn’t his side’s disastrous second-innings collapse.
Ireland dare to dream
(
)
ZZZZ11:38 pmZZZZ
From the depths of despair at 13 for four in their second innings, the Ireland players are now dreaming of a maiden Test victory after enjoying their best day in Test cricket so far.
Tucker leads fightback
(
)
ZZZZ11:28 pmZZZZ
Lorcan Tucker struck a wonderful century in Dhaka yesterday as a spirited fightback with the bat on the third day of the one-off Test match gave Ireland the merest glimmer of a chance of beating Bangladesh.
McBrine hard work goes to waste
(
)
ZZZZ10:43 pmZZZZ
Andy McBrine recorded the best bowling figures in Ireland’s brief Test match history in Dhaka but his hard work was undone in a disastrous last session on the second day which left Bangladesh scenting victory.
Joy of six for McBrine but tough day for Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ3:15 amZZZZ
Ireland's trial by spin will continue on day three of the Dhaka Test but it will be a huge challenge just to avoid an innings defeat.
Ian Callender's Day 1 report from Dhaka
(
)
ZZZZ8:54 amZZZZ
Harry Tector admitted it was “pretty cool” to be the first Ireland player to make a half-century in his first innings in a men’s Test match.
Late fightback gives Ireland hope
(
)
ZZZZ10:44 pmZZZZ
The best compliment to the Ireland players after their first day of Test match cricket in almost four years is that it certainly didn’t look like it.
Ireland let it slip
(
)
ZZZZ10:40 pmZZZZ
HARRY TECTOR marked his Test match debut with a well constructed half-century yesterday but Ireland will know they let a strong position slip on the first day of their one-off clash with Bangladesh in Dhaka.
Stirling boost for Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ2:13 amZZZZ
PAUL STIRLING gave his Ireland colleagues a morale boost ahead of the start of today’s Test match against Bangladesh in Dhaka by declaring his availability for the second half of the tour to Sri Lanka later this month.
Balbirnie buzzing ahead of Bangladesh Test
(
)
ZZZZ10:47 pmZZZZ
Andy Balbirnie is “buzzing” to get back in his Test match whites for the first time in nearly four years this week in Dhaka where he will lead out Ireland in a one-off five-day game against Bangladesh.
Taskin Ahmed ruled out of Test
(
)
ZZZZ5:12 amZZZZ
Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed will miss the Test against Ireland starting tomorrow in Dhaka due to a side strain.
Ireland back in the big time
(
)
ZZZZ2:10 amZZZZ
FOR the first time in almost four years Ireland step out on to a cricket field wearing whites as they prepare for the first Test against Bangladesh.
Testing times for Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ10:40 pmZZZZ
The great sportswriter Martin Johnson once summed up a disastrous pre-Ashes performance in one sentence. “There are only three things wrong with this England team,” he wrote, “They can't bat, can't bowl, and can't field.”
Good morning Vietnam
(
)
ZZZZ10:37 pmZZZZ
WHEN Ireland take the field on Tuesday morning in Dhaka for only their fourth ever Test match it will be their first time in whites for 1,348 days.
Early wickets answer Stirling's prayers.
(
)
ZZZZ12:00 amZZZZ
In their final white-ball game of the tour, acting captain Paul Stirling’s prayer was answered. Ireland took early wickets.
Stirling victory charge.
(
)
ZZZZ3:24 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling signed off his winter’s work with a barnstorming 77 from 41 balls in Chattogram yesterday (FRI) to lead Ireland to a consolation seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the final T20 international of a three-match series.
Ireland Wolves to play Bangladesh in England
(
)
ZZZZ11:29 amZZZZ
Ireland Wolves will provide warm-up opposition for Bangladesh ahead of their three World Cup Super League clashes with Ireland in Essex.
Ireland lose series
(
)
ZZZZ11:02 pmZZZZ
Curtis Campher added a smidgeon of respectability to Ireland’s latest defeat in Chattogram yesterday with a battling half-century but a 77-run victory and with it a 2-0 lead in the three-match series was the least Bangladesh deserved.
Familiar story says Stirling as Ireland struggle
(
)
ZZZZ5:46 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling admitted that the rain interruption and reduced overs target helped Ireland get closer than they would have if the first T20 international against Bangladesh in Chattogram had gone the full distance.
Ireland Lose Opener.
(
)
ZZZZ12:25 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling praised his Ireland attack for battling back after a horror start to the first of three T20 internationals in Chattogram yesterday, but Bangladesh still ran out comfortable winners by 22 runs (DLS) in a rain-effected clash.
Ireland flattered by 22 run margin in T20 defeat.
(
)
ZZZZ8:11 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling admitted that the rain interruption and reduced overs target helped Ireland get closer than they would have if the first T20 international against Bangladesh in Chattogram had gone the full distance.
Ireland try change of captain for T20 clashes with Bangladesh
(
)
ZZZZ1:21 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling will captain Ireland in this week’s T20 series against Bangladesh, which gets under way in Chattogram on Monday morning, after it was announced that Andrew Balbirnie is to be ‘rested’.
Stirling in charge for T20s
(
)
ZZZZ1:19 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling will captain Ireland in the first of three T20 internationals against Bangladesh in Chattogram today as skipper Andy Balbirnie recharges his batteries ahead of a busy schedule of Test matches and World Cup qualifiers.
Mayes ready to answer Ireland's call
(
)
ZZZZ1:15 amZZZZ
Ireland could introduce their second NCU debutant in this week’s T20 internationals against Bangladesh in Chattogram and Tom Mayes is ready if called upon.
Stirling to captain Ireland in T20I series
(
)
ZZZZ7:54 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling will take the captain's armband from Andrew Balbirnie for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh this week.
Ireland Humbled
(
)
ZZZZ12:54 amZZZZ
Ireland can start checking out the visa requirements to visit Zimbabwe in June because after a humbling 10-wicket defeat by Bangladesh in Sylhet last night there appears to be no chance of Andy Balbirnie’s side avoiding the World Cup qualifiers
Balbirnie admits batting group failures
(
)
ZZZZ10:46 amZZZZ
Andrew Balbirnie admitted the batting group has not been good enough as Ireland crashed to their first ever 10 wickets defeat in a one-day international, against Bangladesh in Sylhet.
No excuses for Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ2:21 amZZZZ
Curtis Campher admits that Ireland will have no excuses for not performing on the remainder of their tour in Bangladesh which continues today with the third and final one-day international in Sylhet.
Odds against Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ2:18 amZZZZ
IF Andy Balbirnie can lead his side to victory in the third one-day international in Sylhet today he will not only claim a share of the series at 1-1 but also become the first Ireland captain to taste success in Bangladesh.
Rain saves Ireland
(
)
ZZZZ2:41 amZZZZ
Heavy rain led to the abandonment of the second one-day international in Sylhet last night and probably saved Ireland from a second heavy defeat by Bangladesh after the home side posted a whopping 349-6 from 50 overs.
Ireland live to fight another day
(
)
ZZZZ2:39 amZZZZ
It was another hard day in the field for Ireland but they live to fight another day after the second one-day international against Bangladesh in Sylhet was abandoned as a no result.
Hume backing Ireland to bounce back
(
)
ZZZZ2:33 amZZZZ
Graham Hume insists Ireland can bounce back from their opening game batting collapse to give themselves a chance of winning the one-day series against Bangladesh in Sylhet.
Humphreys in line for debut
(
)
ZZZZ2:27 amZZZZ
Andy Balbirnie and his fellow batters have an early chance to avenge Saturday’s crushing 183-run defeat in Sylhet today when Ireland face Bangladesh in the second of a three-match one-day international series.
Ireland were 'Bang average' in defeat, admits Balbirnie
(
)
ZZZZ9:19 amZZZZ
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie admitted they will “have to bat much better” if they are to rescue the one-day international series against Bangladesh in Sylhet after slumping to a 183 runs defeat in yesterday’s first game.
Hauritz at home
(
)
ZZZZ4:35 pmZZZZ
Ireland have opted to leave spin bowling coach Nathan Hauritz in Dublin for the first portion of their Asian tour.
Ireland given reality check by Bangladesh
(
)
ZZZZ3:41 pmZZZZ
At least Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for this year's World Cup will rely on English conditions because if they had to beat Bangladesh in their own back yard, they would be virtually nil.
The Phoney War
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The Phoney War starts in Sylhet today when Ireland take on hosts Bangladesh in the first of three one-day internationals that precede a far more important series between the sides that has been confirmed for Chelmsford in early May.
India series finally confirmed
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It's a happy St Patrick's Day for Ireland as a three-match T20I series against India is finally announced.
Ireland opt for tried and tested in Bangladesh opener
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Heinrich Malan will resist the temptation to give ODI debuts to the uncapped quartet in his squad ahead of the tour opener on Saturday.
Winning start for Ireland in Bangladesh
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Ireland enjoyed the almost perfect warm-up match ahead of their first one-day international in Sylhet on Saturday with a 77 runs (DLS) victory over a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI.
Ireland beat Bangladesh XI in warm-up game
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Curtis Campher and Paul Stirling scored half centuries as Ireland beat a BCB XI by 77 runs (DLS) in a warm-up game ahead of their ODI series.
Historic Test series for Ireland
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A CLASH with the Indian Premier League has ensured Ireland of their first Test series in Sri Lanka next month.
Bonus Test for Ireland in Sri Lanka
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Ireland now look set to play two Tests in Sri Lanka in a revised schedule next month.
Malan set to miss Sri Lanka section of tour
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Heinrich Malan is set to miss the Sri Lanka section of Ireland's Asia tour which has just begun.
Humphreys looking to hit the highs
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There was no one more surprised than Matthew Humphreys when he got the phone call from Ireland chairman of selectors Andrew White to tell him he would be spending the next seven weeks in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
End of the line for Delany?
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David Delany's international career could well be over despite a fast-bowling crisis having appeared to hand the Clontarf paceman a lifeline.
McCarthy injury blow for Ireland
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Ireland have been dealt another blow ahead of their tour of Bangladesh with Barry McCarthy ruled out with a knee injury.
Little and Olphert ruled out of Bangladesh tour
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Josh Little and Conor Olphert have been ruled out of the tour to Bangladesh which gets under way next week.
Little scoops top accolade
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Josh Little has plenty to look forward to 2023 but he has been honoured for his performances in 2022 when he was named Ireland Men’s International Player of the Year.
Dockrell and McCarthy big winners in contract deals
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George Dockrell and Barry McCarthy are the big winners in the new Cricket Ireland contracts with both given two-year deals as Ireland prepare for their busiest ever period of action.
Ireland contracts confirmed
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Ireland have announced their player contracts ahead of their tours of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Little and Tector to battle it out for International Men's award
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Josh Little and Harry Tector are set to battle it out for the Ireland Men's International Player of the Year on Friday night.
Stirling signs for Birmingham Bears
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Paul Stirling will play once again for the Birmingham Bears aka Warwickshire in the T20 Blast this summer.
Wolves schedule culled
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Ireland Wolves will have NO fixtures for the 2023 home season.
Little ruled out of Pakistan Super League
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Josh Little won't play any part in the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League.
Stirling to miss Tests
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Paul Stirling will not be playing in Ireland’s next two Test matches as the Ireland selectors have identified the World Cup Super League games against Bangladesh in May as the priority in the upcoming months.
Stirling left out of Ireland Test squads
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Paul Stirling has been left out of Ireland’s squad for the Test matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Indian summer for Ireland
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India will travel to Ireland to play three T20 Internationals in a further boost for the sport.
South Africa penalty opens door for Ireland
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South Africa have been deducted one point for their slow over rate in the third ODI against England, meaning a clean sweep for Ireland against Bangladesh in May could mean automatic World Cup qualification.
Stadium boost for Ireland?
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There could be good news on the horizon for Irish cricket after the Sunday Times reported that the proposed new stadium at Abbotstown has moved a step forward.
Zimbabwe tour averages
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A closely fought tour saw honours even in the one-day series, while the hosts edged the T20 matches by a 2-1 margin.
Ireland Test exile set to end
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Ireland will play a Test match for the first time in nearly four years when the men’s team takes on Bangladesh in Dhaka in early April at the end of a month-long multi-format tour.
Spoils shared as rain ruins ODI decider
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Only 13 overs were possible in the final one-day international between Zimbabwe and Ireland as rain had the final say in Harare.
Campher tips the odds
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Curtis Campher has not had the biggest impact on Ireland’s tour of Zimbabwe so far, but the flick of the all-rounder’s fingertips on Saturday has set up today’s one-day international series decider at the Harare Sports Club.
Bangladesh and Ireland confirm Test match
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Ireland will play its first Test match in nearly four years when they tour Bangladesh in March and April.
Little on the money
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Zimbabwe got a taste of just why the Gujarat Titans paid $500,000 for two months of the services of Josh Little. Ireland’s star bowler returned a career best 4-38 as he drove his team to a 46-run victory in the second game of the ODI series in Harare.
Irish centuries in vain
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Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector scored top quality centuries but then watched their fine work go to waste as Zimbabwe scrambled to a thrilling last-ball victory in the first of three ODIs.
Joy and pain for Balbirnie in Ireland defeat
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Andy Balbirnie experienced joy and pain on his 200th game for Ireland, able to celebrate his eighth one-day international century but having to leave the field with suspected concussion 21 runs later.
Commins replaces Balbirnie in Ireland squad
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Murray Commins has been called into the Ireland ODI squad to replace Andrew Balbirnie, who retired hurt during their loss in Wednesday's match in Harare.
Ireland lose last ball thriller
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Ireland lost a last ball thriller in Harare, despite dominating the contest for long periods of the game.
Double boost for Malan
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While Ireland lost a pulsating decider to Zimbabwe in Harare on Sunday the three-match series may take on a greater significance in time - it may be seen as the week two more T20 pieces fell into place for coach Heinrich Malan.
Ireland back at full strength for ODI series
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Ireland’s three globetrotters are all available and will take their place in the first of the three one-day internationals against Zimbabwe in Harare on Wednesday (7.15am GMT start).
Harry heroics not enough as Ireland beaten in Harare
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Harry Tector produced his finest all-round performance for Ireland in Harare yesterday but it wasn’t enough to get the Boys in Green over the line as Zimbabwe won a third-match thriller by four wickets to take the T20 series 2-1.
Ireland lose series decider against Zimbabwe
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Amid deafening scenes from an ecstatic near capacity crowd at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe’s Luke Jongwe hit the final ball of the 19th over to the boundary to clinch the T20 Series against Ireland.
Match winner Adair proves worth
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Ross Adair hopes he has proven to his new Ireland team-mates that they can have faith in him after his match-winning knock levelled the T20 series against Zimbabwe in Harare.
Doheny looks to bounce back
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Stephen Doheny admits that Ireland were off the pace but expects the Boys in Green to bounce back in today’s second T20i against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe win tour opener
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Harry Tector claimed a wicket with his sixth ball in T20 internationals and followed up with another as Ireland fought hard to defend a meagre total of 114 all out at the Harare Sports Club before losing to Zimbabwe by five wickets.
Rusty Ireland lose tour opener against Zimbabwe
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A rusty batting display saw Ireland beaten by five wickets against Zimbabwe in the opening match of their T20I series in Harare.
Doheny and Adair set for step up
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Ross Adair will make his Ireland debut in the same side as younger brother Mark in Harare today as one of two new caps in the first of three T20 internationals against Zimbabwe.
Adair and Doheny set for debuts
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Ross Adair and Stephen Doheny are set to make their international debuts, while Tyrone Kane returns to the fold for the first time since 2019 when Ireland face Zimbabwe in the opening game of the three-match T20I series.
Adair urged to go big in Zimbabwe
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If Ross Adair makes his debut for Ireland this week, he will be encouraged to play his natural game.
Balbirnie and Campher to play in BPL
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Ireland have given permission for Andrew Balbirnie and Curtis Campher to play in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Kane relishing Ireland return
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Phoenix all-rounder Tyrone Kane is relishing the opportunity to be back wearing the green jersey after an absence of over three years.
Ireland's adaptation to franchise cricket
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Coming off one of their busiest ever home summers and what could be deemed a successful T20 World Cup campaign, it’s fair to say the Ireland Men's team are in a healthier place with their T20 cricket than 12 months prior.
Photographs
- Ireland v Scotland (28 July)
- Ireland v Jersey (24 July)
- Ireland v Scotland (21 June)
Audio
Paul Stirling after win over Austria (23 July)
Ireland captain Paul Stirling after the win against Denmark (21 July)
Player of the match against Denmark, Andrew Balbirnie (21 July)
Odran Flynn reflects on the third and final day as England win by 10 wickets. (3 June)
Odran Flynn reflects on another tough day for Ireland. (2 June)
Odran Flynn reflects on a tough opening day for Ireland at Lord's. (1 June)
Andy McBrine after the second day. (27 May)
Andrew Balbirnie after his side lost the Second Test by an innings and 10 runs (28 April)
Ireland bowling coach Ryan Eagleson after the 3rd day (26 April)
Paul Stirling after the second day of the second Test in Galle (25 April)
Andrew Balbirnie after the first day of the 2nd Test (24 April)
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie after his side were thumped by Sri Lanka in the first Test (18 April)
Harry Tector after a tough second day for Ireland (17 April)
Ireland stand-in Head Coach Gary Wilson after a tough first day (16 April)
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie after their Test loss to Bangladesh (7 April)
Man of the Match Paul Stirling after his 77 helped Ireland to a 7-wickets win (31 March)
Ireland captain Paul Stirling (29 March)
Paul Stirling after losing the second T20I (29 March)
Andrew Balbirnie after his team lost the first ODI against Bangladesh by 183 runs (18 March)
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie after the loss to Bangladesh by 183 runs (18 March)
Andrew Babirnie after losing by 183 runs to Bangladesh (18 March)
Josh Little after his four wickets in the second ODI against Zimbabwe (21 January)
Paul Stirling after Ireland lost the first ODI against Zimbabwe on the last ball (18 January)
Paul Stirling speaking after the match (18 January)
Man of the Match Ross Adair speaking after the match (14 January)
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie is interviewed after the match (12 January)