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World T20 Cup Group 1: New Zealand beat Ireland by 35 runs
Adelaide, 4 November.
New Zealand 185/6 (20 overs; K Willamson 61, F Allen 32, D Mitchell 31, D Conway 28; J Little 3-22, G Delany 2-30)
Ireland 150/9 (20 overs; P Stirling 37, A Balbirnie 30, G Dockrell 23; L Ferguson 3-22, M Santner 2-26, T Southee 2-29, I Sodhi 2-31)
A Josh Little hat-trick halted New Zealand’s charge towards the 200+ total that looked likely as their top order all made runs, having been asked to bat by Ireland. A half-century opening partnership between Finn Allen and Devon Conway got them underway, Adair striking first with the wicket of Allen. Two more wickets for Gareth Delany’s collection, Conway and Glenn Phillips saw New Zealand at 114-3 before a fourth wicket stand of 60 between Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell took them to 174. Enter Josh Little who had Williamson caught by Delany before consecutive deliveries accounted for Neesham and Santner, both trapped lbw. A challenging total but Ireland’s reply started well, Stirling and Balbirnie getting to 68 before chopped on a Santner delivery. Stirling swung across a slower Sodhi top-spinner which clipped the top of off stump, and the impetus was lost. The old spinners adage of ‘Slower, Higher, Wider,’ paid more dividends when Tector came down the wicket to Santner only to slice a drive into the gully. With the total at 102/5 in the fifteenth, now it was the fast men’s turn, as Lockie Ferguson claimed Delany and Dockrell leaving Adair and Hand to Southee, all falling to catches in or around the ring. A comfortable win for New Zealand that would have been by a wider margin but for that magic moment from Josh Little.
T20 World Cup 1
World T20 Cup Group 1: Australia beat Ireland by 42 runs
Brisbane, 31 October.
 Australia 179/5 (Overs 20, A Finch 63, MR Marsh 28, M Stoinis 35, J Little 2-21, BJ McCarthy 3-29)
 Ireland 137 (Overs 18.1, LJ Tucker 71*, PJ Cummins 2-28, GJ Maxwell 2-14, MA Starc 2-43, A Zampa 2-19)
After a scratchy start that could have seen him run out for only 6, Australian skipper Aaron Finch played himself into some form in partnerships of 52 with Mitch Marsh and 70 with Marcus Stoinis. Ireland had started well with Barry McCarthy claiming the wicket of out of touch David Warner with his first delivery, and a second when Marsh edged behind in the ninth over. Australia were 78/2 at the halfway mark, but from there powered on to add another 101 in the second ten overs. Not out of reach would have been the thought as Ireland started the chase. Hopes were quickly dashed however, as five wickets fell for only seven runs - 18/1 becoming 25/5, as Stirling and Tector fell to Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Starc removed Campher and Dockrell with identical inswingers, in a double wicket maiden from which there was no way back. This World Cup has featured a number of stunning individual performances and today it was Lorcan Tucker's turn. He scored 71* off 48 deliveries (9x4, 1x6) showing little regard for reputations, at one stage blasting a 6 and 4 of consecutive Hazlewood deliveries, and three boundaries in the next Starc over. Australia would have hoped that their win today would give them a better NRR than England but Tucker ensured that would not happen - Australia claimed the points but it is England who are the beneficiaries from Ireland's performance today.
T20 World Cup 1
World T20 Cup Group 1: Afghanistan v Ireland (abandoned without a ball bowled)
Melbourne, 28 October.
 
 
Disappointing result for both teams, each would have been targeting a win in this one. One of those days where the rain eased enough to raise hopes of a start only for it to return - the sort of day groundstaff dread. You can relive the frustrations by going to the Commentary in our live coverage - plenty there for you to enjoy, if not the cricket.
T20 World Cup 1
World T20 Cup Group 1: Ireland beat England by 5 runs (DLS)
Melbourne, 26 October.
 Ireland 157 (19.2 overs; A Balbirnie 62, L Tucker 34; L Livingstone 3-17, M Wood 3-34, S Curran 2-30)
 England 105-5 (14.3 overs; D Malan 34, M Ali 24*, J Little 2-16) (Rain ended England innings after 14.3 overs - Par score 111)
A historic win for Ireland on an historic occasion. A brilliant first ten overs from Ireland saw them reach 92 for the loss of only Paul Stirling. Andy Balbirnie and keeper Lorcan Tucker then added 82 off only 57 deliveries for the second wicket which fell at 103 when Tucker was unluckily run out, a Balbirnie drive deflected onto the stumps by bowler Rashid. But that was as good as it got in Ireland's innings as the rest of the wickets went 'like snow off a ditch'. Extreme pace and leg-spin, the classic recipe for success at the MCG, proved a winner again as Wood and Livingstone claimed three wickets each and Curran two to wrap things up for a 'par' score of 157 that threatened to be twenty or thirty more at one stage. In the England reply Little stuck twice setting England back, and when Fionn Hand produced the ball of the day to remove Stokes with only his first 'legal' delivery, you sensed something special was in prospect. Two dropped catches off Dockrell's first two balls didn't prove costly as Brook holed out off the fifth at deep midwicket. Rain arrived with Moeen Ali trying to hit England ahead of the DLS target to no avail. Rain was forecast, the result was not, but as Eoin Morgan said in his summary - 'Ireland outbatted and outbowled 'us' (quickly corrected to England) on the day, deserved winners.'
T20 World Cup 1
World T20 Cup Group 1: Ireland lost to Sri Lanka by 9 wickets.
Hobart, 23 October.
 Ireland 128/8 (20 overs; H Tector 45, P Stirling 34; M Theekshana 2-19, W Hasaranga 2-15)
 Sri Lanka 133/1 (15 overs; K Mendis 68*, C Asalanka 31*, D de Silva 31; G Delany 1-28)
Choosing to bat first, Ireland struggled against the variety of spin that the Sri Lankans have in their armoury. Paul Stirling up front and Harry Tector, who joined him in the fifth over with the score at 26, added 29 for the sixth wicket. Then with Stirling gone it was Tector and Dockrell who added 47 before Dockrell was bowled with the score 107/7. It became a case of 'Après Moi le Déluge' - to quote the Dambuster's squadron motto, as the innings was wrapped up in quick time. Sri Lanka's opening pair Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva rattled up half the required total before Delany had de Silva caught by Lorcan Tucker. Charith Asalanka joined Mendis and the remaining runs required only another six overs, with all three Sri Lankan batters who got to the crease scoring at better than a run-a-ball. 'Ordeal by spin' today and it will be 'Ordeal by pace' against England at the MCG on Wednesday.
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie after loss to Sri Lanka
T20 World Cup B
World T20 Cup Group B: West Indies lost to Ireland by 9 wickets.
Hobart, 21 October.
 West Indies 146/5 (20 overs; B King 62*, J Charles 24; G Delany 3-16)
 Ireland 150/1 (17.3 overs; P Stirling 66*, L Tucker 45*, A Balbirnie 37)
Gareth Delany took three wickets as Ireland beat West Indies (CricketEurope)
West Indies coming up 15-20 short of what they had hoped for and indeed looked set to get, although today Ireland would still likely have come out on top. For the Windies only Brandon King with 62* off 48 balls managed to make an impact. Ireland excellent in the field and Gareth Delany with those 3 wickets the pick of the attack. For the first time this week Ireland got a start. Great hitting from both openers and 64 in the Powerplay set things up for a win 'slowing down' that was inevitable from a long way out. On now to the Super 12s, and let's be honest, anything other than that would have been a huge disappointment, they did it the hard way and all credit to them for that. Ireland's next opponents will be Sri Lanka at the same venue on Sunday. Another early 5am start for those at home.
T20 World Cup B
World T20 Cup Group B: Ireland beat Scotland by 6 wickets.
Hobart, 19 October.
 Scotland 176/5 (20 overs; M Jones 86, R Berrington 37, M Cross 28; C Campher 2-9)
 Ireland 180/4 (19 overs; C Campher 72*, G Dockrell 39*)
As they say about Halley's Comet, you only see it once in your lifetime, this was a stellar performance from Campher and Dockrell that saved skipper Balbirnie's blushes. A magnificent 86 off 55 balls from Michael Jones had propelled Scotland beyond the 170 total that had previously been chased down in Hobart only 3 times in over 20 encounters with questions asked as to how Ireland's bowling was managed, Campher taking 2-9 but only bowling two overs! When Ireland were 61/4 after 10 overs in the reply it was all Scotland and Campher and Dockrell took the only option open to them. With 115 added in the next 9 overs of the innings, an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 119, Campher 72* off 32 (7x4, 4x6) and Dockrell 39* off 27 (4x4, 1x6) ensuring that Ireland live to fight another day - at least!.
T20 World Cup B
World T20 Cup Group B: Ireland lost to Zimbabwe by 31 runs
Hobart, 17 October.
 174/7 (20 overs; S Raza 82, W Madhevere 22, L Jongwe 20*; J Little 3-24, S Singh 2-31, M Adair 2-39)
 143/9 (20 overs; C Campher 27, G Dockrell 24, G Delany 24, B McCarthy 22*; B Muzarabani 3-23, R Ngarave 2-22, T Chatara 2-22)
A 82 run Sikandar Raza blitz set Ireland an improbable target 175 for victory. Raza's 48 ball innings contained 5x6 and 5x4 and the Ireland bowlers wilted under the barrage. There was pace and bounce in the pitch which Josh Little exploited to claim his 3 wickets, with a couple each for Mark Adair and Simi Singh. Whatever pace and bounce Little got was more than matched by Muzarabani who had Balbirnie and Tector flatfooted and edging to slip. Little positives to report in the Ireland innings, except perhaps some lusty swings in the final overs clawing back a few decimal points in their NRR.
Scorecard T20I: Ireland beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets (DLS), 17 August.
T20I: Ireland lost to Afghanistan by 27 runs
Stormont, 15 August.
 Afghanistan 132/6 (11 overs; N Zadran 50, R Khan 31*; G Delany 3-33)
 Ireland 105 (11 overs; G Dockrell 41*; F Ahmad 3-14, R Khan 2-21)
George Dockrell top scored with 41 not out (Sportsfile)
The final margin 27 runs and the series level at 2-2 going into the decider on Wednesday. Afghanistan scored at twelve runs an over with 53 coming off the last three. For Ireland Dockrell's phenomenal series goes on and on. That's now 134 runs in the series without being out but no real support after an opening stand of 28. Crucially the wickets kept falling throughout the 11 overs. The big blow for Ireland, apart from Stirling hitting a long hop straight to long leg was the wickets of Adair and Hand off successive balls in the eighth over. All to play for on Wednesday.
Ireland's top scorer George Dockrell after the match
T20I: Ireland lost to Afghanistan by 22 runs
Stormont, 12 August.
 Afghanistan 189/5 (20 overs; Rahmanullah Gurbaz 53, Najibullah Zadran 42, Hazratullah Zazai 39, Ibrahim Zadran 36; J Little 2-29)
 Ireland 167/9 (20 overs; G Dockrell 58*, F Hand 36, L Tucker 31; Naveen 3-38, Farooqui 2-11, Mujeeb 2-28)
George Dockrell top-scored for Ireland (Sportsfile)
Afghanistan powered their way back into the five-match T20I series with a 22-run win over Ireland at Stormont. The victory was set up by their top order with Man-of-the-Match Gurbaz (53) and the recalled Zazai (39) laying the perfect platform with an opening stand of 90 in 11.2 overs before being dismissed by Josh Little (2-29) and debutant Fionn Hand. Ibrahim (36) kept the momentum going, but the real damage was inflicted by Najibullah who hit five sixes in his 42 as the visitors ended on an imposing 189 for 5. The chase started poorly with Stirling going in the first over, Balbirnie in the third, and Tector the fourth. Soon, the Irish were in disarray at 85 for 7, despite a feisty 3 from Lorcan Tucker. An Irish record 8th wicket stand of 74 in 38 balls between George Dockrell, who made an unbeaten 58 from 38 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes) and Fionn Hand, whose 18-ball 36 included 4 fours and 2 sixes put a gloss on the card, but in truth the result was never in any doubt.
Debutant Fionn Hand
T20I: Ireland beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets
Stormont, 11 August.
 Afghanistan 122-8 (20 overs; H Shahidi 36; M Adair 2-12, C Campher 2-13, J Little 2-18, G Delany 2-19)
 Ireland 125-5 (19 overs; A Balbirnie 46, L Tucker 27, G Dockrell 25*; M Nabi 2-15)
Man of the Match Josh Little (Sportsfile)
Ireland have gone two-nil up in their five-match series after comfortably beating Afghanistan by 5 wickets in Belfast. A fine bowling display saw Man-of-the-Match Josh Little, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair and Gareth Delany each take two wickets to restrict the Afghans to a modest 122 for 8 in their 20 overs. In reply, skipper Andy Balbirnie top-scored with 46 adding 65 for the second wicket in 9 overs with Lorcan Tucker, who made 27. There was a little mid-innings wobble, but George Dockrell's unbeaten 25 sealed the win with an over to spare. The teams meet again on Friday with the action at Stormont getting under way at 3.30pm.
T20I: Ireland beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets.
Stormont, 9 August.
 168-7 (20 overs; U Ghani 59, I Zadran 29*, R Gurbaz ; B McCarthy 3-24, G Dockrell 2-7)
 171-3 (19.5 overs; A Balbirnie 51, L Tucker 50, P Stirling 31, H Tector 25*;
Andrew Balbirnie scored a Man-of-the-Match half century (Sportsfile)
Ireland survived a late wobble to record their first win under new Head Coach Henrich Malan, beating Afghanistan to take a 1-0 lead in the five –match series at Stormont. Chasing 169, Paul Stirling (31) and skipper Andy Balbirnie gave their side a perfect platform with an opening stand of 61. The Irish captain showed a timely return to form after his barren run, making a Man-of-the-Match 51 from 38 balls (5 fours, 1 six). Lorcan Tucker scored his second 50 in three games, hitting 6 fours and a six in his 50 from 32 balls. However, 23 were still needed from the last two overs, and 13 from the last, making Afghanistan slight favourites. However Harry Tector (25*) and George Dockell both found the boundaries needed to seal a welcome win. Barry McCarthy (3-34) and Dockrell (2-7) were best with the ball. The teams meet again on Thursday and Friday.
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie after his MOM display
T20I: Ireland lost to South Africa by 44 runs.
The County Ground, Bristol, 5 August.
 South Africa 182/6 (20 overs; R Hendricks 42, H Klassen 39, D Miller 32; G Delany 2-24)
 Ireland 138 (18.5 overs; H Tector 34, B McCarthy 32; W Parnell 5-30, D Pretorius 3-33)
Harry Tector top-scored with 34 (Martin Bennett)
Ireland’s losing streak in T20I’s continued after they were well beaten by 44 runs against South Africa. Chasing 183, they lost captain Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker without scoring, the first two of five wickets for left-arm paceman Wayne Parnell (5-30). Paul Stirling hit two sixes in a quickfire 28, while YMCA duo Harry Tector (34) and Curtis Campher (19) added 47 in six overs for the fifth wicket. However, Ireland lost five wickets in two overs to slump to 96 for 9. Parnell’s fifth wicket was courtesy of a stupendous diving catch by De Kock off McBrine. A last wicket stand of 42 between Barry McCarthy (32) and Josh Little softened the losing margin. Little (1-20) and Gareth Delany (2-24) had helped Ireland keep South Africa quiet despite Reeza Hendricks 42, but once again death bowling proved Ireland’s Achilles heel. The Proteas plundered 89 from the final six overs, and a total of 182 was always going to be challenging on a used pitch.
T20I: Ireland lost to South Africa by 21 runs
County Ground, Bristol, 3 August.
 South Africa 211/5 (20 overs; R Hendricks 74, A Markram 56, T Stubbs 24, D Pretorius 21*; G Delany 2-31)
 Ireland 190/9 (20 overs; L Tucker 78, G Dockrell 43; K Maharaj 2-29, D Parnell 2-36, T Shamsi 2-37)
Lorcan Tucker scored 78 (Martin Bennett)
Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell batted superbly in a sixth wicket stand of 86 in 46 balls, but Ireland still lost by 21 runs in a tough chase. Tucker produced his best batting display as he top-scored with 78 from 38 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes), while Dockrell’s rich vein at interpro level transferred into the top arena as he hit 3 sixes and 2 fours in his best T20I score of 43 in 28 balls. The pair had come together with Ireland on 84 for 5, chasing 212, but after they fell in the space of two balls, the hosts ended on 190 for 9. The Irish bowling display wasn’t their best, as Reeza Hendicks (74) and Aidan Markram (56) added a third wicket stand of 112 in 10 overs to power them to 211 for 5. The teams meet again in the second and final match of the series on Friday.
T20I: Ireland lost to New Zealand by 6 wickets.
Stormont, 22 July.
 Ireland 174-6 (20 overs; P Stirling 40, M Adair 37*,L Tucker 28; I Sodhi 2-27, B Tickner 2-35)
 New Zealand 180-4 (19 overs; G Phillips 56*, D Mitchell 48, M Guptill 25; J Little 2-33)
Paul Stirling (Sportsfile)
Ireland were once again competitive, but were beaten by New Zealand who completed another series whitewash against the hosts. They had looked well-placed at the half-way stage, having put 174 for 6 on the board, with runs for Paul Stirling (40), Lorcan Tucker (28) and Harry Tector (23) setting the stage for fireworks at the end. Mark Adair hit four sixes in an unbeaten 37, adding 58 in 3.3 overs with Curtis Campher (19*). A total of over 140 had never been chased at Stormont, but that was broken as a half century from Man-of-the Match Glenn Phillips, plus runs for Daryl Mitchell (48) and Jimmy Neesham (23* from 6 balls) took the Black Caps to victory with an over to spare.
T20I: Ireland lost to New Zealand by 88 runs.
Stormont, 20 July.
 New Zealand 179-4 (20 overs; D Cleaver 78*, F Allen 35; J Little 2-31, C Young 2-34)
 Ireland 91 (13.5 overs; M Adair 27; M Bracewell 3-5, I Sodhi 3-21, J Duffy 2-20)
Gareth Delany is bowled first ball (Photo: Paul Irwin)
Ireland produced a horror batting display as they slumped to an 88-run loss against New Zealand in the T20I series in Belfast. Needing an unlikely 180 for victory, the chase was effectively over before halfway as Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi reduced them to 54 for 7. Mark Adair struck a defiant 27, but Michael Bracewell’s dream series continued as he finished the game with a hat-trick – Ireland 91 all out. Dane Cleaver hit 5 fours and 4 sixes as he top-scored with 78 for the Black Caps in their 179 for 4, with runs too for Finn Allen (35) and Glenn Phillips *23). Josh Little (2-31) and Craig Young (2-34) the successful bowlers. The sides meet again on Friday in the third and final match of the series.
T20I: Ireland lost to New Zealand by 31 runs.
Stormont, 18 July.
 New Zealand 173-8 (20 overs; G Phillips 69*, J Neesham 29; J Little 4-35, M Adair 2-49)
 Ireland 142 (18.2 overs; C Campher 29, M Adair 25; L Ferguson 4-14, J Neesham 2-19, M Santner 2-36)
Gareth Delany is bowled first ball
Scorecard World Cup Super League: Ireland lost to New Zealand by 1 run, 15 July.
World Cup Super League: Ireland lost to New Zealand by 3 wickets.
Malahide, 12 July.
 Ireland 216 (48 overs; G Dockrell 74, A McBrine 28, M Adair 27*, C Campher 25; M Bracewell 2-26, M Santner 2-32, M Henry 2-40)
 New Zealand 219-7 (38.1 overs; F Allen 60, T Latham 55, M Bracewell 42*; M Adair 2-29, S Singh 2-51)
George Dockrell is congratulated by Simi Singh on reaching his half-century (Sportsfile)
World Cup Super League: Ireland lost to New Zealand by 1 wicket.
Malahide, 10 July.
 Ireland 300-9 (50 overs; H Tector 113; C Campher 43, A McBrine 39, S Singh 30*, L Tucker 26; L Ferguson 2-44, I Sodhi 2-62, B Tickner 2-71)
 New Zealand 305-9 (49.5 overs; M Bracewell 127*, M Guptill 51, G Phillips 38, I Sodhi 25; C Campher 3-49, M Adair 2-43)
A disappointed Andrew Balbirnie speaking after the match
Scorecard T20I: Ireland lost to v India by 4 runs, 28 June.
Scorecard T20I: Ireland lost to India by 7 wickets, 26 June.
Scorecard World T20 Qualifier Final: UAE beat Ireland by 7 wickets, 24 February.
Scorecard World T20 Qualifier Semi-final: Ireland beat Oman by 56 runs, 22 February.
Scorecard World T20 Qualifier Group A: Germany lost to Ireland by 7 wickets, 21 February.
Scorecard World T20 Qualifier Group A: Ireland beat Bahrain by 21 runs, 19 February.
Scorecard World T20 Qualifier Group A: UAE beat Ireland by 18 runs, 18 February.
Scorecard Oman T20 Quadrangular: Ireland beat Nepal by 16 runs, 14 February.
Scorecard Oman T20 Quadrangular: UAE beat Ireland by 13 runs, 13 February.
Scorecard Oman T20 Quadrangular: Oman lost to Ireland by 9 wickets, 12 February.
Scorecard World Cup Super League: West Indies lost to Ireland by 2 wickets, 16 January.
Scorecard World Cup Super League: West Indies lost to Ireland by 5 wickets (DLS), 13 January.
Scorecard World Cup Super League: West Indies beat Ireland by 24 runs, 8 January.
Ireland XI Matches
Scorecard Jamaica Scorpions beat Ireland XI by 5 wickets, 5 January.
Ireland Wolves
Scorecard Free Foresters drew with Ireland Academy, 6 September.
Scorecard Gloucestershire II lost to Ireland Development XI by 251 runs, 20 June.
Scorecard Namibia lost to Ireland Wolves by 22 runs, 5 April.
Scorecard Namibia beat Ireland Wolves by 6 wickets, 3 April.
Scorecard Namibia lost to Ireland Wolves by 5 wickets, 1 April.
Scorecard Namibia beat Ireland Wolves by 7 runs, 29 March.
Scorecard T20: Namibia beat Ireland Wolves by 8 wickets, 24 March.
Scorecard T20: Namibia lost to Ireland Wolves by 32 runs, 23 March.
Scorecard T20: Namibia beat Ireland Wolves by 2 runs (DLS), 21 March.
Ireland Academy
European T10 Tournament
Scorecard Final: Ireland Academy lost to Spain by 6 wickets, 16 September.
Scorecard Qualifier: Spain lost to Ireland Academy by 9 wickets, 16 September.
Scorecard Round 7: Ireland Academy beat Czech Republic by 28 runs, 15 September.
Scorecard Round 8: Portugal lost to Ireland Academy by 9 wickets, 15 September.
Scorecard Round 6: Portugal lost to Ireland Academy by 6 wickets, 14 September.
Scorecard Round 5: Spain lost to Ireland Academy by 10 wickets, 14 September.
Scorecard Round 4: Ireland Academy beat Austria by 10 runs, 13 September.
Scorecard Round 3: Spain beat Ireland Academy by 13 runs, 13 September.
Scorecard Round 2: Czech Republic lost to Ireland Academy by 10 wickets, 12 September.
Scorecard Round 1: Austria lost to Ireland Academy by 9 wickets, 12 September.
Other Matches
Other Match
Free Foresters drew with Ireland Academy
Arundel Castle, 8 September.
 Free Foresters 135 (36.5 overs; A Forbes 40, T Drake-Brockman 22, D O'Sullivan 20; F Catherwood-Smith 5-42, M Foster 4-50)
 Ireland Academy 347/4 (91 overs; J McCollum 153, A Frost 73, R Karunakaran 41)
James McCollum who scored 153 for the Ireland Academy against Free Foresters
Ireland were going into the final day of the 3-day match with a lead of 212 hoping that they could repeat their first day success with the ball and seal the win. But heavy overnight and early morning rain put paid to their chances of forcing a result in what was their final fixture of the 2022 season.
England Under 19 drew with Ireland Academy
Loughborough, 16 August.
 Ireland 340 (88.5 overs; C Carmichael 92, A Frost 40, T Tector 35, R Karunakaran 35; B Cliff 5-39, T Aspinwall 3-80)
 England U19
Cade Carmichael scored 92
Cade Carmichael fell to the penultimate ball of a rain truncated day as Ireland Academy racked up 236 for 4 at Loughborough against England U19s. The Instonians batsman hit 18 boundaries before edging to first slip just before the rain returned. The day's play was overshadowed by an injury to James McCollum, who was struck on the helmet by a return throw from the bowler, which saw him retire hurt with concussion and he will take no further part in the match. Ali Frost (40) and Tim Tector (35) also were in the runs on a day when the ball dominated the bat for the most part.
Reports & Articles
Ireland players topping the charts
Ever since Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien topped the Most T20i Runs table in 2019 I’ve kept an eye on the annual stats to see how our players are faring compared to the rest of the world.
Ireland star chuffed after landing IPL deal
Christmas came early yesterday for Irish cricketer Josh Little after the 23-year old fast bowler was bought at auction for €460,000 by Indian Premier League team Gujarat Titans.
Little goes large
Left-arm pacer Josh Little is the first Ireland cricketer to get a contract in the Indian Premier League, ensuring the biggest pay packet ever collected by an Irish player. 
Little wins big deal
Josh Little is in line for a bumper pay day next spring after being snapped up by Gujarat Titans for EUR 500,000 in yesterday’s Indian Premier League auction in Kochi.
Christmas comes early for Little
Santa has come early for Irish international Josh Little who has been snapped by Gujarat Titans for the 2023 IPL.
Call-up means world to Adair
Ross Adair says it would “mean the world to me” if he makes his debut for Ireland on their tour of Zimbabwe next month.
Zimbabwe beckons for Ross Adair
Ross Adair will join brother Mark in the Ireland squad in Zimbabwe, while Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector have been granted permission by Cricket Ireland to play in T20 franchise tournaments.
Big deal for Little
Josh Little was the only Ireland player picked up at the auction for next year’s Pakistan Super League which runs from February 9-March 19.
Ireland name squads for Zimbabwe tour
There are recalls for Tyrone Kane, Neil Rock and Ben White, but Simi Singh axed, while injured Warriors duo Craig Young and Conor Olphert miss out.
Ireland to face Ballance on Zimbabwe tour
Former England international Gary Ballance is likely to be included in the Zimbabwe squad for their six-match home series against Ireland next month.
Zimbabwe return for Ireland
Ireland will return to Zimbabwe next month for the first time since 2018, when they failed to qualify for the ICC World Cup in England, to play three T20 internationals and three one-day internationals.
Ireland confirm Zimbabwe tour dates
Ireland and Zimbabwe have confirmed the dates for their six-match white-ball tour next month.
Little stars as Gladiators clinch trophy
Josh Little got the better of Paul Stirling as Deccan Gladiators retained their Abu Dhabi T10 crown with a 37 runs victory in yesterday’s final.
Ireland players jet off for sunnier climes
Six more Ireland players are off on their travels this weekend for T20 franchise action, this time bound for the sunny climes of Florida.
Self imposed Test exile to end in 2023
With no confirmation of any three-day interpro games next season, the Chelmsford game could be Ireland’s only red-ball action ahead of Ireland’s second Test match against England, the last in July 2019.
Ireland to face Essex in Test warm-up
Ireland have pencilled in a three-day match against Essex to help with their preparations for their Test against England next year.
Grounds for optimism or concern?
Thursday's announcement by Sport Ireland of the development at Abbotstown should have been a cause for joy. However, the complete silence from Cricket Ireland tells its own story.
Ireland turn a corner in T20 but still far from finished article
AS pivotal moments go, the arrival of George Dockrell at the wicket in Hobart two weeks ago was as dramatic as it gets.
Stat attack: Ireland T20I stats for World Cup and 2022 season
Ireland played 33 matches in 2022, with 27 of them in T20 format, including seven at the ongoing World Cup in Australia.
Balbirnie proud of Ireland improvement
Andrew Balbirnie has admitted there remains a gap between Ireland and the top teams in T20 cricket but believes they have shown they are a much better team than 12 months ago.
Ireland bow out despite Little heroics
Josh Little became only the sixth bowler to take a T20 World Cup hat-trick but it was not enough to prevent Ireland losing their final Super 12 game against New Zealand in Adelaide by 35 runs.
Little saves best for last
JOSH LITTLE left the best for his last over of the T20 World Cup, taking a stunning hat-trick at the Adelaide Oval to cap a superb personal campaign as Ireland bowed out with a creditable 35-run loss to New Zealand.
Little hat-trick but Ireland beaten by New Zealand
Josh Little took a T20 World Cup hat-trick, but it wasn't enough to prevent Ireland from a 35-run loss against New Zealand in their final Super 12 match in Adelaide.
Little in big demand
Josh Little is a wanted man. Even before the T20 World Cup, he had been starring in franchise leagues around the world but after his performances for Ireland over the last two weeks, he is sure to be in even greater demand.
Little aiming big
JOSH LITTLE wants to round off his successful T20 World Cup campaign with another big scalp today (FRI) in Adelaide as Ireland aim to derail the semi-final ambitions of New Zealand in their final Group 1 match.
Poster boy McCarthy looking to end on high
Barry McCarthy has been the poster boy for Cricket Ireland this week. The 30-year-old Dubliner’s face adorned the billboards in Brisbane, alongside Australia captain Aaron Finch, promoting Monday’s game between the teams.
End of term school report for Ireland
How have the Irish squad performed so far in Australia? Marks out of ten for the 12 players who have taken the field so far.
Sense of what may have been for Ireland?
Barring the most preposterous of results against New Zealand in Adelaide on Friday, the Ireland team will fly home from the T20 World Cup at the weekend, satisfied with their campaign but perhaps wondering ‘What if?’
Balbirnie reflects on missed opportunity
It feels like a missed opportunity but I suppose having that feeling after being 25 for five is a bit of a positive in a roundabout way. I still feel we’re doing some good stuff and we want to go out with a bang on Friday.
Tucker saves Ireland from Halloween horror show
Lorcan Tucker rescued Ireland from a Halloween horror show in Brisbane with a superb, undefeated 71 but it was too late to prevent a 42 runs defeat by Australia in their penultimate Super 12 game at the T20 World Cup.
Tucker valiant in Ireland defeat
Lorcan Tucker gave fans a glimpse of glory at the Gabba with a sparking 71 not out before running out of partners as Australia closed out a 42-run victory in Brisbane to all but end Ireland’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
Delany hoping to deliver
Gareth Delany has admitted he is still getting used to his new role as Ireland’s No 1 spin bowler, as he prepared for his sixth game at the T20 World Cup this morning.
Tucker saves Ireland blushes
A superb unbeaten 71 from Lorcan Tucker salvaged some pride for Ireland in a losing cause as they were well beaten by Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Ireland get rare opportunity to down Australia
ANYONE looking for a form guide to today’s T20 World Cup clash between Ireland and Australia in Brisbane will be disappointed because the two sides have played each other only once over the shortest distance, and not for a decade.
Rain the winner in Melbourne
Ireland will decamp to Brisbane today expecting to find much better weather for Monday’s clash against Australia in the T20 World Cup after seeing their third Group 1 match against Afghanistan abandoned without a ball bowled in Melbourne.
Ireland still believe
Although Ireland were denied the chance to go top of the Group 1 table in the Super 12s at the T20 World Cup, Andrew Balbirnie still believes the side is capable of reaching the semi-final.
A golden generation?
Andy Balbirnie and his team may be only one win away from qualifying for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup if they can overcome Afghanistan but how serious is the skipper’s claim to be leading a new ‘golden generation’ of Irish cricketers?
Tucker dares to dream
Lorcan Tucker is daring to dream of the T20 World Cup semi-finals after their latest victory over England.
Rain glorious rain as Ireland beat England
Rain glorious rain. It arrived at the Melbourne Cricket Ground just before 6.45pm and 10 minutes later Ireland had another famous World Cup victory over England.
Ireland dare to dream after England win
When the euphoria from another superb T20 World Cup victory finally begins to fade this morning in Melbourne, Ireland will start to look forward to the clash with Afghanistan knowing that a win will take the Boys in Green to top spot in Group 1 of the Super 12.
Ireland beat England in T20 World Cup
Ireland completed another famous World Cup win with a thoroughly deserved five-run (DLS) win against England at the MCG.
Larry homes in on Ireland win
Larry Leprechaun will finally get to see Ireland play on his doorstep at one of the world’s largest and most famous venues tomorrow when the Boys in Green take on England in the Super 12 of the T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
England wary of Ireland banana skin
After England started their T20 World Cup campaign with victory over Afghanistan on Saturday, their thoughts were already turning towards their clash with defending champions Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
Stirling relishing England challenge
Paul Stirling, Ireland’s most experienced batsman, is excited to, at long last, get the opportunity to face England once again in a T20 international.
Balbirnie disappointed by Ireland display
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie admitted he was disappointed that Ireland failed to lay on glove on Sri Lanka as they crashed to a nine wickets defeat here in their opening Super 12 game at the T20 World Cup.
Reality check for Ireland in Sri Lanka loss
IRELAND were brought back to earth in Hobart yesterday as Sri Lanka dominated their opening Super 12 clash and eased to a nine-wicket win as easily as the Boys in Green had beaten the West Indies to reach this stage of the T20 World Cup.
Ireland hammered by Sri Lanka
Ireland are back in the big time and they still have plenty to prove after Sri Lanka comprehensively defeated them in their opening Super 12 game at the T20 World Cup in Australia.
Nightmare turns into a dream for rejuvenated Ireland
Just about 7.30am on Wednesday, Irish cricket fans back home were waking up and switching TVs on in the middle of a nightmare, with Ireland slipping to 61-4 against Scotland in the second match of their T20 World Cup campaign.
Ireland lay the ghost of T20 tournaments past
It is a stark contrast to this time last year when Ireland had just lost to Namibia but, showing how much they have improved, Andrew Balbirnie’s side have five extra games in Australia this year.
No shock as Ireland oust West Indies
IT WASN’T a shock. Well, maybe the ease of victory over the West Indies - by nine wickets with 15 balls to spare - was far more comfortable than could have been expected but Ireland’s advance into the Super 12 of the T20 World Cup will not raise too many eyebrows.
Ireland produce goods when it matters
Needing to beat West Indies in their final group game to reach the Super 12s, they hammered them by nine wickets with a huge 15 balls to spare to extend their stay in Australia by two weeks.
Ireland thump West Indies to qualify for Super 12s
A stunning all-round performance saw Ireland crush an abject West Indies team by nine wickets to seal a deserved place in the Super 12s.
Super 12 beckons for Ireland
Ireland will play Sri Lanka in Hobart on Sunday in their first Super 12 T20 World Cup game if they beat West Indies tomorrow, assuming there is a winner in the evening game between Scotland and Namibia.
Win or bust for Ireland
The euphoria in the Ireland camp after their stunning six wickets victory over Scotland at the T20 World Cup yesterday was dulled just four hours later when West Indies also recorded their first victory in Group B.
Sensational stand keeps Ireland hopes alive
A sensational unbroken fifth wicket partnership of 119 from just 60 balls between Curtis Campher and George Dockrell kept Ireland’s hopes of getting through the group stages of the T20 World Cup very much alive.
Campher rescues Ireland
Curtis Campher played the innings of his life in Hobart yesterday to spur Ireland to a six-wicket victory over Scotland and set-up a sudden-death eliminator against the West Indies.
Campher and Dockrell rescue Ireland from World Cup exit
A record partnership between Curtis Campher and George Dockrell saved Ireland from an early departure from the T20 World Cup in Hobart.
All too familiar for Ireland
Ireland slipped into their familiar seats in the Last Chance Saloon in Hobart last night (MON) knowing that a demoralising 31-run loss to Zimbabwe at the Bellerive Oval has left their T20 World Cup campaign teetering on the edge of elimination.
Hobart holds fond memories for Ireland
WIN OR LOSE in Hobart today it’s highly unlikely that the first match in Ireland’s T20 World Cup campaign will be as thrilling or controversial as the last time they played Zimbabwe at the Bellerive Oval in 2015.
Ireland well beaten by Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup opener
Ireland's hopes of progression to the Super 12 phase are hanging on by a thread after a 31-run loss to Zimbabwe in their T20 World Cup opener in Hobart.
Rejuvenated Dockrell holds key for Ireland
Ireland can boast one such chameleon cricketer, and his stature has grown such that he is now the secret weapon that Ireland’s Men’s T20 World Cup campaign is built around.
Zimbabwe clash looms large for Ireland
In the words of Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie, head coach Heinrich Malan has been a “breath of fresh air” and now it’s up to the players to transfer that positivity onto the playing field.
MCG spur for Stirling
PAUL STIRLING is being spurred on by the prospect of returning to one the world’s iconic grounds as Ireland face up to three crucial T20 World Cup matches against Zimbabwe, Scotland and the West Indies next week.
Rain continues to disrupt Ireland preparations
If the heavy showers which were forecast for Melbourne abandoned Ireland’s final warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup, they will have played only two of their proposed five games since arriving 12 days ago.
Namibia inflict more pain on Ireland
Namibia proved their first round T20 World Cup victory over Ireland in Sharjah last year was not a one-off as they put on a repeat performance to claim an 11 runs victory in the official warm-up game in Melbourne.
McCarthy makes strong case to join the party
BARRY McCARTHY put in a strong claim to the third seam bowling slot in Ireland’s attack with a lively four overs yesterday before his side’s historic first appearance at the MCG ended in an 11-run defeat by Namibia.
Ireland excited by MCG appearance
It is not often that players are desperate to play in a warm-up game but then it’s not every day that an Ireland player has the chance to appear at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Lucky General Malan is man on a mission
The build-up to the T20 World Cup moves up a gear tomorrow morning when Ireland play Namibia in the first of two official warm-up games, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, better know as the MCG, or simply ‘The G’.
Hume replaces injured Young
Cricket Ireland had denied there was a problem with Young as recently as Tuesday, when he missed Ireland’s first practice match after their arrival in Sydney.
Young ruled out of World Cup squad
Craig Young has been ruled out of Ireland's T20 World Cup campaign with a recurrence of his hip injury.
Rain continues to hamper Irish preparations
Rain continues to follow the Ireland team wherever they go with their second practice game in Sydney falling victim to the weather.
Ireland blow away the jet lag
Ireland were due to be straight back into action this morning against a Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) XI after what Mark Adair described as an opening match which “blew away the jet lag”.
Doheny saves Irish blushes
An unbeaten 65 from Stephen Doheny saved Ireland's blushes as they got their T20 World Cup preparations under way with a three-wicket win over Randwick Petersham at their Coogee Oval base in Sydney's suburbs.
Ireland without Stirling and Tector for tour opener
Ireland will play their first match in Australia tomorrow ahead of the T20 World Cup. but they will be without Paul Stirling and Harry Tector.
Wolves tour scrapped
A planned tour by Ireland Wolves this month to the West Indies has been scrapped.
Ireland given prime Lord's slot
Ireland have been given the prime slot at Lord’s again next year when they play their second Test match against England.
Return to Lord's for Ireland
Ireland are due to return to Lord's in 2023, almost four years after their last Test there, when they almost secured an incredible win.
Ireland opt for loyalty
Loyalty remains the watchword for Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan as he refused to deviate from the squad that played throughout the summer and they have been selected en bloc for next month’s T20 World Cup.
Ireland put their faith in pace
The Ireland coach has kept faith with the players that played a ‘brave brand of cricket’ during the domestic season, running India, New Zealand and South Africa close before finally securing a series win against Afghanistan.
Ireland opt for tried and trusted in World Cup squad
Ireland have named their T20 World Cup squad, with no late surprises in Heinrich Malan's 15.
Spain stun Ireland to win T10 Euros group
Hosts Spain produced a superb run chase to stun Ireland in their group final of the European T10 Championships.
Getkate set for Ireland recall ahead of World Cup?
Shane Getkate is set to be the surprise name in Ireland’s T20 World Cup squad which is being selected this week.
Ireland top group in Euro T10
Ireland finished the group stages of the European T10s with wins over the Czech Republic and Portugal.
Lynch on fire as Ireland beat Portugal to go top
Seamus Lynch was in the runs once again as he powered Ireland to a six-wicket win against Portugal in the evening match of the T10 European Championships in Malaga.
West Indian tour for Ireland
An Ireland Wolves/Academy side will travel to the West Indies next month to take on the hosts' Under 23 side.
O'Reilly stars as Ireland gain revenge over Spain
Mikey O'Reilly's five wicket haul helped Ireland gain revenge for Tuesday's loss to Spain, as they beat the hosts by 10 wickets in a near faultless display.
Mixed fortunes for Ireland at Euros
Ireland were beaten by hosts Spain but won a tight contest against Austria to finish day two in second place.
Austria Lynched while Czech Republic gone for a Burton
Ireland opened their T10 European Championships with emphatic wins against Austria and the Czech Republic.
Ireland begin Euros with two wins
It took the Ireland Academy side less than eight overs to confirm their superiority over the opposition at the T10 European Championships in Malaga.
Late changes to Ireland squad for European Championships
Visa problems have forced Ireland into some late changes ahead of their first appearance on Monday in the T10 European Championships.
As warm-ups go this one will be special
Paul Stirling has expressed his excitement at the news that one of Ireland’s warm-up games ahead of the T20 World Cup will be held at the world famous Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Ireland name squad for European Championships
Ireland have named a squad of 13 for the Euro T10 Championships in Spain later this month.
Self imposed Test famine set to end for Ireland
Ireland's Test match famine will end next March when they travel to Bangladesh for a tour which will also include three one-day internationals and three T20Is.
Morale boosting series win for Ireland
Ireland can head to the T20 World Cup with a first series win against Afghanistan in the bank after George Dockrell – who else? – scored the run which clinched victory in the deciding T20 international at Stormont.
Ireland complete first series win against Afghanistan
PAUL STIRLING became the fourth batsman to pass 3,000 runs in T20 internationals in Belfast as Ireland squeezed past Afghanistan by seven wickets with two balls to spare to complete a 3-2 series win.
Ireland pay the price as Afghanistan level series
IRELAND paid the price for a series of missed chances in Belfast as Afghanistan powered to a 27-run victory in a match reduced to 11 overs a side, and squared the T20 series at 2-2 going into tomorrow’s final game.
Afghanistan set up series decider
It will be all to play for tomorrow in Ireland’s final match against Afghanistan after the tourists won yesterday’s penultimate game by 27 runs to level the five-match series at 2-2.
McBrine axed by Ireland
Andy McBrine has lost his place in the Ireland T20 squad for the final two games of series against Afghanistan which continues this afternoon at Stormont.
Focus on the process
Ireland will continue to focus on the process when they resume their five-match series against Afghanistan at Stormont on Monday, after failing to complete a hat-trick of wins in the third match of their latest T20 series.
Hand impresses on debut
FIONN HAND made a spectacular international debut in Belfast last night smashing 36 from 18 balls before Ireland fell 22 runs short of a third victory in four days against Afghanistan in their five-match T20 series.
Dockrell golden summer continues
George Dockrell’s golden summer continued with a first T20 international half-century but it wasn’t enough to prevent Ireland falling to defeat in the third game of the five-match series against Afghanistan at Stormont.
Ireland aim for series win
Ireland will attempt to make it a hat-trick of wins against Afghanistan today when they face their fiercest rivals in the third of the five-match series at Stormont.
Good things come to those who wait
Everything comes to those who wait. At the 11th time of asking, Ireland have recorded their first win of the summer after a thrilling chase in the first T20 international against Afghanistan at Stormont.
Balbirnie fires Ireland to victory
Andy Balbirnie ended his run drought in Belfast and just as importantly led Ireland to their first win of the summer, with a nail-biting seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the opening clash of a five-match T20 series.
Malan waits on first win
His first three series saw him take on the No1 one side in the world, the No.5 and then the No.4. It was no surprise when Ireland lost each series and, after eight games, Malan is yet to taste a win.
Malan backs under pressure Balbirnie
Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan has backed captain Andrew Balbirnie to come good in the upcoming five-match T20 series against Afghanistan at Stormont, with the first game today.
Ireland still have L plates in T20 cricket
Andy McBrine has recently passed his driving test but the Ireland cricket team, of which he remains a vital cog, still have their ‘L’ plates up when playing T20 internationals.
Ireland slump to series loss against South Africa
Ireland failed to follow-up their brave fight against South Africa in the first game although Barry McCarthy’s highest score for Ireland, from 19 balls, in a last wicket stand of 42 reduced the margin of defeat to 44 runs.
Parnell puts a halt to the march of Ireland
Wayne Parnell was the uncrowned king of Bristol last night as Ireland fell to a 44-run defeat to South Africa.
Ireland beaten again as South Africa win T20I series
HARRY TECTOR again top-scored in a losing cause for Ireland on Friday night as South Africa eased to a 44-run victory in Bristol to claim a 2-0 win in the T20 mini-series.
Battling Ireland beaten by South Africa
George Dockrell struck his highest T20I score and Lorcan Tucker top-scored with 78 as Ireland gave South Africa a scare in Bristol last night before succumbing to a 21-run defeat in the first of a two-match mini series.
Ireland go down fighting
Ireland went down fighting but the wait for a first T20 international win of the summer goes on.
South Africa given real fright by Ireland
IRELAND fell 21 short of the stiff target set by South Africa last night in Bristol – but for much of the second innings the world number three Twenty20 side was in real danger of an embarrassing defeat.
Ireland facing tough South African test
A new ‘home ground’ and another ‘exciting’ challenge is Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie's take on this week's T20 internationals against South Africa, the first under the lights at the County Ground in Bristol tonight.
Ireland hoping change of base leads to change of fortune
Around those fine performances were some abject T20 defeats however and Ireland flew in to Bristol with few expecting heroics against a very fine South Africa team.
Harry's Game
HARRY TECTOR will give South African fans a glimpse of what they will be seeing on home soil after Christmas when he looks to continue his amazing run of form for Ireland in the first of two T20 internationals in Bristol.
Ireland ship shape and Bristol fashion
Ireland are off on their travels this week for two ‘home’ matches against South Africa, with the County Ground at Bristol the venue, to ease the workload on the international pitches in Malahide, Bready and Stormont.
Hume earns surprise Ireland T20I call-up
Graham Hume has been called up into an Ireland T20 squad for the first time as a replacement for his Warriors team-mate Craig Young who has been ruled out of this week’s games against South Africa in Bristol.
Hume replaces injured Young in T20I squad
Graham Hume has been drafted in to the Ireland squad after a late withdrawal by Craig Young.
Adair keen to keep on winning
And Adair is a winner. It was hard not to be because the 26-year-old has grown up in a sporting family and while not directly competing against each other, they have driven each other on.
Adair fireworks not enough to deny New Zealand
Mark Adair let rip with 37 not out from 15 balls for Ireland in Belfast last night but his late onslaught was not enough to prevent a New Zealand win by six wickets and a clean sweep of the three-match T20 series.
New Zealand teach Ireland a lesson
Andrew Balbirnie admitted that New Zealand taught them a lesson as they completed a second successive series whitewash against Ireland, winning the final T20 international at Stormont by six wickets.
Young keen to add more after landmark
One of the last players to realise he was winning his 100th cap last Friday in Ireland’s one-day international against New Zealand was the man himself.
Ireland hammered by New Zealand
Michael Bracewell completed a hat-trick within his first over in T20 internationals last night to wrap up an emphatic victory for New Zealand in Belfast as Ireland subsided to an 88-run defeat.
Ireland feel the heat at Stormont
The Ireland batsmen could blame the extreme heat at Stormont yesterday but it was some classy New Zealand bowling which ultimately won the first T20 international.
Ireland well beaten by New Zealand
Josh Little returned to form with the ball in Belfast last night but an indifferent batting display by Ireland gave New Zealand a comfortable 31-run victory in the first of three T20 internationals.
Hand replaces Olphert in T20 squad
Bready speedster Conor Olphert has withdrawn from the Ireland squad with a knee injury.
Zimbabwe challenge awaits Ireland
Zimbabwe will be Ireland’s first opponents at the T20 World Cup in Hobart after they defeated the Netherlands in the final in Bulawayo yesterday.
New Zealand win by the barest of margins
Yet more heartbreak for Ireland in this summer of near-misses as their bid to end the one-day international series against New Zealand with a win ended in a cruel one-run defeat.
Stirling and Tector hundreds in vain
PAUL STIRLING and Harry Tector scored magnificent centuries but for the second time in six days Ireland lost a last-over thriller to New Zealand, going down by one run in the final game of a superb Super League series.
Ireland cruelly denied for a third time
There is a saying that things come in threes and for Ireland today it was their third heart wrenching narrow loss to a world class side in just over two weeks.
Bracewell denies Ireland again
Michael Bracewell was again the immovable object at Malahide as New Zealand beat Ireland in their second World Cup Super League match by three wickets.
Normal service resumed
NORMAL service was resumed at Malahide yesterday as New Zealand beat Ireland by three wickets to take a winning 2-0 lead in the World Cup Super League series but the Black Caps were made to fight for the victory.
New Zealand chase down low Ireland total
On several occasions in their run chase it looked like it would be a comfortable win but then Ireland would grab a wicket and put it back in the melting pot.
New Zealand silence Ireland's Call
Ireland failed to complete a glorious double over New Zealand at Malahide as for the second successive match for Andy Balbirnie’s side it was a case of so near, yet so far against a number one ranked side.
Bracewell breaks Irish hearts
Harry Tector took his phenomenal run of form to a new high at Malahide yesterday, scoring a maiden one-day international century as Ireland came agonisingly close to beating New Zealand
Ireland face tough New Zealand test
IRELAND resume their World Cricket League campaign today in Malahide with a spring in their step.
New Zealand challenge awaits Ireland
Less than a fortnight after getting to within four runs of the No.1-ranked side in T20 cricket, the top one-day international team has rolled into town to offer Ireland their latest big-match experience.
Malan tests positive for Covid-19
Heinrich Malan is isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 just days out from Ireland's One-Day International series against New Zealand.
Ireland unchanged for New Zealand T20 series
Ireland have kept faith with the same squad that ran India close for the visit of New Zealand to Stormont later this month.
Balbirnie challenges Ireland
Andrew Balbirnie has told his Ireland players that their memorable batting display in the second T20 international against India on Tuesday must not be a one-off.
Ireland offer glimpse of the future
Ireland were just one hit away from winning the most spectacular T20I ever seen on this island. In a match that few would have given Ireland a prayer of winning after India’s innings, the improbable almost happened.
Balbirnie boundary blitz but Ireland beaten
Andy Balbirnie led the way with seven stunning sixes as Ireland came within a whisker of pulling off an incredible T20 chase at Malahide last night before losing to India by an agonising four runs.
Ireland give India the fright of their lives
With less than four months to go to the T20 World Cup, Ireland produced their greatest ever performance in the shortest format to give India the fright of their lives.
India given real scare by Ireland
Ireland came within one hit of producing the greatest shock in T20 international history against India in Dublin.
Young has high praise for Tector
Craig Young has hailed Harry Tector as “one of the best batsmen I have ever played with” after watching his third and highest T20 international half-century for Ireland, against the might of India on Sunday.
Harry's Game
Harry Tector produced the innings of the night - his highest T20 international score - but anything Ireland could do, India could do better as they powered to a seven wickets win in the first T20 international at Malahide.
Lots of high class cricket on view at Malahide
Odran Flynn gives his thoughts on Ireland's T20 defeat at the hands of India yesterday.
Tector comes of age as Ireland lose to India
Ireland will need another Harry Tector masterclass and a lot more if they are to level the series in Tuesday's match.
Ireland set for India challenge
A little flavour of the IPL can be sampled this afternoon in Malahide, where India take on Ireland in the first of two T20 internationals.
Malan in at the deep end
Odran Flynn returns with a look ahead - weather permitting - to Ireland's two T20I matches against Indian starting on Sunday at Malahide.
Ireland close out win in Bristol
As expected, the Ireland Development side completed a 251-run win against Gloucestershire Seconds on the final day of their red-ball match in Bristol.
Olphert has big boots to fill
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Conor Olphert, the Bready fast bowler who has a chance of bowling to the India superstars at the weekend when Ireland return to action for a two-match T20 international series.
Delany and Kennedy hit hundreds for Ireland
Centuries from David Delany and Graham Kennedy have put the Ireland Development XI in a strong position going into the final day of their friendly against Gloucestershire Seconds.
Frost and Hume put Irish in strong position
Four wickets for Graham Hume and a half century by Alistair Frost have put Ireland's Development XI in a strong position at the close of the second of four scheduled days against Gloucestershire II.
Hume gets Ireland opportunity
Graham Hume has been named in the Ireland squad for next month’s World Cup Super League series against New Zealand, the No.1-ranked one-day international side.
Hume named in Ireland squad
Graham Hume has been called into the Ireland squad for the first time for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand next month in Malahide.
Doheny and Olphert called into Ireland squad
Merrion batsman Stephen Doheny and Bready pace bowler Conor Olphert have been called into the Ireland squad for the two T20I clashes with Malahide later this month.
Moor called into Irish set-up
Zimbabwean PJ Moor has been named in an Ireland squad that will play in Bristol next week.
Self imposed Test match exile to end next year
Ireland are in line to end their Test match drought with the possibility of two games next year, including a second Test against England.
Georgeson u-turn blow for Ireland
Luke Georgeson has undergone a change of heart and decided not to represent Ireland in the international arena.
Georgeson change of heart on Ireland career
Luke Georgeson fielded for Northern Knights yesterday in their final warm-up ahead of next week’s inter-provincial Cup game, but it was his last involvement with the NCU side.
Balbirnie happy with T20 diet
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie has described this summer’s international fixture list as the “perfect preparation” for the T20 World Cup.
The 1000 day exile
It's a milestone for Irish cricket, but certainly not in a good way as their self-imposed Test exile reaches 1000 days, and shows little sign of ending anytime soon.
Keeping the Wolves from the door
Gareth Delany is hoping to take his excellent form on the recent Wolves tour into the 2022 international season which starts for Ireland Men at the end of June.
Georgeson says farewell to New Zealand
Luke Georgeson has been awarded a full-time contract with Ireland after giving up the chance to play for his home country, New Zealand.
Georgeson throws in his lot with Ireland
CSNI all-rounder Luke Georgeson has thrown in his lot with Ireland and has accepted an offer of a full-time central contract.
Ireland Wolves tour averages
It was a hard fought, exciting series between Ireland Wolves and Namibia, with little separating two evenly matched sides.
Delany doubles up in Wolves win
Gareth Delany and Ireland Wolves finished their tour of Namibia on a high with a 22 runs series-levelling victory in Windhoek yesterday.
Namibia blow Ireland away despite Delany heroics
Gareth Delany showed again yesterday why he is a current member of Ireland’s one-day international side with a second successive 50 for Ireland Wolves in Namibia.
Delany delivers as Wolves level series
Gareth Delany hurried Ireland Wolves to victory in the second one-day match against Namibia yesterday to level the five-match series, with two to play.
Wolves come up short in chase
Handicapped by the retirement of opening batsman Murray Commins, Ireland Wolves fell seven runs short in the first of five one-day matches against Namibia in Windhoek yesterday.
Eagles swoop to claim series
If ever proof was needed that the T20 format is a batters’ game then yesterday’s action in Windhoek was ample proof as Namibia defeated the Ireland Wolves by eight wickets with more than three overs to spare, chasing 166.
Emphatic Wolves level series
Just a week into his new job, Heinrich Malan yesterday watched Ireland Wolves deliver an emphatic comeback win over Namibia in Windhoek, with Shane Getkate and Neil Rock finishing the innings in style.
Ireland to play 15 games in 53 days
Stormont will host Ireland’s five-match T20 series against Afghanistan in August, the climax to an international summer when Andrew Balbirnie’s side will play 15 games in 53 days.
Afghanistan dates confirmed
Ireland and Afghanistan will play a five match T20I series in Belfast later this summer.
Wolves beaten by Namibia A in tour opener
It was a losing start for Ireland Wolves in Namibia when the threat of lightning brought a premature end to their game in Windhoek, with the hosts two runs ahead on the DLS method.
Namibia A edge out Ireland Wolves
Lightning brought an early conclusion to Ireland Wolves' tour opener against Namibia A, with Heinrich Malan's side coming out the wrong side of a two-run loss on DLS.
Malan seeking seamless transition
Heinrich Malan expects to use his 12 years of coaching at first class level to slip seamlessly into the role of Ireland Head Coach, his first experience of the top job in a Full Member country.
Changes for Brigade in Spain and Wolves in Namibia
The rain in Spain has forced the organisers of the European Cricket League to produce a revised schedule while Covid has forced changes to the Wolves squad in Namibia.
Covid chaos hits Wolves tour
Ireland Wolves' preparations for their tour to Namibia have been thrown into disarray after four players tested positive on the eve of their departure.
Ireland XI to play in 2022 European Cricket Championships
An Ireland Development XI will feature in the 2022 European Cricket Championship in Spain this coming September.
IPL opportunity for Little
Irish international Josh Little has been given a superb development opportunity to bowl to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League.
Full-time Ireland roles for Wilson and Eagleson
Gary Wilson and Ryan Eagleson have been confirmed as Ireland’s new full-time batting and bowling coaches respectively.
O'Brien birthday blues
THE unceremonious dumping of Kevin O’Brien took a new turn yesterday when the record cap holder discovered on his 38th birthday that he is not among the 19 Ireland players who have been centrally-contracted.
Ireland confirm player contracts
Ireland have named the 19 players being awarded full-time contracts, 12 of which have been granted some security with two-year deals.
Eagleson and Wilson join coaching staff
Ireland have confirmed the full-time appointments of Gary Wilson and Ryan Eagleson to their coaching staff.
Ireland facing four months of inactivity
Ireland's Men will have a four-month wait before they return to international action but then face a 15-match schedule inside two months.
Ireland Men’s fixtures a ‘Curates Egg’
Ireland's fixture list for 2022 is a mixture of good and bad news, matches confirmed, but also matches postponed for another year, and two ‘Home’ games to be played ‘Away’.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Poor long-term preparation and a lack of adequate facilities were cited as the overriding factors for Ireland’s failure to qualify automatically for this year’s T20 World Cup.
Birrell blasts 'missed opportunities'
Nothing to see here then so, move along. The Ireland men’s team’s last ditch qualification for the T20 World Cup took the heat off Cricket Ireland this week, but not for long.
Balbirnie looking on the 'Bright Side'
Although Ireland lost the T20 World Cup qualifying final, Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie insists there were plenty of positives as the squad looks ahead to their seventh successive T20 global event in October.
Stirling claims a hat-trick in Ireland Awards
Paul Stirling has been voted by his peers as the Men’s International Cricketer of the Year for the third year in row.
Ireland off to Hobart
Ireland will face West Indies and Scotland in the first round of the T20 World Cup in Australia, plus the winner of the second qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe in July, after they lost their qualifying final to UAE in Oman.
T20 WCQ averages
Who did what for Ireland during the T20 World Cup Qualifiers and the visit to Oman as a whole? John Boomer has crunched the numbers.
West Indies challenge awaits Ireland
IRELAND will travel to Tasmania in October to play the West Indies, Scotland and the winner of the second qualifier in the first round of the 2022 T20 World Cup, after losing to the United Arab Emirates today in Muscat.
Ripley signs off with 'primary objective' achieved
Ripley 'positive for the squad moving forward' after T20 qualification, with confirmation of India 'visit' due next week.
Waseem century leads UAE to victory over Ireland
A brilliant century from Muhammad Waseem guided UAE to a seven wickets win against Ireland in the final of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Muscat.
Ireland off to Australia for World Cup
Andy McBrine said before the game that Ireland were peaking at the right time and they proved it with the best performance at the T20 World Cup qualifiers yesterday, to book their flights to Australia in October.
Mission accomplished as Ireland beat Oman
Gareth Delany smashed three sixes off successive balls and top scored with a swashbuckling 47 as Ireland qualified for the T20 World Cup by beating Oman by 56 runs in Muscat in a do-or-die semi-final clash.
Cards fall Ireland's way
It could hardly have worked out much better for Ireland in their bid to reach the T20 World Cup next October.
Bowlers ensure clinical Ireland victory over Germany
Ireland not only sealed one of the four semi-final spots with a 7-wicket win over Germany in their must-win final Group stage fixture but also topped Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier ‘A’.
Ireland taking nothing for granted after Bahrain win
Ireland moved within two wins of the T20 World Cup in Australia next October but this hard-fought victory over Bahrain only underlined that Andrew Balbirnie’s side will need their A-game to complete the job this week.
McBrine grasping opportunity
If, even six months ago, Andy McBrine had been told he would take his 100th wicket for Ireland in a T20 international, it would have been a surprise, even to him.
Former Ireland international player Podge Hughes has died
At this sad time we remember Podge Hughes' cricketing career and republish Edward Liddle's biography of Podge originally written in 2009.
UAE continue to have hex over Ireland
United Arab Emirates continue to have the hex over Ireland as the Full Member’s death bowling and middle-order batting were brutally exposed again.
Relieved Ireland beat Bahrain
A superb partnership between Gareth Delany and George Dockrell, coupled with an excellent bowling display by Craig Young kept Ireland's T20 World Cup qualification hopes alive with a 21-run win over Bahrain.
Groundhog day for Ireland
Ireland are drinking in last chance saloon after an opening day loss to UAE in the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Muscat.
Ireland Wolves name squad for Namibian tour
Neil Rock will captain Ireland Wolves for their eight-match tour against Namibia A next month.
Ireland Wolves set for Namibia
Ireland Wolves are set for an eight-match tour of Namibia next month.
Balbirnie convinced Ireland can deliver
Andy Balbirnie is convinced he has the squad to take Ireland to the World Cup finals in Australia this October.
Bowlers save Ireland's blushes
Ireland's bowlers came to the rescue yesterday to avoid another embarrassing defeat in the quadrangular tournament in Oman.
Gritty McBrine marks landmark with win over Nepal
ANDY McBRINE marked his 100th international appearance with a gritty all-round display to inspire Ireland to a 16-run victory over Nepal in their last warm-up match before the T20 World Cup qualifier starts in Oman.
Familiar failings as Ireland beaten by UAE
Ireland suffered familiar failings in losing by 13 runs to the United Arab Emirates.
Ireland gain morale boosting win against Nepal
Ireland's bowlers produced a superb display to save the batters' blushes as they finished the Quadrangular Series with a 16-runs win in Muscat.
UAE continue winnings ways against Ireland
Ireland will face UAE in the first match of the T20 World Cup qualifiers on Friday having now lost to the Emirates in three of their last four meetings.
Big shoes to fill for Delany
Gareth Delany is relishing the opportunity to cement his place in the Ireland T20 team after a frustrating 2021.
Ireland hammer hapless Oman
Ireland thumped Oman by nine wickets thanks to fifties from Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling, plus three wickets apiece for Simi Singh and Mark Adair.
Ireland opener against UAE postponed
Ireland's scheduled opening T20I of their quadrangular series against UAE has been postponed.
Balbirnie backing Stirling for IPL stint
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie has backed Paul Stirling to become the first Ireland player to be bought for the prestigious Indian Premier League and says “it would be fully deserved”.
Fresh start for Ireland as T20 WCQ looms
ANDY BALBIRNIE is aiming to put last year’s disappointments behind him and “start afresh” as he leads Ireland against the UAE in the first of three warm-up games in Muscat leading in to the T20 World Cup qualifier.
Ripley ponders his T20 options
Ireland interim head coach David Ripley has been impressed by the work ethic of the squad and insists there is now good competition for places as the players build-up to the T20 World Cup qualifying tournament.
Stirling off to a flier in Pakistan Super League
Paul Stirling hit the third fastest 50 in the history of the Pakistan Super League as Islamabad United, set 169 for victory, won their opening match by nine wickets with more than four overs to spare.
Tector and O'Brien on the move
Harry Tector and Kevin O'Brien will be on the move in this season's interprovincial series, with Greg Ford also switching.
Forgotten man Delany stars in South Africa
Irish international David Delany turned in a five-star performance in South Africa at the weekend.
Ireland to play quadrangular tournament
Ireland will warm up for next month's T20 World Cup qualifiers with a quadrangular tournament against UAE, Nepal and hosts Oman.
Tector and McBrine rewarded with T20 selection
Andy McBrine and Harry Tector have been rewarded for their performances in the one-day internationals against West Indies with a place in the T20 squad for next month’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Oman.
O'Brien lets bat do talking after Ireland axe
Kevin O’Brien let his bat do the talking last night after being controversially omitted from a 14-strong Ireland squad, plus two reserves, named yesterday to compete in next month’s T20 World Cup qualifiers in Oman.
O'Brien left out of T20 WCQ squad
It looks as if Ireland have called time on the international career of Kevin O'Brien as he been left out of the 14-man squad for next month's T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Top 10 McBrine awaiting T20 World Cup qualifier berth
McBrine will find out today if he is in the squad for the T20 World Cup qualifiers in Oman next month. A squad of 14 plus two travelling reserves has been chosen.
McCready replaces Neill on Irish umpires panel
Jareth McCready has been chosen to replace Alan Neill on the Ireland international umpiring panel.
McBrine into ICC top ten rankings
Donemana's Andy McBrine has moved into the top ten in the ICC's bowling world rankings (ODI) following his sensational efforts as Ireland beat the West Indies in their recent 3-match series.
Stirling and Singh named in ODI Team of the Year
Ireland's Paul Stirling and Simi Singh have been named in the ICC ODI Team of the Year.
McBrine gives selectors welcome headache
Andy McBrine would have accepted his man-of-the-series award in the same no-fuss manner the all-rounder goes about his cricket after playing a pivotal role in Ireland’s historic 2-1 defeat of the West Indies.
Sabina Park win sees history made
Ireland claimed another famous victory at Sabina Park last night with a dramatic two wickets win over West Indies giving them their first one-day international series success overseas.
McBrine stars as Ireland clinch series win
Andy McBrine produced another Man of the Match display as Ireland survived a late scare to claim a series win against the West Indies.
Ireland strengthened by the absence
No captain or head coach at the ground and the stand-in skipper a late arrival in Jamaica after spending 10 days in isolation. No problem for Ireland as they added West Indies to their memorable World Cup Super League wins over England and South Africa.
Heir to the throne
Ed Joyce, Eoin Morgan, Paul Stirling… it now looks increasingly likely that Harry Tector will become the next great Irish batter after he steered the Boys in Green to a series equalling victory over the West Indies.
O'Brien set for Legends tournament
KEVIN O’BRIEN will line up alongside Kevin Petersen, Jonty Rhodes and Brett Lee for the World Giants next week after signing to play four T20 matches in the new Legends League Cricket tournament in Oman.
Harry's Game as Ireland beat West Indies
Ireland had a fully deserved win over West Indies in the second ODI yesterday, coming out on top by five wickets with twenty-one balls to spare under DLS.
Ireland level series with emphatic win
IRELAND picked up 10 more World Cup Super League points in Jamaica last night when they defeated West Indies in their second one-day international by five wickets after a 90-minute rain interruption.
Stirling taking positive approach
Paul Stirling will lead Ireland in a one-day international for the first time today and has promised a positive approach as the Boys in Green look to level their World Cup Super League series against the West Indies.
ODIs rescheduled for Thursday and Sunday
The second ODI will now take place on Thursday, with the third and final game played on Sunday. The one-off T20I has been cancelled.
Ireland learn T20 WCQ opponents and format
Ireland will face the UAE, Germany and the Philippines in Group B of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Muscat next month.
More covid woes for Ireland
The second ODI between Ireland and West Indies has been postponed after three more positive cases in the Ireland squad.
Ireland pay the price in points and cash
Ireland have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against the West Indies in the first ODI in Kingston on Saturday.
Too little too late for Ireland
A late late rally by George Dockrell and Mark Adair could not prevent Ireland losing their first World Cup Super League match to West Indies by 24 runs on a day when little when right for the tourists at Sabina Park.
Tector rues West Indies loss
Ireland batsman Harry Tector was in a reflective mood after his side threw away a great chance of taking a series lead against West Indies.
Ireland miss golden opportunity in West Indies opener
Although they came up twenty-four short of their 270-run target, at least Ireland were not just competitive ,but probably should have won the first of their three match ODI series against the West Indies in Sabina Park.
Porterfield praise for ICC nominees
Former Ireland captain William Porterfield has said the inclusion of three Ireland players in the ODI Team of the Year is “fully deserved”.
Singh and White miss West Indies opener
Simi Singh and Ben White are awaiting results of PCR tests after testing positive last night for COVID infection via a routine antigen test. Both players have been isolated and are out of today’s first ODI against West Indies.
Dockrell efforts in vain as Jamaica triumph
George Dockrell posted his highest score in an Ireland shirt but it was in a losing cause as the team finally returned to action with a game against the Jamaica Scorpions in Sabina Park.
Malan facing Testing time with Ireland
Malan, who is head coach of Auckland has been given a three-year contract, starting in March, when he will lead the squad on a four-week tour of Zimbabwe, which is scheduled to include Ireland’s fourth Test match.
Ireland beaten despite Dockrell and Little heroics
George Dockrell top scored with 82 and Josh Little captured three wickets as Ireland lost their warm-up match against Jamaica by five wickets at Sabina Park.
Ireland opt for ambition over experience
In a bold shift from recent policy, Cricket Ireland have appointed Heinrich Malan as men’s head coach, handing the little-known 40-year-old a three-year contract, starting in March.
Forgotten Porterfield determined to take second chance
HE may have captained his country 253 times and played at international level every year since his debut in 2006, but William Porterfield could be considered the forgotten man of Irish cricket.
Ireland appoint Heinrich Malan
Ireland have appointed Henrich Malan on a three-year deal, replacing his South African compatriot Graham Ford.
Ripley keeping options open
Ireland Coach David Ripley is considering his options as to Paul Stirling's replacement in the opening slot for the first ODI against the West Indies on Saturday.
Ireland averages for 2021
Who were the standout performers for Ireland Men in 2021, in what was in truth, a disappointing season for Andy Balbirnie's side, despite the odd excellent display?
Photos: Ireland
Audio
Andrew Balbirnie after Ireland's T20 loss to Sri Lanka (24 October)
Mark Adair after Ireland's T20 warm-up win against Randwick Petersham (4 October)
MOM Mark Adair - Match 5 (17 August)
Player of the series George Dockrell (17 August)
George Dockrell - Match 4 (15 August)
Debutant Fionn Hand (12 August)
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie after his MOM display (9 August)
Ireland captain George Dockrell after the series win (17 August)
West Indies v Ireland 3: Another win for stand-in Irish captain Paul Stirling (16 January)
West Indies v Ireland 3: Andy McBrine was chosen as Man of the Series (16 January)
West Indies v Ireland 2: Man of the Match Andy McBrine (13 January)
West Indies v Ireland 2: Winning Irish captain Paul Stirling (13 January)