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3rd ODI: Ireland beat South Africa by 69 runs
Abu Dhabi, 7 October.
Ireland 284/9 (50 overs; P Stirling 88, H Tector 60, A Balbirnie 45,C Campher 34, L Tucker 26; L Williams 4-56, A Phehlukwayo 2-32, O Baartman 2-32)
South Africa 215 (46.1 overs; J Smith 91, K Verreynne 38, A Phehlukwayo 23; G Hume 3-29, C Young 3-40, M Adair 2-54, M Humphreys 1-16, F Hand 1-44)
Ireland won by 69 runs (Cricket Ireland)
Ireland have posted 284 for 9 in their 3rd and final One-Day-International against South Africa. Skipper Paul Stirling won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first in the sweltering conditions. The Belfast opener top-scored with 88 - his 30th ODI half century - laying the perfect platform in a first wicket partnership of 101 with Andrew Balbirnie, who made 45. There was a welcome return to form too for Harry Tector with the 24-year-old Dubliner hitting 60 off 48 balls. Lizaad Williams took four wickets including debutant Fionn Hand first ball as Ireland lost a flurry of wickets in the search for quick runs. Mark Adair struck twice and one for Graham Hume reduced SA to 10 for 3. 285 looks a long way off...Two wickets for Craig Young has Ireland in complete control at halfway. Fionn Hand, Matthew Humphreys and a third for Young mean SA need 104 from the last 10 overs with just two wickets left. Jason Smith hit 91 but result never in any doubt.
2nd ODI: Ireland lost to South Africa by 174 runs
Abu Dhabi, 4 October.
South Africa 343/4 (50 overs; Tristan Stubbs 112*, Kyle Verreynne 67, Wiaan Mulder 43, Ryan Rickleton 40, Temba Bavuma 35 retired hurt, Rassie van der Dussen 35)
Ireland 169 (30.3 overs: Craig Young 29*, Gavin Hoey 23, Graham Hume 21, Mark Adair 21, Harry Tector 20; Lizaad Williams 3-36, Bjorn Fortuin 2-36, Lungi Ngidi 2-38)
End of Graham Hume (Cricket Ireland)
There was little to cheer about for Ireland who lost the toss and were made to suffer in the sweltering heat of Abu Dhabi as South Africa racked up a whopping 343 for 4 - Tristan Stubbs making a maiden ODI hundred. The Irish top order were once again blown away and it took some lusty blows from the tail to give the margin of defeat even a semblance of respectability.
1st ODI: Ireland lost to South Africa by 139 runs
Abu Dhabi, 2 October.
South Africa 271/9 (50 overs: Ryan Rickelton 91, Tristan Stubbs 79, Bjorn Fortuin 28, Lungi Ngidi 20*; Mark Adair 4-50, Craig Young 3-45)
Ireland 132 (31.5 overs: George Dockrell 21, Andrew Balbirnie 20, Curtis Campher 20; Lizaad Williams 4-32, Lungi Ngidi 2-35, Bjorn Fortuin 2-28)
Niall O’Brien with the captains at the Toss
Ireland were well beaten by South Africa in the first match of their 3-game One-Day-International series in Abu Dhabi. Mark Adair and Craig Young had South Africa in early trouble at 39 for 3, but Ryan Rickleton top-scored with 91, adding 162 for the fourth wicket with Tristan Stubbs who made 79 in a final total of 271 for 9. Adair was the pick of the bowlers taking 4 for 50, while North Down paceman Craig Young took 3 for 45. Skipper Paul Stirling was playing a record extending 400th time for Ireland, but there was no fairytale for the Belfast opener who made just 2. Ireland also gave a debut to Pembroke leg-spinner Gavin Hoey, but it was a day to forget for the team who were bowled out for just 132, losing by 139 runs. The teams meet again on Friday at the same venue, while the third and final game is on Sunday.
2nd T20I: Ireland beat South Africa by 10 runs
Abu Dhabi, 29 September.
Ireland 195/6 (20 overs: Ross Adair 100, Paul Stirling 52, George Dockrell 20; Wiaan Mulder 2-51)
South Africa 185/9 (20 overs: Reeza Hendricks 51, Matthew Breetzke 51, Ryan Rickelton 36; Mark Adair 4-31, Graham Hume 3-25)
Ross Adair on his way to a 100 (Cricket Ireland)
Ireland beat South Africa by 10 runs in Abu Dhabi to level their T20 series at one apiece. The victory was set up by a brilliant century from Ross Adair with the former Ulster Rugby Union player showing his power in hitting 9 sixes and 5 fours in scoring 100 from 58 balls. Adair and skipper Paul Stirling – who made 52 – shared an opening stand of 137 in 13 overs to take Ireland to 195 for 6. In a tense chase, four wickets from Adair’s older brother Mark, and three from former Coleraine all-rounder Graham Hume ensured a narrow 10-run win for the Irish to secure a first T20 victory over South Africa at the 6th attempt. The teams now switch to the ODI format with the first match in a three-game series getting underway in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
1st T20I: Ireland lost to South Africa by 8 wickets
Abu Dhabi, 27 September.
Ireland 171/8 (20 overs: Curtis Campher 49, Neil Rock 37, George Dockrell 21, Ross Adair 18; Pat Kruger 4-27)
South Africa 174/2 (17.4 overs: Ryan Rickelton 76, Reeza Hendricks 51)
Former Derriaghy professional Pat Kruger took four wickets (CricketEurope)
Curtis Campher fell one run short of marking his 100th appearance for Ireland with a half-century in Abu Dhabi before South Africa cruised to an eight-wicket victory with 14 balls to spare in the first of two T20 internationals. Campher was the mainstay of the Ireland innings with 49 from 36 balls, and Neil Rock took his chance with 37, but a total of 171-8 was demolished by South Africa after their openers crashed 136 from 13 overs. Ireland’s plan to open with Lorcan Tucker had to be put on hold after the wicketkeeper sustained an injury in training, and with Andy Balbirnie not in the T20 squad, Ross Adair was drafted in, and helped give the Boys in Green a fast start. At 64-3 in the seventh over, Rock, who deputised for Tucker behind the stumps, joined Campher and the fourth-wicket pair added a further 59 from 41 balls to set up the perfect platform for a late onslaught. Rock showed why he had been promised games as a batsman on the tour, striking four boundaries and a maximum, while Campher also cleared the ropes and added six fours in a typically busy knock against the country of his birth. But after the adopted Irishman fell in the 18th over, only 13 runs were added from the final 15 balls, and the only positive to draw from Ireland’s attempt to defend came from left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys, who conceded 28 from his four overs.
Ireland beat Zimbabwe by 4 wickets, Test Match, Day Four
Stormont, 28 July.
Zimbabwe 210 & 197 (71 overs: Dion Myers 57, Sean Williams 40, Joylord Gumbie 24; Andy McBrine 3-38, Craig Young 2-37, Mark Adair 2-42)
Ireland 250 & 158/6 (36.1 overs: Andy McBrine 55*, Lorcan Tucker 56, Mark Adair 24*; Richard Ngarava 4-53, Blessing Muzarabani 2-52)
Winners Ireland (CricketEurope)
A quiet start to proceedings on Day 4 with the effects of the roller taking some of the sting out of the Zimbabawean bowlers, how long that will last is another question. Tanaka Chivanga who took three wickets in Ireland's first innings has been replaced by Victor Nyauchi under concussion protocols after being hit on the helmet yesterday by McCarthy, and although he batted later in the innings has been ruled out today. Tucker and McBrine have been watchful but picking off boundaries when the opportunities arise - a vital fifty partnership raised. Zimbabwe turn to spin and there certainly is some there for Sean Williams - different challenge coming up for the batters. Drinks taken with the score 100/5 - certainly not the same threat in the bowling this morning. There have been few raps on the knuckles certainly but, dare one say it, batting looking relatively easy at the moment. Fifty for Lorcan Tucker off 56 deliveries, as important a knock as he has ever played. Huge lbw appeal against McBrine goes his way, maybe just pitching outside the leg stump, hit in line and hitting the stumps, so it can only be that. Tucker gone for 56 (10x4) edging on to give Muzarabani his second wicket. Another appeal against McBrine but clearly pitching outside leg - a bit of a shooter though! At the other end another runs along the ground from Muzarabani - this game isn't over yet! Concussion sub Nyauchi finally gets an over and concedes 7 from it - 18 required. Fifty for McBrine, what a gutsy innings it has been, and his 41 run unbeaten partnership with Mark Adair sees Ireland home to the win. Only one wicket fell this morning as the Zimbabwe bowlers failed to reproduce last night's fireworks, but they were of course blunted by that Tucker McBrine epic. Celebrations in the Irish camp - back to back Test wins.
Mark Adair speaks to the press after the win was secured
Ireland v Zimbabwe, Test Match, Day Three (close of play)
Stormont, 27 July.
Zimbabwe 210 & 197 (71 overs: Dion Myers 57, Sean Williams 40, Joylord Gumbie 24; Andy McBrine 3-38, Craig Young 2-37, Mark Adair 2-42)
Ireland 250 & 33/5 (8 overs: Richard Ngarava 4-12, Blessing Muzarabani 1-8)
Zimbabwe with a lot to celebrate in the final session (CricketEurope)
Two early chances of a breakthrough spurned by Ireland with Masvaure the beneficiary - McCarthy spilling a return catch and next ball it's Adair at third slip who can't cling on! Ireland's luck changes however as two decisions go their way - Prince Masvaure given caught behind off a 'nip-backer' that cuts him in half and is judged to have found an edge. Then a 'no-shot' lbw sees the end of Craig Ervine - no DRS, no Snickometer but no complaints from Ireland about that. Useful partnership between Myers and Williams has doubled the score - 66 and counting. Commentator's curse as Young goes round the wicket and Williams pushes tentatively outside off stump only to edge to Tucker, tame dismissal with the lead 99. Myers edges Young to Adair at third slip - and he spills the straightforward shin high chance. Injury added to insult as he leaves the field for treatment to a finger as the lead passes 100. Now it's Ireland's turn to rue the lack of reviews as Young hits Myers back leg bang in front, can only have been thought to be going over, or under? Humphreys strikes in his first over back - Bennett turning one straight to Moor under the helmet at short leg. A wicket for McBrine and one for Adair in consecutive overs swings the game Ireland's way again - could have been even better as Stirling fails to hold an edge off McBrine at slip. That's five that have have hit the ground today! Tector makes no mistake judging a skier in the deep to give McBrine a well deserved second wicket. The fall of the wicket brings the Tea interval with the Zimbabwe lead 142. McBrine claims the last two wickets to finish with four and leads the team off. The lead is 157, sounds straightforward doesn't it but there's turn for the spinners, couple that with variable bounce and it could be an interesting session coming up. Interesting indeed! Moor has fended his second delivery to short leg and Campher cuts his first straight to backward point. Balbirnie joins the procession, pushing through a rising delivery and held at third slip. Tector given caught behind driving - not happy with the decision but the appeal was instantaneous and widespread. Match referee's room will be getting a visitor later. Stirling is caught behind driving at a wide - too short for the shot in any case! Rain becomes heavy enough to stop play after 8 overs - 33/5 is the score and where the required 125 more runs are coming from is anyone's guess. Play abandoned for the day so now it's time to try and make sense of what we've just witnessed. I'm sure there will be plenty of opinions out there to mull over.
Ireland v Zimbabwe, Test Match, Day Two (Close of play)
Stormont, 26 July.
Zimbabwe 210 & 12/0 (4 overs)
Ireland 250 (58.3 overs; PJ Moor 79, Andy McBrine 28, Mattew Humphreys 27*, Paul Stirling 22; Tanaka Chivanga 3-38, Blessing Muzarabani 3-53, Sean Williams 2-11, Tendai Chatara 2-47)
PJ Moor led the way in Ireland's reply, top scoring with 79. (CricketEurope)
An Irish Test record opening stand of 71 between skipper Andy Balbirnie (19) and PJ Moor gave the hosts a good start on the second day. Tanaka Chavanga removed both Balbirnie and Curtis Campher, but PJ Moor defied his countrymen with a fine unbeaten 62 to take his side to 115 for 2 at lunch. A heavy shower delayed the restart by an hour and in the first over Tector was lbw and Stirling reprieved by a TV umpire call of no-ball - all three wickets for Tanaka Chavanga. Plenty on offer for the bowlers in these conditions, swing, pace, bounce, testing time for batters. Moor goes gloving Muzarabani down the leg side - the middle of the pitch has taken a battering from the bowlers since lunch and finally it has paid off. Dear dear - Tucker lbw first ball, full and straight trapped on the crease flicking across the line, probably expecting the short stuff to continue, two in two for Blessing Muzarabani. Stirling gone in Williams second over of spin - driving away from his body, too short for the shot, simple catch to Ervine at slip. And he gets a second in his next Mark Adair bowled totally misjudging both line and length. And it could have been another! McCarthy hit on the toe first ball, seemingly in front of middle - lucky to get away with that one. Ireland would settle for any sort of lead at the moment - it's been a bruising session for them in more ways than one with the Zimbabwean's peppering the centre of the pitch. Some uneven bounce from that length disconcerting the batters. Chatara pitches a perfect awayswinger and has his first wicket, McCarthy caught at slip playing a solid looking forward defensive shot, and that precipitates the tea interval. On the restart Young is bowled by Muzarabani to give him his third wicket before a heavy shower drives the players off. Mopping up has taken some time out of the day and there may be tweaks to the hours of play tomorrow to compensate but we are to have more action tonight, the scheduled finish was 7.00pm, but it seems play can continue until 7.30. I wonder does anyone fancy starting their innings tonight? Forty seven frustrating runs for Zimbabwe in that tenth wicket McBrine and Humphreys partnership. Ireland's lead is 40 runs, worth mentioning is that Zimbabwe conceded 59 extras - 42 of them byes, comfortably second top score! Only four overs for the Zimbabwe openers to face safely negotiated and they will start Day 3 with all wickets intact and 28 runs in arrears.
Test: Ireland v Zimbabwe - Day One (Close of play)
Stormont, 25 July.
Zimbabwe 210 (71.3 overs; Prince Masvaure 74, Joylord Gumbie 49, Sean Williams 35; Andy McBrine 3-37, Barry McCarthy 3-42, Mark Adair 2-49)
Ireland 0/0 (0 overs)
Opener Prince Masvaure was Zimbabwe's top scorer on Day 1. (CricketEurope)
Barry McCarthy struck twice after lunch following a frustrating morning for Ireland, against a determined Zimbabwe opening pair of Joylord Gumbie and Prince Masvaure who coped with the hosts bowling unit without too many alarms. Craig Young next into the action as he bounced out Craig Ervine to make it three wickets in the afternoon session for Ireland, a bit of a struggle for the Zimbabwean skipper who faced 32 balls managing only 5 runs. Masvaure's innings came to an end soon after tea, 'strangled' by Curtis Campher, he'll be disappointed that his effort ended so tamely. Two in two balls for Andy McBrine, as first Williams edges to slip, and after a drinks break, debutant Clive Madande gives him the charge first ball, only to hole out to Craig Young at midoff. A big swing towards Ireland in those last few overs with Adair removing another debutant - Brian Bennett gloving through to keeper Lorcan Tucker. Quite a collapse by the visitors in progress following the breakthough by McBrine, losing five wickets for just 13 runs, hard to believe that they were 193/4 at one stage this afternoon. And it's McCarthy, who made the initial breakthrough after lunch, who wraps things up with his third wicket. Six wickets lost for only seventeen runs should ensure that Ireland can build a first innings lead on Day 2. A rain shower during the change of innings brought the covers on and the restart was delayed while mopping up operations took place. Dark skies over Dundonald and more showers on the radar caused play to be called off early for the day with Ireland to start their reply first thing in the morning.
Andy McBrine who took three wickets
T20 World Cup, Group A: : Ireland lost to Pakistan by 3 wickets
Lauderhill, 16 June.
Ireland 106/9 (20 overs: Gareth Delany 31, Josh Little 22*; Imad Wasim 3-8, Shaeen Shah Afridi 3-22, Mohammad Amir 2-11)
Pakistan 111/7 (18.5 overs: Babar Azam 32*; Barry McCarthy 3-15, Curtis Campher 2-24)
The pace, swing and bounce of the Pakistan opening pair, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir made for uncomfortable viewing. And if it was hard to watch, it was certainly worse to have to play. By the end of the Powerplay Ireland had lost half their side for just 28 runs, with a rout a distinct prospect. But a forty four-run partnership between Gareth Delany and Mark Adair, attacking the Pakistani spinners brought some relief, with some big blows from Josh Little in the final overs ensuring that the total passed 100. A lack of top order runs throughout the tournament has been Ireland's downfall, and they have found themselves relying on some middle and late order hitting to drag out the innings towards respectability. So once again the pressure was piled onto the bowling unit to make a game of it, and they did not let the side down. They made it slow going for the Pakistan top order with wickets for McCarthy and Adair before Campher and McCarthy shared four wickets for the addition of only ten runs. Pressure on Pakistan and Babar Azam who was trying to marshal his late order over the line. With Little off the field with what looked like a calf injury or cramp Ireland lost an over of pace that may have changed the result as Shaheen Shah did what he frequently does hitting two sixes to give a relieved Pakistan the win with just seven balls to spare.
T20 World Cup, Group A: : USA v Ireland - no result
Lauderhill, 14 June.
USA
Ireland
After 3 hours of delay and multiple inspections he game has finally been called off. Ireland and Pakistan are eliminated and The USA joins India as the Group A qualifiers for the Super Eights. I imagine in any other situation the game would have been called off earlier than it was, but with qualification and elimination riding on the result, the officials gave it every chance. The final inspection came an hour before the cut-off time for a 5 over match, but before the result of it could be announced, thunder was heard and a lightning warning issued. Everyone left the field, the covers came on, and after a morning without any rain it finally started to fall. You won't have to look far to read the various takes on the day's events, or lack of them, but in the final analysis only one thing matters, and that is the result, even though today there wasn't one.
T20 World Cup, Group A: : Canada beat Ireland by 12 runs
New York, 7 June.
Canada 137/7 (20 overs; Nicholas Kirton 49, Shreyas Movva 37; Barry McCarthy 2-24, Craig Young 2-32)
Ireland 125/7 (20 overs; Mark Adair 34 , George Dockrell 30*; Jeremy Gordon 2-16, Dilon Heyliger 2-18)
Ireland's T20 World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after a shock 12-run loss to Canada - the lowest ranked side in the 20-team competition. Nicholas Kirton scored a Man of the Match 49 to help the Canadians to 137 for 7 - two wickets apiece for Craig Young and Barry McCarthy. The Irish reply started slowly as they slumped to 59 for 6 in the 13th over, before they finally kicked into life. Mark Adair hit 34 as he and George Dockrell - who made an unbeaten 30 - added 62 for the 7th wicket, but with 17 needed from the last over, they could only manage four to finish on 125 for 7. Ireland will now need to beat USA and Pakistan in their two remaining games next week in Florida, and hope results elsewhere go their way, but given their poor NRR, they are in effect all but eliminated.
T20 World Cup, Group A: : India beat Ireland by 8 wickets
New York, 5 June.
Ireland 96 (16 overs: Gareth Delany 26; Hardik Pandya 3-27, Jasprit Bumrah 2-6, Arshdeep Singh 2-35)
India 97/2 (12.2 overs: Rohit Sharma 52 ret.hurt. Rishabh Pant 36*)
Gareth Delany top-scored with 26.
Ireland's T20 World Cup opener turned into a nightmare as India tore them apart on a brutal track in New York. The Irish lost a crucial toss and their innings was soon in tatters at 50 for 8, staring down the barrel at their lowest T20 WC total - 68 against the West Indies. Gareth Delany struck a few lusty blows in a top score of 26 to get them to 96. It was never going to be enough as India strolled to the win at a canter thanks to a Half century from Rohit Sharma and Rishbabh Pant's unbeaten 36. Mark Adair and Ben White with the consolation wickets for Ireland, who have little time to lick their wounds with their next game on Friday against Canada at the same venue, but hopefully not on the same pitch.
Triseries match 6: Netherlands lost to Ireland by 3 runs
Voorburg, 24 May.
Ireland 161/6 (20 overs; George Dockrell 53*, Curtis Campher 37, Paul Stirling 36, Mark Adair 19*; Logan Van Beek 2-26, Paul van Meekeren 2-34 Bas De Leede 2-43)
Netherlands 158/5 (20 overs; Max O'Dowd 60, Michael Levitt 39, Vikram Singh 27; Mark Adair 2-21, Craig Young 2-35)
Triseries match 5: Ireland beat Scotland by 5 wickets
Voorburg, 23 May.
Scotland 157/8 (20 overs: Matthew Cross 35, Michael Leask 34, Michael Jones 23; Craig Young 3-31, Mark Adair 3-36)
Ireland 158/5 (19.3 overs: Andrew Balbirnie 56, Lorcan Tucker 55, Paul Stirling 32; Chris Sole 3-28)
Lorcan Tucker and Andy Balbirnie added 65 together (CricketEurope)
Half centuries from the Pembroke duo of Andrew Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker led Ireland to a final over five-wicket win over Scotland in Voorburg. Balbirnie top-scored with 56 from 46 balls (6 fours) sharing an opening stand of 66 in 7.4 overs with Paul Stirling - who his two sixes in a 21-balls 31 - and added a further 65 in a further 7.4 overs with Sydney Parade colleague Lorcan Tucker. The keeper batsman continued his rich vein of form in making his 3rd half century in four innings, run out for 55 with the scores level. Chris Sole's three wickets gave the scoreline a closer look that it merited in a chase that the Irish controlled. Earlier, Mark Adair and Craig Young had each taken three wickets as Scotland posted 157 for 8 - Matthew Cross (35) and Michael Leask (34) adding 55 for the 5th wicket. The Irish spinners all did their jobs too, backed up by athletic fielding. Ireland play the final game of the series against hosts The Netherlands on Friday.
Triseries match 4: Netherlands lost to Scotland by 71 runs
Voorburg, 22 May.
Scotland 158/7 (20 overs, George Munsey 72, Logan van Beek 3-13)
Netherlands Netherlands 87 (14.5 overs; Scott Edwards 29, Bas De Leede 27; Mark Watt 4-12, Brad Currie 2-12, Chris Greaves 2-13)
George Munsey scored 72 in Scotland's win (CricketEurope)
George Munsey hit 6 sixes in a Man of the Match 72 to help Scotland to an emphatic 71-run win over Netherlands. Munsey benefitted from a life when just 5 and made the hosts pay dearly in his 40-ball knock that included 6 sixes - three coming in one Tim Pringle over. Logan van Beek took 3 for 13 but it wasn't enough to stop the visitors making 158 for 7. The Dutch reply started badly losing a wicket in each of the first three overs to be on 19 for 3. Bas de Leede (27) and Scott Edwards (29) staged a fightback and they had hope at 61 for 3 after 9 overs. Chris Greaves (2-13) struck with his first and third balls to account for De Leede and Wes Barresi to all but end the contest. Edwards holed out off Currie (2-12) and Mark Watt brought things to a swift conclusion as he took three wickets in four balls to finish with 4 for 12 - the Dutch capitulating to 87 all out in the 15th over.
Triseries match 3: Ireland v Scotland - match abandoned
Voorburg, 20 May.
Ireland
Scotland
Triseries match 2: Netherlands lost to Ireland by 1 run
Voorburg, 19 May.
Ireland 150/8 (20 overs; Mark Adair 49, Lorcan Tucker 40; Tim Pringle 3-32, Daniel Doram 2-27, Paul van Meekeren 2-27)
Netherlands 149/8 (20 overs; Tim Pringle 35*, Max O'Dowd 33, Bas de Leede 32; Fionn Hand 3-18, Curtis Campher 2-33, Mark Adair 2-34)
Mark Adair celebrates trapping Scott Edwards lbw (CricketEurope)
Ireland won a last-ball thriller against The Netherlands in Voorburg, surviving a late fightback to win by 1 run. Mark Adair's hard-hit 49 helped the Irish recover from 83 for 6 to post 150 for 8, adding 66 in 35 balls with Gareth Delany. Fionn Hand's 3 for 18 had Ireland in firm control as the hosts needed 38 from the last two overs, but Tim Pringle hit three sixes to leave three needed from the last ball. It was Adair's day though as he kept Pringle to a single to seal the nervy win.
3rd T20I: Ireland lost to Pakistan by 6 wickets
Clontarf, 14 May.
Ireland 178/7 (20 overs: Lorcan Tucker 73, Andrew Balbirnie 35, Harry Tector 30*; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-14, Abbas Afridi 2-43)
Pakistan 181/4 (17 overs: Babar Azam 75, Mohammed Rizwan 56; Mark Adair 3-28, Craig Young 1-49)
Winners Pakistan (Sportsfile)
Stand-in skipper Lorcan Tucker made it back-to-back half centuries as he top-scored with 73 as Ireland posted 178 for 7 against Pakistan in the deciding match of their T20I series at Clontarf. Ross Adair opened in place of the rested Paul Stirling, but went for 7 in the 3rd over. Tucker then hit 13 fours and a six in his 41-ball knock, adding 85 in 8.1 overs with Andrew Balbirnie, whose 35 from 26 balls included 2 fours and 3 maximums. Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-14) stymied Ireland’s progress, and it took an unbeaten 30 from Harry Tector to get the hosts up to what they hope will be a defendable total. It wasn’t on Sunday – can they take their chances this time and clinch a memorable series win? At the halfway point of the chase, Pakistan in control having lost just one wicket - that of Sayub Ayam caught off a leading edge by George Dockrell from Mark Adair. Since then Mohammed Rizwan has reached 50 from 30 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes), having added 76 and counting with Babar Azam. Pakistan win at a canter with three overs to spare against an Irish attack that looked very pedestrian for the most part - not helped by an at times ragged fielding display. Babar Azam top-scored with 75 from 42 balls, including 5 sixes - four of them in a savage attack on a Ben White over. His stand with Rizwan was ended at 139 in 12.2 overs but by then the game was well and truly up. Mark Adair had his figures dented by a few lusty late blows from Azam Khan but still can be proud of his 3 for 28. Ireland now head to The Netherlands for a tri-series with the hosts and Scotland, while Pakistan are off to England.
2nd T20I: Ireland lost to Pakistan by 7 wickets
Clontarf, 12 May.
Ireland 193/7 (20 overs; Lorcan Tucker 51, Harry Tector 32, Gareth Delany 28*, Curtis Campher 22; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-49, Abbas Afridi 2-33)
Pakistan 195/3 (16.5 overs; Fakhar Zaman 78, Mohammad Rizwan 75*, Azam Khan 30*)
Lorcan Tucker scored 51 (Sportsfile)
Ireland were left to rue missed opportunities as they dropped chances to dismiss both Fakhar Zaman and Rizwan in the relatively early stages of a match defining stand of 140 in 13 overs. Chasing 194, Pakistan lost wickets in the first overs of the reply, but won comfortably in the end. Fakhar Zaman top scored with 78 from 40 balls, while Rizwan's unbeaten 75 from 46 balls also had 6 boundaries and 4 maximums. By the time Ben White broke the stand, the finishing line was in sight, and Azam Khan cleared the ropes four times in a 10-ball 30 not out to speed them to victory. Earlier Lorcan Tucker scored a typically impish half century, adding 62 for the third wicket with Harry Tector (32). There were breezy cameos from all the middle order, with two sixes each for Gareth Delany (28*) and Curtis Campher (22). A total of 193 for 7 would have given optimism at the halfway stage, but you need to take your chances at this level. All is set up for a series decider on Tuesday at the same venue.
1st T20I: Ireland beat Pakistan by 5 wickets
Clontarf, 10 May.
Pakistan 182/6 (20 overs: Babar Azam 57, Saim Ayub 45, Iftikhar Ahmed 37*, Fakhar Zaman 20; Craig Young 2-27, Gareth Delany 1-11, Mark Adair 1-40)
Ireland 183/5 (19.5 overs: Andrew Balbirnie 77, Harry Tector 36, George Dockrell 24, Curtis Campher 15*, Gareth Delany 10*; Abbas Afridi 2-36, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-26, Imad Wasim 1-28, Naseem Shah 1-37)
Andrew Balbirnie made a Man of the Match 77 (Sportsfile)
Andrew Balbirnie scored a Man of the Match 77 to lead Ireland to victory over Pakistan and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 I series. Chasing 183, Ireland lost early wickets but wrestled back control with a 3rd wicket stand of 77 between Balbirnie and Harry Tector (36). The Pembroke man top-scored with 77 from 55 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes) to take Ireland to the brink of victory. George Dockrell hit 2 fours and 2 sixes in an entertaining 24 from 12 balls, but there was still plenty to do after both fell. Gareth Delany and Curtis Campher got the 16 required from the last 8 balls to seal the win with a ball to spare. The visitors overcame a sluggish start to post 182 for 6, with Babar Azam and Sain Ayub adding 85 for the second wicket. Craig Young (2-27) was best with the ball, but late runs looked to have dented Irish chances of a famous win. Balbirnie though had other ideas. The teams meet again on Sunday and Tuesday.
3rd T20I: Afghanistan beat Ireland by 57 runs
Sharjah, 18 March.
Afghanistan 155/7 (20 overs: Ibrahim Zadran 72*, Mohammad Ishaq 27)
Ireland 98 (17.2 overs: Curtis Campher 28, Gareth Delany 21; Azmatullah Omarzai 4-9, Naveen-ul-Haq 3-10)
Winners Afghanistan (ACB)
Ibrahim Zadran top scored with an unbeaten 72, having been dropped when on just 10.His efforts ensured an above par total of 155/7. All of the six bowlers used took a wicket each. The chase got off to awful start with the top three all gone with just 15 on the board. Harry Tector and George Dockrell come and go cheaply and Ireland in all sorts of bother at 46 for 5. It looks a forlorn task but Gareth Delany takes 16 off a Nabi over, followed by Campher taking a shine to Kharote. But just as they seemed to be getting a foothold, Campher holes out to long off. 52 dots in 15 overs for the Irish. Omarzai has his third as Adair chops on. Make that fou as McCarthy splices a return catch. The return of Rashid sees Delany well caught in the deep. Almost all over. It is now as White is bowled to give Naveen his fourth. Seamers doing the damage for the hosts for once rather than the spinners. Food for thought for Ireland, especially their batting order. Next for them is a home T20 series against Pakistan in early May followed by a tri-series in Netherlands with hosts and Scotland.
2nd T20I: Afghanistan beat Ireland by 10 runs
Sharjah, 17 March.
Afghanistan 152/9 (20 overs: Mohammad Nabi 59, Sediqullah Atal 35, Rashid Khan 25; Mark Adair 3-27, Josh Little 2-20, Barry McCarthy 2-33, Ben White 1-32)
Ireland 142/8 (20 overs: Andy Balbirnie 45, Gareth Delany 39, Paul Stirling 24; Rashid Khan 4-14, Nangeyalia Kharote 2-23)
Runs and wickets for MOM Rashid Khan as Afghanistan square the series (ACB)
Sensational start from the Ireland seamers with Afghanistan reduced to 14/4 inside the first four overs. Two wickets each for Adair and Little and both Ishaq and Omarzai gone first ball. A run out breaks the Atal Nabi partnership at 93 before Nabi completes a fifty and then gives White a wicket, slicing to Stirling at point. An lbw for Adair sees Rashid Khan come to the crease at number 9 - not the worst in the world. Can Ireland keep him away from the strike in the last few overs? He's out in the final over to McCarthy for 25 off 12 deliveries and Naveen-ul-Haq follows next ball, two wickets to McCarthy. Game on. Stirling and Balbirnie post 49 for the first wicket before Kharote rattles Stirling’s off stump. Tucker gets too fancy and his paddle sweep off Rashid is caught at short fine leg. More disaster as Tector is bowled next ball by a googly. Campher caught and bowled by Nabi and Ireland are contriving to lose this as boundaries have dried up in these middle overs. A welcome boundary from Balbirnie but he’s given lbw next ball off the middle of his glove attempting a sweep! A long delay and a gesture to the umpire before departure will surely cost him - but that was a shocker! Rashid back on and takes two in the over bowling both Dockrell and Adair with googlies. Gareth Delany keeps Ireland in it by taking 22 off Farooqi’s 18th over, but in the end 11 off the 19th left Ireland needing 18 off the final Farooqi over, and that was just too big an ask with Delany falling to the final delivery. Rashid Khan's contribution the difference between the sides - his injection of runs at the end of the Afghan innings, and his seemingly inevitable haul of wickets ripping the heart out of the Irish reply. All to play for tomorrow in the series decider - same time, same place.
1st T20I: Afghanistan lost to Ireland by 38 runs
Sharjah, 15 March.
Ireland 149/6 (20 overs; Harry Tector 56*, Paul Stirling 25, Andy Balbirnie 22; Rashid Khan 3-19, Nangeyalia Kharote 2-16)
Afghanistan 111 (18.4 overs: Mohammed Nabi 25, Ben White 4-20, Josh Little 3-18, Barry McCarthy 2-14, Mark Adair 1-26)
One ball was all it took for Rashid Khan (ACB)
News from the toss is that Ireland have been put in. Josh Little, Ben White, Neil Rock and Gareth Delany all play. 1st wicket as Balbirnie drives uppishly to cover. Ends an enterprising cameo. Lorcan Tucker never settles and goes for just four. 66/2 at the halfway point, Can they kick on? No, as Paul Stirling falls with Rashid having him caught then bowling Campher 1st ball. Awful shot. Neil Rock gone for 1. Ireland in disarray. 100 up with four overs left. Strong finish needed. Last ball of Rashid spell sees Delany caught on the long-on boundary. Good 18th over as Harry Tector gets 14 from it. Harry Tector continues the strong finish as 19 comes off the last over. His unbeaten 56 came off 32 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes. Game on. Ten overs of pace from Afghanistan produced 1-92 while ten overs of spin returned 4-44, is there a lesson there for Ireland? Adair strikes first ball wit Gurbaz caught at deep square top edging a hook to Campher. Regular opener Ibrahim Zadran comes in at 3 to join Sediqullah Atal. Josh Little returns to Irish colours for the second over and Ital splices a drive to Tector who runs round from mid off to extra cover to hold the catch and Omarzai is bowled first ball driving at the inswinger - sensational start by Ireland. Unlucky Adair in his second over as a huge swing from Ishaq flies over slip and a drive just clears a leaping mid off - two better looking drives on the leg side mean it's 17 off the over! Suddenly the crowd has found its voice again as it's all aggression from Mohammad Ishaq. Wicket for Ben White as McCarthy takes catch at deep square. Delany looks to have got Nabi caught behind but umpire says no. Stirling looks aghast. 5th wicket for the Irish as Barry McCarthy gets in on the act. Well on top at the halfway stage of the chase. More umpiring controversy as Nabi is caught but umpire had called no-ball off White. Very tight. Ireland incensed. Lots of debate. Don't think I've ever seen Stirling so animated. Ireland though have the 6th wicket as White gets another. Crowd very quiet..even quieter as White gets two in two balls. And it's a fourth for White who gets the huge wicket of Nabi. Little then gets Rashid as Tector has his fourth catch. Crowd head for the exit. McCarthy gets the last and the convincing win is secured. Fully deserved. The bowling unit superb after that late onslaught by Tector Ireland go 1-0 up. Next game on Sunday.
3rd ODI: Afghanistan beat Ireland by 117 runs
Sharjah, 12 March.
Afghanistan 236/9 (50 overs: Hashmatullah Shahidi 69, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 51, Mohammad Nabi 48, Ibrahim Zadran 22; Mark Adair 3-51, Barry McCarthy 2-42, Harry Tector 1-17, Andy McBrine 1-36, Theo van Woerkom 1-46)
Ireland 119 (35 overs: Paul Stirling 50, Curtis Campher 43; Mohammed Nabi 5-16, Nangeyalia Kharote 4-30, Fazal Farooqi 1-23)
Afghanistan's destroyer in chief Mohammad Nabi claimed five wickets (ACB)
Ireland made one change for the final game of the series with Barry McCarthy replacing Craig Young, but it's Adair and Hume who take the new ball on the same pitch as was used for the first game. Not much pace or bounce evident in the opening overs and certainly nothing past the bat! Overconfidence costs Zadran his wicket as he skies an attempted pull off McCarthy to mid-on and then Rahmat Shah edges Adair to Tucker for only 4 - two wickets out of the blue. Gurbaz collected a run-a-ball fifty but was caught and bowled by McBrine in his first over. The fourth wicket falls to a run out - Ormarzi left stranded as Shahidi threatened to run, then stopped! Partnership between Shahidi and Nabi passes 50 as Tector gets a rare opportunity with the ball. Last 10 overs coming up - Ireland can't afford a repeat of the first game which saw them concede 95 runs in that spell. With Nabi holing out at long-on van Woerkom takes a wicket in his final over. 200 up with six overs left. Ikram plays over one from Tector and Ireland are keeping things in check - at the moment! Adair goes round the wicket to Shahidi and a fullish delivery traps him lbw then another for him and one for McCarthy ensures there is no final flourish from the hosts. The final ball of the innings is cut for 6 - a chest high full toss by Adair ignored by both umpires! Ireland contained well without looking threatening at any stage and now they will be hoping some dew will help the ball 'come on' in their innings. No quick start to the chase from Ireland as Farooqi, bowling left arm round the wicket accounts for Balbirnie for just a single, an inside edge through to the keeper - Deja-Vu. A steady second wicket stand between Stirling and Campher lays a good foundation and at drinks they have added 69 and counting. Another half century for Stirling but he falls immediately after. Nabi also accounts for Tector, who got away with a close lbw shout doesn't survive a second in the same over. A third wicket for Nabi as Tucker chips tamely to mid-on. Campher then gets a shocker, given caught off the pad down the leg side. No doubt about the next however as Kharote turns one past Dockrell's defensive prod into middle and off stumps. It could have been two in two when McBrine tamely chipped his first ball to short mid wicket but the total sitter was inexplicably dropped! It does get worse Adair plays back and is plumb - a second wicket in the over for debutant Kharote. 'Start the car!' McBrine goes to cut Nabi off middle stump and misses - lucky to get 0. Five wickets gone for the addition of a single and a leg-bye. Nabi completes his five-for bowling Hume in his last over and Kharote bowls McCarthy to end Ireland's misery. A spectacular collapse that sees only two Irish batsmen managing to reach double figures for the second game in a row - hard to imagine that has ever happened before.
2nd ODI: Afghanistan v Ireland - Match abandoned without a ball bowled
Sharjah, 9 March.
Afghanistan
Ireland
Captains Hashmatullah Shahidi and Paul Stirling (ACB)
With no prospect of play due to unseasonal rain in Sharjah the second ODI has been called off. The final game of the series will take place on Tuesday as originally scheduled.
1st ODI: Afghanistan beat Ireland by 35 runs
Sharjah, 7 March.
Afghanistan 310/5 (50 overs: Rahmanullah Gurbaz 121, Ibrahim Zadran 60, Hashmatullah Shahidi 50*, Mohammad Nabi 40; Theo van Woerkom 3-55)
Ireland 275/8 (50 overs: Harry Tector 138, Lorcan Tucker 85; Fazal Farooqi 4-51, Azmatullah Omarzai 2-47, Gulbadin Naib 1-38, Noor Ahmed 1-61)
Harry Tector's century was in a losing cause today (ACB)
Ireland won the toss and bowled first bringing Graham Hume and George Dockell into the side. Lorcan Tucker playing his 50th ODI. A steady start for the hosts but it should be one down as Gurbaz on 7 skies one to Campher off Van Woerkom and he makes a hash of it. Turned out to be a costly one as the openers added 150 with Gurbaz posting 121, his sixth ODI century, before he was bowled by Van Woerkom, who claimed the first three wickets to fall. With skipper Shahidi and Nabi adding 71 off 47 deliveries for the fifth wicket Ireland's seamers took a bit of a hammering in the closing overs, Shahidi raising his half century off only 32 deliveries. Imposing total from the hosts. Early departure for Stirling edging Omarzai through to keeper Alikhil and Balbirnie joins him for 4 off 18, flat footed, stuck on the crease and bowled by Farooqi. The mountain gets higher and Ireland are struggling to get any sort of foothold in the chase. Campher reprises his Test dismissal, playing outside the line of Farooqii and off stump is rattled. 16 year old debutant Mohammad Ghazanfar into the attack - he impressed in the U19 World Cup, nominally an off-spinner but has a front of the hand delivery which spins away! Drinks taken after 16 overs with the score 64/3, Tector and Tucker have added 28 at almost a run-a-ball but much more is needed from them if Ireland are to challenge. 100 up and Tector completes a fifty off 59 deliveries (6x4). Into the last 20 overs with Ireland needing 172 - the first T20 of the series? Partnership ends at 173 when Tucker edges Farooqi behind. Ten oversremaining and Ireland need another 101. Afghanistan were 215/3 at the same stage but of course they had a strong finishing burst to their innings, can Ireland match that? It doesn't look like it at the moment as Dockrell is caught by substitute fielder Kharote, a stunning diving forward grab at mid wicket to give Noor Ahmed a wicket. Ireland just not able to find the boundaries needed. Farooqi ends the 46th over by 'yorking' Mark Adair and Ireland going down tamely in the end it seems as McBrine chips his second delivery to mid wicket. Only 2 boundaries in overs 40-47, both sixes by Tector who is out in the final over caught at mid off. A lesson in how to bowl at the 'death' - hopefully 'much learnings' by Ireland who were sadly lacking in that department today. They might also wish to reflect on a batting performance which contained only two double figure innings.
Test: Afghanistan v Ireland (Day Two - Close)
Tolerance Oval, 29 February.
Afghanistan 155 & 134/3 (37 overs: Hashmatullah Shahidi 53*, Noor Ali 32, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 23*; Mark Adair 2-23, Barry McCarthy 1-25)
Ireland 263 (83.4 overs: Paul Stirling 52, Curtis Campher 49, Lorcan Tucker 46, Andy McBrine 38, Harry Tector 32; Zia-Ur-Rehman 5-64, Naveed Zadran 3-59, Nijat Masood 1-38, Zahir Khan 1-67)
Paul Stirling who scored 52 in a partnership of 80 with Lorcan Tucker (ACB)
Not the start Ireland wanted as Harry Tector is trapped lbw by Naveed. He reviewed but in vain as hitting middle/leg. Paul Stirling joined by Lorcan Tucker. Important stand as Ireland look to hopefully build a big lead - they have added 34 in 14 overs this morning as drinks are taken. Ireland take the first innings lead as the 50 stand comes up after 97 balls. Paul Stirling reaches his half century from 87 balls (7 fours) but is then bowled by Zahir Khan on the stroke of lunch. Could that be a turning point. He and Lorcan Tucker (32*) had shared an Irish record stand of 80 for the 6th wicket. The lead is 31 - can they extend it to 100 and beyond? Tucker and McBrine add 30 before Tucker pushes at a wide one from Zia-Ur-Rehman and gives a straightforward catch to slip. Decision time for Ireland - total defence isn't going to work here, there's an unplayable delivery just round the corner so is measured attack the best option for the new batsman Mark Adair? The lead is 78 at the afternoon Drinks break with 48 more overs scheduled in the day. Next session an important one for both sides. Two powerful sweeps for boundaries by Mark Adair but third time unlucky as he's lbw for 15 giving Zia-Ur-Rahman his fourth wicket. Plumb and there goes Ireland's final review! Ireland take the lead past 100 as Afghanistan lose their last review - all in the hands of the umpires now! McCarthy plays back to Zia-Ur-Rahman and 'walks' before the lbw is given, easy one that for umpire Kettleborough. New ball taken immediately it is available but the first day pace and bounce seems to have gone from the pitch somewhat. Andy McBrine goes on the attack but skies to mid-off and the Ireland innings ends with the lead 108. It's Adair again who gets the breakthrough in the second innings - courtesy of a stunning catch low down at gully by Moor. Adair has another and it's the huge wicket of Rahmat Shah. Little bit of away movement and easy catch for Lorcan Tucker - Ireland ecstatic. The hosts fighting back as Noor Ali and Hashmatullah chip away with a 3rd wicket stand. Spin hasn't worked so far - time for Craig Young. McBrine switches ends and almost has immediate success as umpires call saves Noor Ali from an lbw review. Another review but again no joy as Young to Hashmatullah Shahidi was going over. Poor review - always looked high. Stand passes 50 as Afghans close in on parity. The return of McCarthy does the trick as he gets one to rear at Noor Ali who gives simple catch to Adair at gully. Ireland needed that. Can they get a few more in the last half hour of the day? Gurbaz hits Andy McBrine and Barry McCarthy for sixes and they are now in the lead. Day ends with Afghans 26 ahead and 7 wickets in hand. Ireland still slightly on top but not much in it with a nervy chase on a wearing pitch on the cards.
Test: Afghanistan lost to Ireland by 6 wickets (Day 3)
Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi, 1 March.
Afghanistan 155 & 218 (75.4 overs: Hashmatullah Shahidi 55, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 46, Noor Ali 32, Naveed Zadran 25; Craig Young 3-24, Barry McCarthy 3-48, Mark Adair 3-56, Theo van Woerkom 1-43)
Ireland 263 & 111/4 (31.3 overs: Andy Balbirnie 58*, Lorcan Tucker 27*; Naveed Zadran 2-31)
Winners Ireland (ACB)
Great start by Ireland as Mark Adair traps Hashmatullah lbw with one that nips back, quickly followed by one from Barry McCarthy that comes back a long way. Huge roar of delight from the Pembroke man. Boy, did he enjoy that. They are keeping it tight with runs hard to come by. Stubborn 6th wicket stand ended by Young as Janat chips to Balbirnie at midwicket. Seamers continue to impress having taken all 17 wickets so far. The lead is 65 with just four wickets left, Make that 3 wickets left as a beauty from Young sends the off stump of Gurbaz cartwheeling. That's lunch with Ireland in complete control bowling 26 overs in the morning session taking four wickets for the addition of 48 runs, the lead just 74. McCarthy and Adair resume after the break, 200 raised before Van Woerkom takes the ball and one turns to find the edge of Rahman's bat, straight to Balbirnie at second slip, an Irish spinner finally has a wicket. McCarthy yorks an uncomfortable looking Nijat and number 11 Zahir looks no better! Can Ireland finish this quickly, Zadran will surely be having a swing now with van Woekrom lobbing it up to him. He tries swinging at Craig Young and loses his off stump with the lead at 110. 'Nelson' will win it for Ireland but it will surely be a tense chase against the Afghan spinners. Moor's luck is in as Ibrahim drops him at second slip in the first over - 5/0 all extras. But he's gone in the second without scoring, a tentative push outside the line and bowled through the gate - and it's 2 in 2! An identical prod outside the line from Campher produces an identical dismissal. Nijat Masood shapes one away and Tector is given caught behind on a review, Afghanistan jubilant. Ireland go in for Tea at 36/3 needing another 75 runs for the win. Straight to spin after the break as Zia-Ur-Rahman rips the first ball away from Balbirnie, this could be torture!! Stirling survives an lbw review but edges to slip next ball. 'Spin to win' they say don't they? Few boundaries gets Ireland past halfway. Tense, but the Pembroke duo chipping away at the target as they take drinks having added 37 for the 5th wicket, needing just 35 more...There's the 50 stand and it is almost certainly a match winning one. Half century for Andy Balbirnie from 86 balls (4 fours). Ireland on the cusp of victory. Well done Ireland - fully deserved win. They played the better cricket throughout and having slipped to 39 for 4, they dug in and got a famous first Test win. Surely Mark Adair will get the Man of the Match? Irish seamers were sjmply sensational.
Test: Afghanistan v Ireland (Day 1 close)
Abu Dhabi, 28 February.
Afghanistan 155 (54.5 overs: Ibrahim Zadran 53, Karim Janat 41*, Hashmatullah Shahidi 20; Mark Adair 5-39, Curtis Campher 2-13, Craig Young 2-31, Barry McCarthy 1-28)
Ireland 100/4 (31 overs; Curtis Campher 49, Harry Tector 32*, Paul Stirling 2*; Zia-Ur-Rehman 2-13, Naveed 2-32)
Action from the Tolerance Oval (David Townsend)
Ireland lost the toss and have three debutants - Barry McCarthy, Craig Young and Theo van Woerkom. Mark Adair gets the breakthrough as Noor Ali edges a drive to Andy Balbirnie at second slip, and has a second in the same over as Rahmat Shah loses off stump. Great start at 11 for 2. However, after drinks the hosts have broken the shackles with a third wicket stand of 52 in 72 balls but nearly ended as Balbirnie drops tough chance at slip off McCarty - Hashmatullah on 19 escapes.But just one run later he is strangled down the leg side and it's a first Test wicket for Barry McCarthy. Lunch comes with honours even at 86 for 3. Great first over back from Craig Young sees him beat the bat a couple of times and an lbw shout against Zadran that was not reviewed which DRS showed would have been given OUT! Then, in just the next over a third wicket for Adair, as Gurbaz toe-ends a flat footed waft through to Tucker. Could have been five down with a review of course. Young cleans up Nasir Jamal in his second over, nipping one back to hit the top of middle stump, some shaping away and some holding their line, great bowling. Young can do nothing wrong at the moment! He claims the big wicket of Zadran glancing to a diving Tucker, strangled! Another poor decision not to review costs Adair a fourth wicket! Balbirnie burned one early on so seems reluctant to risk the second - costly mistakes. But Adair has his fourth as another loose drive pouched at second slip. Ireland rampant. Frustrating 8th wicket stand is ended by a truly awful hoik by Naveed who skies Campher to McBrine at midwicket. Two balls later and it's another for Campher with a good ball that is edged and Lorcan Tucker has a fourth catch. A perfect afternoon is completed as Mark Adair has his 5th - superb effort, he has been exceptional. Afghans lost 7 wickets for 69 in that session. Lucky escapes for Balbirnie who is dropped at slip on 0, survives a run out direct hit and almost chops on. Luck runs out as he is trapped lbw by Naveed. Played around his pad, decided to review but in vain. Now it's PJ Moor in the thick of it - bowled off a no-ball, then given out lbw but reviews successfully. His luck runs out too as he chops on off Naveed. Curtis Campher has been positive and he is unbeaten on 30 at better than a run a ball as Ireland reach 56 for 2 at drinks. 21 overs left in the day. Third wicket stand reaches 50 from 82 balls as Ireland continue to be in the ascendancy. Campher goes late in the day as he edges behind off Zia. Ireland opt for a nightwatchman Van Woerkom - with 15 minutes left in the day. Gamble doesn't work as he is bowled by a beauty from Zia. Close of play sees Ireland on 100 for 4, just 55 behind. They have had the better of the day but still a long way to go.
Ireland Wolves 2024
3rd ODM: Nepal A lost to Ireland Wolves by 69 runs
TU Ground, Kathmandu, 7 April.
Ireland Wolves 284/9 (50 overs: Stephen Doheny 107, PJ Moor 44, Matthew Humphreys 23, Morgan Topping 21, Fionn Hand 20; Ranjit Kumar 3-51, Rijan Dhakal 3-75)
Nepal A 215 (39.4 overs: Arjun Kumal 102, Arjun Saud 36; Ben White 5-62, Gavin Hoey 4-27, Matty Foster 1-48)
Stephen Doheny's century the highlight of Ireland's innings (CAN)
Ireland chose to bat first in the final game of the tour with the series already in the bag, and posted their highest total of the 50 over games thanks to a magnificent century from Stephen Doheny. Having lost opening partner James McCollum for only 9 he added 66 with Peter Moor for the second wicket and 44 with Morgan Topping for the fourth bringing up his century off 126 deliveries and finishing on 107 (8x4,2x6). Three new faces in the Nepal side today, a second slow left-armer, Ranjit Kumar into their side topping their bowling figures with 3-51. Ireland have given a first 50 over run out to Matty Forster leaving out both Mayes and McCarthy, so it will be Foster and Hand with the pace, and Humphreys, Hoey and White the spin options today. Brisk start to the chase for Nepal who rattle up 37 off Hand and Foster's first four overs, Arjun Saud with only 9 runs in the previous two games leading the charge. Humphreys on to bowl the ninth over and a double change as Ben White opens his spell with a maiden. White's second goes for 13 but he makes the breakthrough bowling Saud off his pads with the final delivery. Gavin Hoey replaces Humphreys whose four overs cost only 9 runs and it's pace again as Hand replaces White with Nepal well in the game at this stage, 116/1 when Drinks are taken at 20 overs. Almost a wicket first over back as Hoey finds an edge only for it to squeeze between keeper and slip but the wicket does come when Foster bowls Dev Khanal next over. Kumal, who missed the second game, repaying the selectors faith today with a half-century as Nepal move to 144/2 at the halfway stage. Ben White picks up a second wicket as Naren Bhatta plays over a yorker, Ireland needed something with the required rate down below six an over and Kumal seemingly heading towards a century. Two in an over for White when Bhandari holes out at long off and Sharki edges to Moor at slip, that might put the brakes on. White unlucky not to have a five-for as an lbw appeal is turned down on height - side on replays suggesting that was not an issue! Kumal collects his century off 114 deliveries (14x4) but runs past one to give White his fifth. Hoey with two in the next over, and that should be that with 80 still required and only 2 wickets left. Another lbw turned down on 'height' deprives an incredulous White of a sixth wicket. Nine down when Shadab Alam edges Hoey to Moor at slip and all over in the same over when Doheny stumps Aagri. A clean sweep for the Wolves who finish the tour in style.
Nepal A lost to Ireland Wolves by 114 runs - 2nd ODI
TU Ground, Kathmandu, 5 April.
Ireland Wolves 174 (38.4 overs: Gavin Hoey 50, Neil Rock 45, Liam McCarthy 35; Rijan Dhakal 3-30, Shahab Alam 3-35, Mousom Dhakal 2-60)
Nepal A 60 (16.5 overs: Matthew Humphreys 6-8, Fionn Hand 2-14, Tom Mayes 2-17)
An amazing 6-8 from Matthew Humphreys sealed the series win for the Wolves (CAN)
Two changes in the Ireland lineup for the second game of the series, Morgan Topping and Gavin Hoey replacing Cade Carmichael and Ben White, while Nepal bring in Naren Bhatta for Arjun Kumal. Ireland lost their last six wickets in the previous game for only 12 runs and they have started in the same vein today, slumping to 34 for 5 inside the first ten overs! Rock and Hoey added 44 for the 7th wicket before the Ireland skipper departed with the total not yet 100. It is down to Hoey and McCarthy now to plunder what they can and their partnership ends at 54, exactly 50 for Hoey off 59 balls (5x4, 2x6). McCarthy last out in an innings that lasted 1 ball longer than in the first game. The Wolves defended 157 in that one can they do a similar job this time, fortunate to get the chance after that disastrous start. Fionn Hand has Dev Khanal caught at second slip by Doheny third ball of the chase and follows it up with a second in his next over Naren Bhatta caught at long leg hooking. No luck for McCarthy as Rock circles under a skier from fellow keeper Saud before spilling it. He doesn't last much longer as Humphreys finds the edge with only his second delivery, and claims another in the over as Saharki is well caught by PJ Moor at slip. Three now for Humphreys as Aarif Sheikh misses a straight one and is lbw without scoring. 38/5 after 11 overs - Ireland were 40/5 at the same stage in their innings! Tom Mayes with the sixth Basir Ahmad edging through to Rock, a long delay before the confident appeal is upheld. Humphreys doing the job again, Rijan Dhakal trapped in the crease and hit on the back knee - plumb! Mayes has his second and it's 8 down as Moor holds on to a sharp chance above his head. All over as Humphreys takes two in two balls to finish with 6 for 8. Great comeback win from where they were this morning. Humphreys and Hoey the heroes. The Nepal scorecard has a binary feel to it - six players making 0 or 1. The Wolves win the series. Third and final game on Sunday.
Nepal A lost to Ireland Wolves by 21 runs
TU Ground, Kathmandu, 3 April.
Ireland Wolves 157 (38.3 overs: Cade Carmichael 51, Neil Rock 39, PJ Moor 21; KS Airee 4-21, Shadab Alam 2-21, Mousom Dhakal 2-50)
Nepal A 136 (25.3 overs: Shahab Alam 37, Dev Khanal 26, Bashir Ahmad 20; Matthew Humphreys 5-32, Liam McCarthy 4-29)
Wolves celebrate a Humphreys wicket (CAN)
No run-fest today for the Wolves as they struggled in the early stages of the first 50 over encounter after electing to bat first. With openers James McCollum and Stephen Doheny each scoring 12 and number 3 in the order PJ Moor 21 the Boys in Green were struggling to get a foothold in the game at 61/3. A 65 run partnership between Cade Carmichael and skipper Neil Rock carried them to 126 before Rock was fourth to fall. The score had reached 145 before a dramatic collapse saw 6 wickets fall for the addition of only 12 runs. The sensational passage of play ending with Kamal Airee having McCarthy caught, then rattling the stumps of Humphreys and White with his next two deliveries to claim a hat-trick. Quick start to the chase from Dev Khanal but McCarthy claims both openers with the first and last ball of the sixth over. Only five of today's Nepal side played in the T20 series so a first outing against the Wolves for more than half of them. A double wicket maiden for Humphreys rocks the hosts and McCarthy takes his third next over - Ireland more than just back in the game. Three close catchers for Humphreys with the ball spinning and two slips for McCarthy who gets some bounce and the edge carries to PJ Moor at first - three slips and a short leg for the new batter! A third wicket for Humphreys as KS Airee is trapped lbw, given after considerable deliberation by the umpire - plumb! Drinks taken at 15 overs with the score 91/7. Nepal still playing their shots, no point in just hanging in there but it costs them another wicket as Ahmad charges Humphreys but can only find Delany at deep midwicket. All on Shahab Alam it would seem with Rijan Dhakal simply holding up an end. Getting tight! All happening in a Hand over - celebrations for a leg side diving catch by Doheny premature as a Wide is given. Two short balls popped up on the off side one resulting in a misfielded single and the other for overthrows. Less than 30 needed now and the partnership worth 34 but Alam holes out at long off to give Humphreys a fifth wicket in his final over. Total mixup between the batters sees them attemping an overthrow as the first return eludes Doheny and the second ricochets off the stumps and the chaos ends with the batsmen colliding midpitch and the bowler Fionn Hand removing the bails to give Ireland the nervy win. Quite a match, Ireland by 21 runs, the same margin as the first T20.
Nepal A beat Ireland Wolves by 3 runs
TU Ground, Kathmandu, 1 April.
Nepal A 213/7 (20 overs: Aarif Sheikh 93*; Fionn Hand 2-41, Gareth Delany 1-20, Gavin Hoey 1-28, Liam McCarthy 1-45, Matty Foster 1-52)
Ireland Wolves 210/7 (20 overs: Ross Adair 31, James McCollum 7, PJ Moor 2, Neil Rock 2, Morgan Topping 60, Gareth Delany 68, Fionn Hand 22; Bipin Khatri 3-23, Narayan Joshi 1-37, KS Airee 1-42, Rashid Khan 1-55)
Ireland's Wolves claimed the T20 series 2-1 (CAN)
Irelan5 2-0 up in the series have won the Toss and have asked Nepal to bat hoping for a clean sweep in the T20s before the three 50 over games later in the week. McCarthy, Hand and Forster the seamers for Ireland today with Humphreys, Hoey and Delany the spin options. A wicket for Fionn Hand from the final delivery of the second over who has Dev Khanal caught behind and the dangerous Lokesh Bam joins him as Rock holds a second catch off McCarthy. And a second for Hand forcing Nepali skipper Bhandari to chop on. Three down inside the first five overs but the batters are trying to hit their way out of trouble. Powerplay over and Delany straight into the attack. Hoey and Humphreys join him to complete the first 10 overs, 79/3 at the half way stage. Ahmad lbw to Hoey straight after the break but Aarif Sheikh seems determined not to be tied down and completes his fifty off 29 balls (3x4, 3x6). Two wickets in Delany's next over - Sarraf stumped first ball and Joshi run out after a 40 yard dash. No quick wrap up today for Ireland as Sheikh is joined by Rashid Khan who hits three sixes before holing out in the deep in Foster's eighteenth over, which goes for 26! Hand's final over goes for 18 and when McCarthy and skipper Rock get argumentative with the umpires in the final over Nepal cash in - Wides, No-balls, boundaries. 65 off the final 3 overs means that Ireland have a game on their hands! Falling out with the umpires never a good idea when you've still got to bat. Nepal open the attack with left-arm spinner Sagar Dhakal and Ross Adair greets him with a massive 6. James McCollum drives Bipin Khatri to mid off where the catch is taken after a bit of a juggle, and a second in the over when Adair holes out to long-on. PJ Moor and Morgan Topping both fresh to the crease but not for long as Moor is caught at wide long-on, a stunning leaping overhead effort landing inches inside the rope, a third wicket for Kharti. Narayan Joshi claims Rock's wicket with his first delivery - a flick to KS Airee at deep square leg. Twelve overs left and the required rate is up over 12, tough ask for the Wolves from here, but dare I say it Topping and Delany going well, partnership worth 47 off 29 balls at the end of the twelfth. Fifty for Delany off 26, runs flowing, 100 partnership off 51 balls, but the required rate still the wrong side of 14. Those final 65 runs in the Nepal innings could be the difference here. Another slow left armer spinner on to 'bowl' and his over goes for 15 as Topping goes to 50 before holing out to long on for 60 off 37 (4x4, 4,6). KS Airee removes Delany, given lbw to a full toss from round the wicket, that could be the game. Fionn Hand launches the next delivery for 6 and Ireland stay alive. 20 required off the final over. SIX off a chest high full toss, not called!! TWO on a dive. 12 off 4. TWO to wide long off. 10 off 3. FOUR through extra, RUN OUT going for the second - Hand a yard short 22 off 7. No contact from McCarthy needing 5 to win as another 'high' full toss goes unpunished with images posted later showing a front foot overstepping as well. Nepal get the win with an amazing last over that had everything except a No-Ball call!
Nepal A lost to Ireland Wolves by 40 runs - 2nd T20
TU Ground, Kathmandu, 30 March.
Ireland Wolves 224/6 (20 overs: Neil Rock 71*, PJ Moor 65, James McCollum 26; Sagar Dhakal 3-33)
Nepal A 184 (17.5 overs: Dev Khanal 47, Basir Ahmad 27, Binod Bhandari 26, Lokesh Bam 25; Ben White 3-29, Fionn Hand 2-35, Tom Mayes 2-42)
A flying Fionn Hand celebrates the breakthrough wicket (CAN)
A steady start from Ireland after again being asked to bat first, Ross Adair and his new partner James McCollum posting an opening partnership of 37. The real impetus in the innings came from PJ Moor who blasted 65 off just 26 deliveries clearing the ropes seven times in addition to four boundaries. No tail end heroics from Gareth Delany as he is sixth out with four overs remaining, how many can Neil Rock add in concert with the bowlers? Well he answers that question straight away taking 22 off the next over bowled by Aarif Sheikh! Fifty now for the skipper, excellent stuff. Twenty five off the final over carries the Wolves past yesterday's total - 65 off those last four overs with Rock finishing 71* off 34 (1x4, 7x6). Every chance of the Wolves wrapping up the series today, but the bowling unit will need to show up earlier than they did yesterday when they were unconvincing for most of the innings. Blistering start by the hosts who show they are undaunted by this huge ask. Fionn Hand gets a breakthrough but Nepal continue to clear the ropes. 87 from the powerplay. Ben White has immediate success as he gets the dangerous Bhandari. Bad drop by Doheny at mid-off. Foster the unlucky bowler. Ben White gets another - he is keeping Ireland in the contest. Tom Mayes gets in on the act and it's four down at the midway stage with 101 needed off last 10 overs. Task has just got even tougher as Foster gets his 1st. Fionn Hand has his second and with six down, Ireland well in control. Delany gets a run out and a wicket and it's almost start the car time. Ben White with his third - he has been the difference today, All over as Mayes has his second - a 40 run win. Batters set it up with powerful display, and they weathered the Nepal assault. Third T20 on Monday.
Nepal A lost to Ireland Wolves by 21 runs - 1st T20
TU Ground, Kathmandu, 29 March.
Ireland Wolves 222/5 (20 overs: PJ Moor 49, Cade Carmichael 38, Neil Rock 38, Stephen Doheny 34, Gareth Delany 30*, Gavin Hoey 18*; Kamal Airee 3-39)
Nepal A 201 (19.3 overs: Lokesh Bam 106, Aarif Sheikh 49; Matthew Humphreys 3-26, Matthew Foster 2-32, Fionn Hand 3-35, Tom Mayes 1-29, Gavin Hoey 1-29)
A superb century by Lokesh Bam was not quite enough to claim the win for Nepal A (CAN)
Nepal won the Toss and asked Ireland to bat in what is now the first game in the series. And it starts badly for the Wolves who lost Ross Adair in Kamal Airee's opening over, his edged cut taken at slip. His opening partner PJ Moor is joined by Cade Carmichael, and they are rattling along, boundaries flowing and fifty partnership raised inside seven overs. Bowling looking very innocuous at the moment, plenty of loose deliveries on offer and the batters are picking them off at will. No sooner said than Carmichael is lbw sweeping at slow left armer Sagar Dhakal off the final delivery of the tenth over, 91/2 at the halfway stage. Commentator's curse as PJ Moor drags a wide deliverey from Aarif Sheikh back onto his leg stump for a quickfire 49 (4x4,3x6). Stephen Doheny to the crease and it's normal service resumed as he goes 4,6,4,6 off Sheikh. A shot a ball from Doheny who misses a paddle sweep and then charges a short ball, top edging to third man who runs behind the keeper to hold it. 34 off 16 from Doheny (4x4,2x6) A slice of luck for Rock caught at deep square of a no-ball and a second drop in the deep gives him another life. A short one however as he skies Airee to be caught and bowled. Powerful display by the Wolves batting lineup with Delany hitting three 6s off the final three ball of the innings. The Nepal attack best described as 'Get yourself out' bowling - Ireland's attack will surely be better. All out attack from the Nepali openers, no other option for them and it's Humphreys who makes the breakthrough - a swing across the line and Bhandari bowled leg stump. The second to Mayes next over Dev Khanal caught at deep mid-on first ball. Gavin Hoey traps Arjun Gharti lbw in his first over - Nepal 79/3 at the half way stage, Bam with 49 of them (5x4, 3x6) and he adds 24 off Hoey's next over - Bam Bam. Nepal ahead of the Wolves at the same stage! Two drops by the Wolves, both difficult, low to Humphreys running in at third man and Hand running back over his head at deep mid on. And the Wolves might need every one of those late runs from Delany as their bowling becomes increasingly ragged in the face of Bam's onslaught. Partnership now worth 100 off 38 balls as a 10 ball over from Delany goes for 26! Bam gets to a sensational century before falling for 106 off 56 deliveries (9x4, 8x6). 34 required off four overs for Nepal. Momentum shifts to Ireland with Sheikh cutting at Humphreys and top edging to short third man. Delany saves 4 runs with a fantastic one-handed save of a 6 before a catch in the deep gives Humphreys his third wicket. 26 required off two overs and two wickets for Hand in the nineteenth over should have sealed this for Ireland. With 23 required off the final over to be bowled by Matty Foster three balls is all it takes for him to claim the final two wickets. Six wickets fell in those final three overs as Ireland played their "Get out of Jail Free' card. The second game is tomorrow with the third on Monday with an 8.15 (BST) start.
Nepal A v Ireland Wolves - 1st T20. No result
TU Ground, Kathmandu, 28 March.
Nepal A
Ireland Wolves
A scene all too familar to Irish cricket fans (CAN)
Rain in Kathmandhu has forced the abandonment of the first T20 without a ball bowled and it has been rescheduled for Monday. The other two games in the series are tomorrow and Sunday with the 50 overs matches on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday next week.
Nepal beat Ireland Wolves by 71 runs - 2nd T20
TU Ground, Kathmandu, 26 March.
Nepal 198/7 (20 overs: Gulsan Jha 47, Kushal Malla 34, Rohit Paudel 33, Kushal Bhurtel 25, Sundeep Jora 21; Matthew Foster 3-42, Ben White 2-40)
Ireland Wolves 127 (18.3 overs: Stephen Doheny 26, Morgan Topping 21; Kushal Malla 3-15, Sompal Kami 3-17)
Early success for Ireland's seamers but Nepal pile on the runs. (CAN)
Nepal made a brisk start after electing to bat before Ireland's seamers made inroads, two wickets for Matty Foster and one for Fionn Hand. After that it was all agression against the Ireland spinners Delany and White plus Gavin Hoey, in the side replacing Matthew Humphreys. Twelve maximums in the innings as the hosts powered their way towards 200. In the end their agression costs them wickets and they fell just short of that 200 total but it will be a stiff task for the Wolves to chase it down. Ross Adair and Stephen Doheny the Irish openers make a confident start in the chase - 32 off the first 3 overs as Nepal turn to left-arm spinner Malla for the fourth. A tight over from Kami in the fifth results in the loss of Doheny off the final delivery, driving and skying to mid-off on the ring. One brings two as Adair backs away to Malla and cuts gently to backward point. Carmichael and Topping need to rebuild and those two quick wickets have put a brake on the Wolves progress, six overs now without a boundary. Ireland only 8 behind Nepal's total at the half way stage but the hosts then piled on 119 in the second 10, hard to see the Wolves matching that at the moment. Even less so now as Carmichael skies a slog sweep from outside the off stump to deep mid wicket, Wolves skipper Neil Rock to the crease and announces himself with a 6! He hits a second but is caught in the deep aiming a third off Karan KC. Delany dropped a sitter at long on next ball Karan not pleased! Topping runs past one from Malla first ball of the sixteenth, stumped by a distance. A charge from Hoey and it's a second in the over as Malla holds a return catch running back over his head. Hand picks out deep mid wicket and McCarthy tries to paddle a full delivery that removes his middle stump. Next ball White smashed a return catch to Kami who clung on to the rebound. A farcical end to the innings as Foster drove to mid off, no chance of a run but Delany was stranded by the direct hit at the bowler's end three wickets in three balls! The Wolves simply could not match the boundary hitting of the hosts who scored 12x6, 15x4 while Ireland could only manage 3x6 and 9x4. A totally dominant disply by Nepal both with bat and ball.
Nepal beat Ireland Wolves by 6 wickets - Ist T20
TU Ground, Kathmandu, 25 March.
Ireland Wolves 121 (20 overs: Stephen Doheny 46, Tom Mayes 16, Liam McCarthy 16, Fionn Hand 11; Gulsan Jha 2-13, Kushal Bhurtel 2-17, Lalit Rajbanshi 2-26)
Nepal 122/4 (16.1 overs: Kushal Bhurtel 37*, Sundeep Jora 36, DS Airee 20*; Gareth Delany 2-28, Tom Mayes 1-12, Ben White 1-27)
Bhurtel and Jora's 54 run partnership sealed the win for Nepal (CAN)
Toss: Ireland. All a bit of a struggle for the Wolves who lost Ross Adair for 4 to the second ball of the day. Stephen Doheny top scored with 46 (4x5, 2x6) the only double figure score from any of the top six in the order as the visitors slumped to 75/6 on his dismissal. It was left to the bowlers to score what runs they could to drag Ireland past 100. Eight bowlers used by Nepal who will be hoping that considerably fewer batters than that will be required to chase down Ireland's total. A brisk start to the reply with 27 coming off the 3 overs from Hand and MCarthy before Delany struck twice in his first over and a wicket for White in the next helped silence the large crowd White should have had a second in his next over as a straightforward catch at long off was spilled by Liam McCarthy. Jora the beneficiary added fifty with opener Bhurtel before edging Mayes to Doheny first ball of his second over. Nepal 37/3 and 91/4 was as good as it got for the Wolves, that dropped catch perhaps costing them the chance of an upset, but in truth their chances of defending such a disappointing batting performance were always slim.
Neil Rock of Ireland Wolves
Ireland Academy 2024
European T10: Ireland Academy beat France by 8 wickets
Malaga, 4 October.
France 136/7 (10 overs: Mukhtar Ghulami 37, Mustafa Omer 29, Jamshid Nasiri 20; Scott Macbeth 3-18)
Ireland Academy 140/2 (8 overs: Seamus Lynch 79, Jason vd Merwe 41*)
Seamus Lynch scored 79 (CricketEurope)
A century partnership between Seamus Lynch and Jason vd Merwe in just 6 overs made short work of the chase against France. Lynch with 79 (3x4, 10x6) and vd Merwe 45* (2x4, 5x6) securing the win with two overs to spare.
European T10: Ireland Academy beat Scotland XI by 19 runs
Malaga, 4 October.
Ireland Academy 164/5 (10 overs: Cameron Melly 56, Jared Wilson 51; Lewis O'Donnell 2-24)
Scotland XI 145/8 (10 overs: Uzair Ahmad 57, Muhaymen Majeed 23; Josh Wilson 5-24, Thomas Ford 2-26)
Josh Wilson took five wickets including a hat-trick (CricketEurope)
A challenging total set by Ireland with Cameron Melly and Jared Wilson again in the runs after a shaky start. A hat-trick and a fourth wicket in the third over by Josh Wilson rocks Scotland, who fight back with a 13 ball half century from Uzair Ahmad. Three overs go for 74 amidst the mayhem - 29 off Armstrong, 20 off Wilson and 25 off Leckey, and it takes a tidy two overs from skipper Jared Wilson to save the day.
Qualifier 1: Ireland Academy lost to Scotland XI by 8 wickets
Malaga, 5 October.
Ireland Academy 126/9 (10 overs: S Macbeth 36, D Murray 29, J vd Merwe 20; C Cassell 2-25, L O'Donnell 2-37)
Scotland XI 127/2 (6.5 overs: C McBride 47, L Brown 47, U Ahmad 23*)
Ireland picked Finals Day to produce their poorest batting display against nearest neighbours Scotland. And their 126 total was immediately under threat as Chris McBride and Lloyd Brown took 27 off Matthew Weldon's opening over and 32 off Adam Kennedy's next. Scotland canter straight to the Final later tonight, the only good news for the Ireland camp is that they have a second chance to make the Final when they play Portugal, whose side includes the Leinster duo, Chris de Freitas and Jeremy Martins, in Qualifier 2 shortly.
Qualifier 2: Ireland Academy beat Portugal by 8 wickets
Malaga, 5 October.
Portugal 147/3 (10 overs; C De Freitas 72*, C Nunes 50*)
Ireland Academy 151/2 (8.1 overs; J van der Merwe 52, C Melly 37*, S Lynch 30)
Chris De Freitas put his former Irish Academy team mates to the sword with a swashbuckling unbeaten 72. (CricketEurope)
Balbriggan's Chris De Freitas thumped an unbeaten 72 from just 33 balls, and Carlos Nunes hit a 19-ball half century as the ball disappeared to all parts. A challenging 148 was the Irish target and a half century opening stand by Seamus Lynch and Jason van der Merwe gave their side a great start. The 100 was up in the 5th over and Ireland were flying, a van der Merwe half century from 15 balls showcasing his undoubted power. He fell shortly after leaving the Brigade duo of Cameron Melly (37*) and Scott Macbeth (11*) to secure an easy 8 wickets win.
Final: Ireland Academy lost to Scotland XI by 22 runs
Cartama Oval, 5 October.
Scotland XI 142/6 (10 overs; L Brown 67, K Sajjad 40; Josh Wilson 3-11, Jar Wilson 2-33)
Ireland Academy 120/7 (10 overs; C Melly 65; C McBride 2-15, C Cassell 2-15)
Missed chances were to cost Ireland dearly in the final as former South African U19 international Lloyd Brown benefitted to thump 67 to take Scotland to 142 for 6. Josh Wilson (3-11) was the stand-out bowler as his final over only cost a single. Ireland were always in contention thanks to Cameron Melly's 65, but faded in the home straight as they struggled to clear the ropes finishing 22-runs adrift and missing out on the Finals week.
European T10: Ireland Academy beat Guernsey by 72 runs
Malaga, 3 October.
Ireland Academy 146/5 (20 overs; Cameron Melly 69, Jared Wilson 31; Charlie Forshaw 2-23)
Guernsey 74/5 (20 overs; Ollie Nightingale 25, Luke Bichard 23*; Matthew Weldon 2-14, Adam Kennedy 2-16)
Cameron Melly scored 69 (CricketEurope)
Cameron Melly's hard hit 69 from 31 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes) propelled Ireland to a convincing 72 run win over Guernsey under floodlights at the Cartama Oval. The Brigade batsman was well supported by skipper Jared Wilson who cleared the ropes four times in his 31 as Ireland posted 146 for 5. Early wickets from Matthew Weldon (2-14) and Adam Kennedy (2-16) meant Guernsey were never in the hunt, with the Channel Islanders opting for some batting practice in their modest 74 for 5.
European T10: Ireland Academy beat Portugal by 8 runs
Malaga, 3 October.
Ireland Academy 139/9 (10 overs: Jason vd Merwe 72, Daniel Murray 21; Jeremy Martins 3-9, Najam Shahzad 2-14, Guy Sheena 2-40)
Portugal 131/8 (10 overs: Jeremy Martins 51, Amandeep Singh 43*; Josh Wilson 3-44, Adam Kennedy 2-12, Matthew Weldon 2-15)
Jeremy Martins (CricketEurope)
Jason vd Merwe blasted 72 off just 20 deliveries in Ireland Academy’s opening fixture in an innings that consisted almost entirely of boundaries, 1x4, 11x6. In Portugal’s reply Malahide's Jeremy Martins was equally destructive, his 13 ball 51 (3x4, 6x6) giving his side hopes of an unlikely successful chase. With Amandeep Singh taking up the challenge and taking 24 off Scott Macbeth’s ninth over only 15 were required from the final 6 balls, but Matthew Weldon held his nerve conceding just 6 singles to leave a much relieved Ireland winners by just 8 runs.
Emerging Ireland beat West Indies Academy by 10 wickets
Stormont, 28 June.
West Indies Academy 200 & 268 (73.3 overs: Ackeem August 93, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett 41, Kadeem Alleyne 38, Johann Layne 23; Matthew Humphreys 5-44, Andy McBrine 2-74)
Emerging Ireland 441 & 30/0 (3.5 overs)
Matthew Humphreys took 5-44 to have match figures of 10-101 (CricketEurope)
Matthew Humphreys put himself front and centre for a Test place against Zimbabwe with another five wicket haul to record match figures of 10-101 as Ireland beat the West Indies Academy by 10 wickets. The visitors had reached 208 for 3 in their second innings with top scorer Ackeem Auguste hitting 14 boundaries in his 93, adding 71 for the fourth wicket with keeper Carlon Bowen-Tuckett (41). It looked at that stage as if the game could be drawn as the finish time was going to be 3.10pm due to flight changes because of the Aer Lingus strike. Trinity and Lisburn left-arm spinner Humphreys though weaved his magic to end the stubborn stand, and from then the outcome was never in doubt. Ireland Test hopefuls have one more red-ball opportunity to stake a claim with a four-day first class match scheduled for Malahide from July 8-11. It's been labelled as 'The Emerald Challenge' with the teams named the Raiders and Strikers. Whether that is going to be Probables v Possibles or North v South is unclear at this stage.
Emerging Ireland v West Indies Academy (Day 3 close)
Stormont, 27 June.
West Indies Academy 200 & 148/3 (28 overs: Ackeem August 70*, Kadeem Alleyne 38)
Emerging Ireland 441 (112.5 overs; Andrew Balbirnie 88, Fionn Hand 79, Andy McBrine 64, James McCollum 40, Paul Stirling 32, Curtis Campher 25, Liam McCarthy 30; Teddy Bishop 2-35, Nayeem Young 2-55, Kelvin Pitman 2-65, Joshua Bishop 2-72)
Ireland added 44 runs this morning for the loss of their final three wickets giving them a first innings lead of 241. A new First Class top score for Fionn Hand beating his previous best of 48*. The Windies Academy began their second innings with an opening partnership of 84 reaching 108/2 at the Lunch break. However only 40 minutes play was possible in the afternoon session due to rain before a end to the day's proceedings was called at 5.45 with the Windies trailing by 93 runs.
Emerging Ireland v West Indies Academy (Day 2 close)
Stormont, 26 June.
West Indies Academy 200 (56 overs; Teddy Bishop 69, Nyeem Young 29, Jewel Andrew 27, Akeem Auguste 26; Matthew Humphreys 5-57, Curtis Campher 3-12)
Emerging Ireland 397/7 (103 overs; Andrew Balbirnie 88, Andy McBrine 64, Fionn Hand 61*, James McCollum 40, Paul Stirling 32, Curtis Campher 25; Teddy Bishop 2-35, Joshua Bishop 2-72)
Half centuries from Andy Balbirnie, Andy McBrine and Fionn Hand continued Ireland's dominance over the West Indies on the second day of their game at Stormont. Balbirnie hit 8 fours in a top score of 88, sharing an opening stand of 119 with James McCollum (40). Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker both went cheaply, while Paul Stirling (32) and Curtis Campher (25) both got starts. At 251 for 6, the hosts were in danger of throwing away much of their good work, but they wrestled back control in a 7th wicket partnership of 119, with McBrine hitting 7 fours in his 64, while Hand ended unbeaten on 61 in a total of 397 for 7 - Liam McCarthy on 18 not out.
2nd 4-day match: Emerging Ireland v West Indies Academy (Day 1 close)
Stormont, 25 June.
West Indies Academy 200 (56 overs; Teddy Bishop 69, Nyeem Young 29, Jewel Andrew 27, Akeem Auguste 26; Matthew Humphreys 5-57, Curtis Campher 3-12)
Emerging Ireland 18/0 (7 overs)
Matthew Humphreys took 5 wickets (CricketEurope)
Matthew Humphreys five-wicket haul has put the Lisburn left-arm spinner in contention for his second Test appearance after a fine all-round effort by Ireland against the West Indies at Stormont. Rain delayed the start until early afternoon, but the visitors opted to take first use of the track. Jewel Andrew (27) and Akeem Auguste (26) shared a second wicket stand of 50 after Matty Foster had struck an early blow. The real fireworks began though with the introduction of Curtis Campher into the attack with the all-rounder bowling a triple-wicket maiden as the Windies slumped from 94 for 2 to 94 for 5. Teddy Bishop top-scored with 69 (11 fours) adding 83 for the sixth wicket with skipper Nyeem Young (29) before Humphreys took centre stage. The 21 year-old sparked another collapse as three wickets fell for just one run, going on to claim the final two and the match ball with figures of 5 for 57 in a total of 200 all out. That left openers James McCollum and Andrew Balbirnie a tricky seven overs spell to negotiate, which they did safely to end a very satisfactory first day on 18 for 0.
1st 4-Day match: Emerging Ireland beat West Indies Academy by 72 runs
The Green, Comber, 21 June.
Emerging Ireland 283 and 274 (74 overs: Cade Carmichael 92, Stephen Doheny 41, Gavin Hoey 37, Chris de Freitas 26, Matthew Humphreys 25, Liam McCarthy 24; Johann Layne 5-39, Onaje Amory 2-88)
West Indies Academy 214 and 271 (56.4 overs: Kadeem Alleyne 93, Ackeem Auguste 47, Joshua Bishop 42, Nayeem Young 22; Gavin Hoey 4-81, Matthew Humphreys 3-44, Liam McCarthy 3-49)
1st 4-Day match: Emerging Ireland v West Indies Academy (end of day 3)
The Green, Comber, 20 June.
Emerging Ireland 283 and 274 (74 overs: Cade Carmichael 92, Stephen Doheny 41, Gavin Hoey 37, Chris de Freitas 26, Matthew Humphreys 25, Liam McCarthy 24; Johann Layne 5-39, Onaje Amory 2-88)
West Indies Academy 214 and 193/6 (41 overs: Kadeem Alleyne 93, Ackeem Auguste 47; Liam McCarthy 3-24, Gavin Hoey 2-57)
Cade Carmichael scored 92 as Ireland stayed on top in their clash with West Indies. (CricketEurope)
Cade Carmichael's 92 and a fine bowling fightback late in the day saw Emerging Ireland close in on victory going into the final day of their four-day match with West Indies Academy at Comber. Resuming on 65 for 2, Chris De Freitas, Stephen Doheny and Morgan Topping all fell in the first hour of the day to leave Pete Johnston's side on 95 for 5. A sixth wicket stand of 88 put the hosts back in the ascendancy, with Carmichael's 92 including 8 fours and 2 sixes, while Gavin Hoey hit five boundaries in his 37. There were vital late runs too for Matthew Humphreys (25*) and Liam McCarthy (24) in a final total of 274. That set the visitors a target of 344, and former Saintfield pro Kadeem Alleyene set about the task with relish. he clubbed 9 fours and 4 sixes in an 84-ball 92, sharing an opening partnership of 151 with Akeem Auguste (47) to put a major dent in the chase. Ireland's bowling unit - minus the injured Tom Mayes (side strain) - looked to be wilting, but bounced back to once again grasp the ascendancy. Liam McCarthy took 3 for 24, while Gavin Hoey picked up two and Matthew Humphreys one to complete an excellent day's action.
1st 4-day match: Emerging Ireland v West Indies Academy (end of day 2)
The Green, Comber, 19 June.
Emerging Ireland 283/9 all out (91.3 overs: Chris De Freitas 88, Morgan Topping 45*, Gavin Hoey 31, Tom Mayes 42; Johann Layne 4-84, Nyeem Young 3-73) and 65-2 (19 overs)
West Indies Academy 214 (49.1 overs: Nyeem Young 48*, Kadeem Alleyne 47, Jordan Johnson 33; Tom Mayes 4-61, Liam McCarthy 3-62, Matthew Humphreys 2-44)
1st 4-day match: Emerging Ireland v West Indies Academy (end of day 1)
Comber, 18-21 June.
Emerging Ireland 219-6 (67 overs; C de Freitas 88, G Hoey 31; J Layne 4-66)
West Indies Academy
Chris De Freitas scored 88 (CricketEurope)
Chris De Freitas top-scored with 88 for Ireland Academy on a truncated opening day of their match against the West Indies Under 23's at Comber. Play didn't get underway until after lunch with Ireland losing opener James McCollum and Gavin Roulston - drafted in to replace the injured Jake Egan - cheaply, having not surprisingly been put in by the visitors. De Freitas helped the recovery with a fluent 88 that included 12 boundaries, receiving good support from Cade Carmichael (20) as the pair shared a fourth wicket stand of 65 in 17 overs for the fourth wicket. The Balbriggan opener was dismissed by Johann Layne - one of four wickets for the languid paceman, and when Gavin Hoey fell for a breezy 31 (6 fours), Ireland were in trouble at 179 for 6. Morgan Topping (24*) dug in with Tom Mayes (18*) to ensure no further wickets in the day, their 7th wicket partnership standing at 40 as they ended the day on 219 for 6.
3rd ODM: Emerging Ireland beat West Indies Academy by 4 wickets
Bready, 14 June.
West Indies Academy 236 (43 overs; Acheem Auguste 81, Teddy Bishop 46; Gavin Hoey 4-45 (inc a hat trick), Ollie Riley 3-38).
Emerging Ireland 238/6 (39 overs; Morgan Topping 46, Seamus Lynch 45*, Chris De Freitas 38, Scott Macbeth 36, Liam McCarthy 20*; Nyeem Young 3-49)
Hat-trick hero Gavin Hoey (Lawrence Moore)
While Ireland's T20 World Cup campaign was ending in a sodden mess in Florida, the sun was shining on the Academy at Bready as they completed a 3-0 series clean sweep over their West Indian counterparts. The young Irish squad have been a breath of fresh air, displaying a positive, fearless brand of cricket that might - indeed should - give the senior selectors and coaches food for thought. Gavin Hoey took the bowling honours here with the Pembroke all-rounder hastening a West Indies collapse, taking a hat-trick on his way to 4-46, the visitors 236 all out with seven overs unused, having been 150-3 and 191-4 at stages. Teenage speedster Olly Riley claimed 3-38 too, while Liam McCarthy's two catches were quite exceptional. Chris De Freitas (38) got the chase off to a steady start alongside new opener Kian Hilton - Jake Egan joining Reuben Wilson on the injured list. Morgan Topping was again in the runs, top-scoring with 46 (3 fours, 2 sixes), adding 64 for the 5th wicket with Scott Macbeth, whose fluent 36 included six boundaries. There was a slight wobble at 185 for 6, but there was no limping to the line as Terenure's Seamus Lynch hit six fours and cleared the ropes twice in a rapid unbeaten 45 from just 28 balls, adding an unbroken 53 in five overs with Liam McCarthy to seal the four-wicket win in 39 overs. The teams now switch to red-ball cricket, with the first of two four-days matches starting on Tuesday at North Down.
2nd ODM: Emerging Ireland beat West Indies Academy by 1 wicket
Bready, 12 June.
West Indies Academy 278/8 (50 overs: Jewel Andrew 143, Nyeem Young 54, Carlton Bowen-Tuckett 20; Liam McCarthy 3-80, Tom Mayes 2-61)
Emerging Ireland 282/9 (49.5 overs: Chris de Freitas 84, Morgan Topping 53, Matthew Humphreys 39*; Johann Layne 3-55, Ramon Simmonds 2-50, Nayeen Young 2-67)
Last gasp hero Matthew Humphreys (CricketEurope)
A sparkling innings from seventeen year old Jewel Andrew dominated the West Indies scorecard as he rattled up a century off 114 balls before going on to finish. In the U19 World Cup earlier this year Andrew had scored 130 against South Africa in the Windies opening game so today's innings simply confirms that we are seeing a future star of the game. Andrew and skipper Nyeem Young added 101 for the sixth wicket, Andrew finally out in the penultimate over of the innings for 143 (12x4, 7x6) with Young scoring 5 maximums in his 54, one of two wickets for Tom Mayes in the 50th over. A watchful start to the chase from Ireland saw them lose Egan and Carmichael in reaching only 63 in the fifteenth over, bringing together Chris de Freitas and Morgan Topping who added exactly 100 for the third wicket. But some tight bowling in overs 35-40 meant that the required rate climbed and was approaching 10 an over in the final 10. Topping, Macbeth Hilton and Hoey all gone as pressure mounts - can the big hitting Liam McCarthy pull this out of the fire? No is the answer as he is bowled by Johann Layne who has Tom Mayes as his third wicket. Enter Matthew Humphreys who had a reputation as a schoolboy of being a big hitter - and with a couple of sixes he's got it down to 12 required off the final over. Make that Three sixes!!! Make that FOUR - and Ireland win with a ball to spare. An unbroken 42 run partnership for the tenth wicket - Ollie Riley with 4 of them.
1st ODM: Emerging Ireland beat West Indies Academy by 6 wickets
Eglinton, 11 June.
West Indies Academy 224 (43.1 overs: Leonardo Julien 82, C Bowen-Tuckett 41; Cade Carmichael 2-10, Matthew Foster 2-29, Tom Mayes 2-32, Gavin Hoey 2-46)
Emerging Ireland 227/4 (46.5 overs: Morgan Topping 66*, Scott Macbeth 42, Jake Egan 38, Chris De Freitas 25; Johann Layne 2-36, Josua James 2-59 )
Morgan Topping's unbeaten 66 helped Ireland Academy to a 6-wicket win (CricketEurope)
Morgan Topping's unbeaten 66 guided Ireland Academy to a six-wicket win over their West Indies counterparts in the opening match of their three-game 50 overs series in the North West region this week. On an at times bitterly cold day at Eglinton, the West Indies lost two early wickets to Matthew Foster, with the CSNI paceman striking twice in two balls, finding the extra bounce on the hybrid pitch to his liking. Opener Leonardo Julien didn't do much running to warm himself up, thumping 9 fours and 4 sixes in a 61-ball 82 before becoming the first of two wickets for Gavin Hoey's leg-spin. The Irish attack stuck to their task well, backed up by some excellent catches - Tom Mayes taking two at deep extra cover off Cade Carmichael, whose medium pace was required following Reuben Wilson's (1-31) quad muscle injury that saw him leave the field after bowling four overs. Mayes also got two wickets, including the final one to fall, as the Windies were bowled out for 224. The Irish opening pair of Jake Egan (38) and Chris De Freitas (25) survived the testing opening barrage of 'chin music' from the Windies quartet of paceman, and although they certainly enjoyed several moments of good fortune their stand of 60 laid a perfect platform for their team. Morgan Topping proved the batting hero, as he again enjoyed early fortune, before going through the gears finding fluency, timing and power as the game progressed. His fourth wicket stand of 71 in 13 overs with Scott Macbeth was a match-defining one, with Brigade all-rounder Macbeth showing his power by launching four sixes into the car park and beyong in a quickfire 42 from 37 balls that also included two fours. Kian Hilton (18*) then joined Topping, with the Waringstown batsman assming control of the race to the finishing line, upping the ante as he hit 5 fours and cleared the ropes three times in his unbeaten 66 - their stand of 50 coming in just five overs as the six-wicket win came in the 47th over. The teams will meet at Bready on Wednesday in the second game - brought forward 24 hours due to the weather forecast on Thursday. Action gets underway at 10:45am.
1st T20: Guernsey lost to Ireland Academy by 34 runs
KGV, Guernsey, 20 April.
Ireland Academy 177/4 (20 overs: Jordan Neill 51, Gavin Roulston 1, Kian Hilton 12, Carson McCullough 41, Philippe Le Roux 44*, Scott Macbeth 22*; Adam Martell 2-23, Harry Johnson 1-31)
Guernsey 143/6 (20 overs: Matt Stokes 47, Zak Damarell 26, Harrison Tagg 24, Josh Butler 24; Harry Dyer 1-12, Reuben Wilson 1-10, Carson McCullough 1-28, Scott Macbeth 2-30)
Toss: Guernsey who have elected to bowl. Guernsey open the attack with left arm spinner Adam Martell and he bowls Roulston in the first over, dragging on an expansive drive. Kian Hilton chips Harry Johnson's first delivery to mid-on, tame dismissal. Carson McCullough comes to the crease after showing some impressive batting for CIYMS in the EuroT10s recently, fingers crossed. Partnership worth 48 at the 10 over mark, good positive batting from the pair. McCullough misses a sweep off Martell and is lbw, dragging from outside the line of off stump. Fifty for Jordan Neill off 30 deliveries (8x4) but he's run out immediately after! Le Roux hits into the leg side and settles for the single with Neill starting for a second and unable to get back to safety, unfortunate. A Sixty six run unbroken partnership between Macbeth and Le Roux gives Ireland a solid total to defend. Mayhem at the start of the reply - Ben Fitchet picks out long-off in the third over to give Rueben Wilson a wicket off his first delivery and two balls later yesterday's centurion survives an lbw appeal but is stranded down the pitch and keeper Melly's direct hit sees him short despite his despairing dive. Three Josh Butler boundaries off Olly Riley eases the pressure somewhat. Stokes and Butler at the crease, has a certain ring to it? So does Butler bowled Macbeth! Flighted and beats the drive to hit off stump, but the rest of the over costs 10 runs. Leckey into the attack and his opening over goes for 12 before Forkin replaces Macbeth who changes ends. Guernsey well in the game at the half way stage at 86/3, partnership worth fifty before Damarell holes out slog sweeping Macbeth, Ireland needed that. The required rate is up to 11 so a tough ask for the hosts. Getting a bit agricultural and Harry Dyer claims the wicket of Stokes, McCullough holding the catch at deep square leg. That should be that. A wicket for McCullough in the final over and Ireland run out 34 run winners.
2nd T20: Guernsey beat Ireland Academy by 7 runs
KGV, 20 April.
Guernsey 149/4 (20 overs; Tom Nightingale 99*; Reuben Wilson 2-13, Daniel Forkin 2-31)
Ireland Academy 142/6 (20 overs; Jordan Neill 70, Kian Hilton 29*, Gavin Roulston 16, Phillipe Le Roux 14, Hayden Melly 10; Charlie Forshaw 3-17, Ollie Clapham 2-19)
Two early wickets for Reuben Wilson has the Irish on top in the second game of the day, but Friday's centurion Tom Nightingale is leading the fightback by the hosts at the end of the powerplay. Last ball of Forkin's 1st over sees a good stumping by Melly after Stokes had advanced down the track. Nightingale brings up his 50 with a six off Lutton - 36 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes). Second wicket for Daniel Forkin as Zak Damarell gives Jordan Neill a catch in the deep. Still all about Nightingale as we go into the last four overs - can he get to a 100 and Guernsey over 150? the answer is no - but so near. The final total is 149 and he ends unbeaten on 99 from 66 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes). Needed 3 off last ball but could only manage a two. All to play for in the deciding game of the series. Jordan Neill and Gavin Roulston to open the innings. They take 43 from the powerplay with Neill the more aggressive. They will be happy with that start. Even more so as his second six of the over sees Neill bring up his 50 - 32 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes. Stand broken on 68 as Roulston miscues attempted pull to be caught at cover. 80 required off the last 10 overs. 9 wickets in hand - Ireland favourites. Kian Hilton quickly into his stride as Martel drops two short and is hit for successive boundaries. Neill dropped on 60 by Stokes - parried a return catch and couldn't grasp the rebound. Required rate drops to 7 with 42 needed off last six overs. Could there be a late twist as Neill holes out to long-on? Very good 70 from 52 deliveries - five fours and four sixes. Hayden Melly the new batsman. 33 needed off four overs. Could be tight. Maybe all the way to the last ball? Another tight over and suddenly rate needed is over 9..Boundaries have dried up and Melly perishes - trying something adventurous but slices to short third man. Shackles broken by Le Roux who hits two boundaries. 18 needed off last 2 overs. Getting a bit frenetic - 10 needed off the last. Who is your money on? Super over? Guernsey's Charlie Forshaw the home side hero as he finishes the contest with a hat-trick to seal a 7-run win.
ODM: Guernsey beat Ireland Academy by 63 runs
KGV, Guernsey, 19 April.
Guernsey 274/9 (50 overs: Tom Nightingale 132, Ben Ferbrache 36*, Ollie Nightingale 29, Harrison Tagg 27; Adam Leckey 3-46, Reuben Wilson 2-41, Daniel Forkin 2-44)
Ireland Academy 211 (46.3 overs: Scott Macbeth 84, Adam Leckey 50, Daniel Forkin 27; Harry Johnson 4-35, Luke Bichard 2-15, Ollie Clapham 2-26)
Tom Nightingale scored 132 (Martin Gray)
Early wicket for Reuben Wilson Ben Fitchet's stumps spreadeagled in the first over and a second for Wilson as Josh Butler drives in the air into the covers - 1 off 16! Three down and a first wicket for Olly Riley removing Nathan Le Tissier's off stump for 1 off 20!!! Guernsey at a standstill - 'All Change' as Tom Nightingale takes 4 boundaries off Wilson's fourth over. Two more follow in Riley's next and Finn Lutton starts the tenth with a Wide, two more in the over. More pace from Adam Leckey who bowls the eleventh - 2 more Wides! Free hit from a Lutton no ball goes all the way and a boundary to follow means his 4 overs have gone for 28. That early grip Ireland had on the game has gone for the moment. Tom Nightingale raises his 50 off only 38 balls and looks well set with the partnership into the nineties, 7/3 seems a long time ago! Commentator's curse - Harrison Tagg goes for an outrageous reverse off Daniel Forkin and is bowled. Guernsey skipper Ollie Nightingale joins Tom at the crease and they move along to 132 at the half way stage when Drinks are taken. Two overs from Harry Dyer go for 14 before it's back to Reuben Wilson who has what looks like a stone cold lbw against the home skipper turned down. No luck for him this time as he 'misses' a sweep off Forkin - shows his bat to the umpire before departing. A century off 82 deliveries for Tom Nightingale (13x4, 1x6) and a big total in prospect if he sticks around. The Irish bowling has looked distinctly ragged since that opening burst. Lutton back for an over that goes for 13, may be the last we see of him today. Apparently not - and his next goes for 16. Much to Ireland's relief Nightingale falls to a catch on the deep midwicket boundary off Macbeth. Adam Leckey replaces his CSNI clubmate Lutton and traps Adam Martell lbw without scoring, and a brilliant legside stumping by Kian Hilton off a wide gives him a second. More quick hands from Hilton in the final over gives Leckey his third wicket. Good total by Guernsey recovering from that disastrous start aided by a scrappy bowling display by Ireland. Two wickets gone in first five overs with ball seaming about, South Africans Jordan Neill bowled and Kian Hilton edged a drive to the keeper. Followed quickly by Philippe Le Roux - bowled for four. Goes from bad to worse as Gavin Roulston and Hayden Melly gone in successive balls. 36 for 5 and in deep trouble. 6th wicket stand between Adam Leckey and Scott Macbeth restoring pride - worth 106 and counting at the 30-over mark with both having passed their half centuries. But it's ended on 111 as Adam Leckey chips one back to Clapham for exactly 50. Same bowler then traps Harry Dyer in his next over to make it 7 down. Some lusty blows from Scott Macbeth keeps Ireland in with a sniff but he perishes on 84 off 99 balls - (6 fours, 3 sixes). Daniel Forkin gets a few down the order but it appears to be all but over - 75 needed off 6 overs. Ends quickly as Harry Johnson gets two more - final margin 63 runs.
Reports & Articles
Ireland stats for 2024 ZZZZ6:21 amZZZZ
It may be only October but that's it for Ireland Men in 2024 who have no more scheduled games until next year.
Impressive Ireland gain consolation win over South Africa ZZZZ12:37 amZZZZ
PAUL STIRLING recorded his highest score of the season in Abu Dhabi last night as Ireland turned the tables on South Africa to claim the dead rubber of their one-day international series by 69 runs. 
Ireland look to end testing year on a high ZZZZ12:26 amZZZZ
Cricket Ireland seem to view Test matches - the pinnacle of the game, and the reason they receive five times the funding of Scotland and the Netherlands — as a necessary nuisance, at best. 
Ireland slump to second defeat ZZZZ3:29 amZZZZ
PAUL STIRLING lost his fourth consecutive toss at the Sheikh Zayed stadium to condemn Ireland to another hot, sweaty four hours in the field and ultimately a 174-run loss to South Africa in the second of three one-day internationals.
Adair in the ascendancy ZZZZ1:43 amZZZZ
IRELAND lost their first one-day international against South Africa, but their newest star was busy packing his bags for his next adventure. A T20 specialist, he is off to spend the winter with the University of Adelaide, hoping to sharpen his game on the hard Australian pitches.
Hoey following in father's footsteps ZZZZ1:28 amZZZZ
GAVIN HOEY will be back at the Sheikh Zayed stadium this evening hoping to build on the impressive debut he made for Ireland in Wednesday’s opening one-day international against South Africa.
Ireland soundly beaten in ODI opener ZZZZ12:31 amZZZZ
There was no victory celebration for Paul Stirling to mark his 400th appearance for Ireland last night as his side were comprehensively beaten by South Africa, losing by 139 runs in the first of a three-match one-day international series in Abu Dhabi.
400 up for Stirling ZZZZ9:58 pmZZZZ
Paul Stirling will make a record-breaking 400th appearance for Ireland in Abu Dhabi today fully believing his side can carry their T20 form into a three-match one-day international series against South Africa.
Two Adairs wins ZZZZ4:04 pmZZZZ
Excellent performances from brothers Ross and Mark Adair helped Ireland defeat South Africa and level the two-match T20I series in Abu Dhabi last night.
Adairs down South Africa ZZZZ9:21 pmZZZZ
Ross Adair became the third batsman to score a T20 international century for Ireland as the rookie opener hit a stunning 100 from 58 balls in Abu Dhabi last night to fire the Boys in Green to a thrilling 10-run victory over South Africa.
Ireland well beaten in opener ZZZZ10:34 pmZZZZ
CURTIS CAMPHER fell one run short of marking his 100th appearance for Ireland with a half-century in Abu Dhabi before South Africa cruised to an eight-wicket victory with 14 balls to spare  in the first of two T20 internationals.
Tucker to the fore in opening gambit ZZZZ10:32 pmZZZZ
IRELAND play South Africa today in the first of a two-game series, their first T20 international of the winter. Or are they playing their last games of the summer?
Humphreys looking for early birthday present ZZZZ1:27 amZZZZ
Matthew Humphreys will be looking for an early birthday present as Ireland take on South Africa today in the first game of their two-match T20I series in Abu Dhabi.
Malan looks to the future ZZZZ6:10 amZZZZ
Ireland are back in action for the first time in two months as they host South Africa in five matches in the UAE starting on Friday.
Ireland explore options at top of the order ZZZZ4:53 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling has put the seal on one long-term relationship this month but he will be taking an agreed break from another when he leads out Ireland against South Africa in Abu Dhabi tomorrow in the first of two ‘home’ T20 internationals.
Balbirnie axed from Ireland T20 side ZZZZ9:50 pmZZZZ
ANDY BALBIRNIE has been left out of the Ireland T20 squad that will play a two-match ‘home’ series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi at the end of this month, as the selectors look to bring through new blood ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Balbirnie left out of T20 squad ZZZZ9:22 pmZZZZ
Balbirnie has been dropped from the T20 squad as, in the words of National Selector Andrew White, Ireland look to “introduce a new dynamic” at the top of the order.
England to play 3 ODI's in Ireland next year ZZZZ3:00 amZZZZ
The ECB and Cricket Ireland have confirmed a three-match ODI series in September 2025.
Ireland fightback stuns Zimbabwe ZZZZ9:09 amZZZZ
IRELAND completed a stunning turnaround to win the Test against Zimbabwe at lunchtime in Stormont yesterday, with a determined fightback from the middle order the deciding factor.
McBrine delivers Test win ZZZZ11:33 pmZZZZ
Andy McBrine took a rare step into the spotlight in Belfast yesterday, striking an unbeaten half-century to guide Ireland to a stunning four-wicket comeback victory over Zimbabwe and back-to-back Test match wins.
Uphill battle as Ireland top order crumbles ZZZZ7:05 amZZZZ
THE white-hot heat of Test match pressure proved too much for Ireland’s top order at Stormont, leaving Ireland’s rearguard an enormous task to win a first test at home this morning.
Moor the merrier as Ireland take lead in Test ZZZZ12:30 amZZZZ
PJ Moor deployed ‘the immutable law of the ex’ in Belfast to make his highest score for Ireland and leave the one-off Test against his former Zimbabwe team-mates finely balanced at stumps on day two.
Test in the balance after gripping second day ZZZZ8:30 amZZZZ
THE Stormont Test match sits in the balance after another gripping day which followed the first day’s script almost word for word.
Advantage Ireland after day one of Test ZZZZ9:26 amZZZZ
A committed bowling unit prised open Zimbabwe after the visitors looked set for a big score, before twisting the knife in a dramatic late collapse which saw six wickets fall for 17 runs.
Belfast passes big Test ZZZZ2:54 amZZZZ
There was rain. Of course there was rain, it was the opening day of the Stormont Test match, the first in Northern Ireland. But before the downpour, the Ireland bowlers had done their job – eventually.
Handy Andy as Ireland take control of Test ZZZZ11:18 pmZZZZ
Andy McBrine took two wickets in as many balls to spark a stunning post-tea collapse as Ireland dismissed Zimbabwe for 210 to take a firm grip of the historic first Test match in Belfast.
Out of Africa ZZZZ5:04 pmZZZZ
Ireland batsman PJ Moor has come an awful long way to play cricket at Stormont, where Zimbabwe are the visitors for the first home Test match in six years, starting Thursday.
Close Test on cards ZZZZ1:33 amZZZZ
ONLY two Test matches— of more than 2,500 played - have been tied but it wouldn’t be the biggest shock if Ireland and Zimbabwe produced a really close result over the next five days in Belfast. 
Home-Town Stirling ZZZZ12:52 amZZZZ
PAUL STIRLING is planning a home-town celebration or two this week — on and off the field — when Ireland host Zimbabwe in an historic first Test match in Belfast, starting on Thursday.
Balbirnie relishing Test home comforts ZZZZ2:15 amZZZZ
ANDY BALBIRNIE is getting ready to don the whites again on Thursday and captain Ireland in their first Test match in Belfast, against Zimbabwe, in what he happily admits is his favourite form of the game.
Hoey in Test squad ZZZZ10:33 pmZZZZ
GAVIN HOEY has been named in a 14-strong squad for Ireland’s one-off Test match against Zimbabwe in Belfast next week, following in the family tradition of his leg-spinning father Conor who played the last of his 42 internationals nearly three decades ago.
Humphreys and Hoey included in Ireland Test squad ZZZZ4:30 amZZZZ
Ireland have named a 14-man squad for their upcoming Test against Zimbabwe in Belfast next week.
Fringe players get chance to audition for Test ZZZZ12:43 amZZZZ
The fringe players in the Ireland men’s squad have a final chance to stake a claim for a place in the Test match against Zimbabwe at Stormont.
Humphreys inspires Ireland to 10-wicket win ZZZZ12:36 amZZZZ
Matthew Humphreys put himself front and centre for a Test place against Zimbabwe with another five wicket haul to record match figures of 10-101 as Ireland beat the West Indies Academy by 10 wickets. 
Ireland stay in control against West Indies ZZZZ12:25 amZZZZ
Half centuries from Andy Balbirnie, Andy McBrine and Fionn Hand continued Ireland's dominance over the West Indies on the second day of their game at Stormont. 
Five-star Humphreys puts Ireland in charge against West Indies Academy ZZZZ12:29 amZZZZ
Matthew Humphreys five-wicket haul has put the Lisburn left-arm spinner in contention for his second Test appearance after a fine all-round effort by Ireland against the West Indies at Stormont.
Dice rolls against Ireland at crapshoot tournament ZZZZ8:23 pmZZZZ
Does blame at Irish woes lie with the lack of player adaptability or the ICC's inability to provide top of the range playing conditions?
Carmichael and McCarthy put Ireland Academy on top ZZZZ2:26 pmZZZZ
Cade Carmichael's 92 and a fine bowling fightback late in the day saw Emerging Ireland close in on victory going into the final day of their four-day match with West Indies Academy at Comber.
World Cup to forget for Ireland ZZZZ12:20 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling will not look back on his first major tournament in charge with many fond memories but the Ireland captain will know that a winless campaign and bottom place in Group A of the T20 World Cup is not as bad as it sounds.
De Freitas stars on opening day for Academy ZZZZ9:02 pmZZZZ
Chris De Freitas top-scored with 88 for Ireland Academy on a truncated opening day of their match against the West Indies Under 23's at Comber.
Ireland show fight but beaten by Pakistan ZZZZ11:45 pmZZZZ
Barry McCarthy finally restored some pride for a beleaguered Ireland, but they still lost to Pakistan by three wickets to finish bottom of their T20 World Cup Group.
Ireland at the crossroads yet again ZZZZ12:23 amZZZZ
Both sides are packed and ready to leave, the taxis for Miami airport idling outside the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground preparing for a hasty exit this afternoon.
Where now for Ireland ZZZZ12:22 amZZZZ
Neither side wants to be there, and neither will mourn if the rainwaters that have pounded Broward County these past six days get their way once again today.
Rain ends Ireland campaign ZZZZ12:49 amZZZZ
The last faint hope of Ireland progressing to the next stage of the T20 World Cup was extinguished by the rain in Florida yesterday as a soggy outfield at Lauderhill led to an abandoned game and sent the USA through to the Super Eight.
Ain't no sunshine when Ireland's gone ZZZZ11:08 pmZZZZ
THE Sunshine State they call it. But it was more Mops and Bucket than Tubbs and Crockett as Ireland tumbled out of the Men’s T20 World Cup in rain-soaked Lauderhill, just north of Miami, yesterday.
Clean sweep for Ireland Academy ZZZZ1:36 amZZZZ
While Ireland's T20 World Cup campaign was ending in a sodden mess in Florida, the sun was shining on the Academy at Bready as they completed a 3-0 series clean sweep over their West Indian counterparts.
Ireland one eye on the skies ahead of USA clash ZZZZ8:00 amZZZZ
‘Scattered thunderstorms with a 78% chance of rain’ is the forecast of the weather boffins in Broward County, south-east Florida. Should they be right, Ireland’s stuttering T20 World Cup campaign will be put to bed today when they are due to play the United States in a crunch Group A game in Lauderhill.
The sum of Irish hopes ZZZZ7:57 amZZZZ
If one of the 14 support staff with the Ireland squad knows how to use a calculator, skipper Paul Stirling will already be aware of the size of the challenge that lies ahead this weekend in Florida as his side try to qualify for the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup.
No dancing pandas at Bready ZZZZ6:39 amZZZZ
It was a day to remember at Bready. I arrived late but didn't miss much and opted against leaving early, in the process seeing one of those games that usually only happen about once a year.
Can Ireland turn around their fortunes? ZZZZ6:22 amZZZZ
Ireland hoping for a dramatic u-turn after New York nightmare.
Ireland get no favours ZZZZ6:20 amZZZZ
IF IRELAND were hoping India would do them a big favour in New York yesterday it didn’t happen but the T20 World Cup favourites did just scrape past the USA by seven wickets to keep Group A alive for all five teams.
Ireland up for it ahead of weekend destiny dates ZZZZ2:06 amZZZZ
The Irish cricketers are ‘up for it’ in this weekend’s crucial T20 World Cup games, says all-rounder Curtis Campher. ‘We’re used to fighting uphill battles,’ he added, as the squad got down to business in Florida after a three-day break.
All eyes on New York ZZZZ2:04 amZZZZ
WHILE they swelter in the heat of Florida, the Ireland squad will have one eye on the weather 1300 miles up the east coast today, knowing that rain in New York could spell the end of their spluttering T20 World Cup campaign.
Topping top of the class as Ireland beat West Indies ZZZZ1:42 amZZZZ
Morgan Topping's unbeaten 66 guided Ireland Academy to a six-wicket win over their West Indies counterparts in the opening match of their three-game 50 overs series in the North West region this week.
Stirling remains upbeat about Ireland chances ZZZZ8:49 pmZZZZ
PAUL STIRLING has been predictably upbeat about Ireland’s chances of making the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup despite losing their first two Group A matches to India and Canada in New York.
Ireland hoping change of venue brings change of fortunes ZZZZ12:50 amZZZZ
IRELAND’S cricketers dusted themselves down and got out of Gotham City as quick as they could yesterday, the LCD Soundsystem song ‘New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down’ on everyone’s lips.
Things can only get better for Ireland ZZZZ8:48 pmZZZZ
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. When the Ireland squad flew out of New York on Friday evening for their three-hour flight to the Sunshine state, they had expected to be halfway to the Super Eights stage of the T20 World Cup.
Ireland all but out after loss to Canada ZZZZ9:42 pmZZZZ
Ireland will be heading home from the T20 World Cup after next weekend with tails between legs after suffering a second chastening Group A defeat in 48 hours at the Nassau County International Stadium - losing to Canada by 12 runs.
Ireland stunned by Canada ZZZZ2:24 pmZZZZ
SHELL-shocked Ireland depart the Big Apple this weekend with little hope of making the Super Eights at the Men’s T20 World Cup. A poor overall performance allowed associate side Canada to triumph by 12 runs, meaning Paul Stirling’s side will have to beat the US and Pakistan in Florida next weekend, and still require snookers to progress.
Welcome to cricket's culture of incompetence ZZZZ1:28 amZZZZ
This T20 World Cup has featured logistical issues that should render the poor quality of the pitch for India vs Ireland as no surprise.
Ireland facing pitch battle ZZZZ1:06 amZZZZ
The most important play of Ireland’s second T20 World Cup match against Canada in New York today is likely to come 30 minutes before the start of the Group A game when skipper Paul Stirling walks out to the middle for the toss.
Ireland keen to bounce back ZZZZ1:04 pmZZZZ
IRELAND will be eager to bounce back from the heavy defeat to India when they face Canada today in their second game at the T20 World Cup.
Ireland thumped by India in T20 World Cup opener ZZZZ12:38 amZZZZ
There was no fairytale in New York for Ireland as their T20 World Cup hopes were dealt a heavy blow by an eight-wicket loss to India on a brute of a pitch at the pop-up Nassau County International Stadium.
Ireland well beaten by India ZZZZ9:37 amZZZZ
Ireland went down to a thumping eight-wicket defeat to India in their opening game at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in New York yesterday. Losing was no shock, but while the margin was unflattering, it was a game ruined by a pitch totally unsuited to a global showpiece.
Ireland face daunting Indian challenge ZZZZ8:33 amZZZZ
IRELAND kick off their T20 World Cup campaign today in Nassau County, New York. A public park in Long Island has been transformed into a 38,000 stadium at a cost of $30million.
Ireland announce player contracts ZZZZ1:44 amZZZZ
Cricket Ireland announced 25 player contracts for their men's squad, with Ross Adair, Matthew Foster, and PJ Moor all getting deals, while losing out are Murray Commins, Simi Singh, Tyrone Kane, Conor Olphert and Theo van Woerkom.
Can Ireland shock India? ZZZZ1:39 amZZZZ
WHAT chance do Ireland have of upsetting India in New York today and sending a shockwave through international cricket?
Stirling frustrated ahead of World Cup opener ZZZZ10:51 pmZZZZ
Paul Stirling is frustrated that Ireland will not get a chance to view the New York venue for their first T20 World Cup match before they take on India in Group A tomorrow.
SuperMac ZZZZ6:19 amZZZZ
IT’S not hard to work out why Barry McCarthy is one of the most popular of Ireland’s small band of professional cricketers.
Ireland T20 World Cup squad pen pics ZZZZ5:49 amZZZZ
Ger Siggins takes a look at the 15 players who will represent Ireland at this week's T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
Ireland's first T20 International ZZZZ5:34 amZZZZ
IT is less than 16 years since Ireland first played a twenty20 international, but it feels an awful lot longer. The difference between a wet weekend in Stormont in 2008 and the Indian Premier League is akin to that between Richmond Park and the Camp Nou.
Good call by O'Brien ZZZZ5:21 amZZZZ
SHARP-eared TV viewers will notice a Dublin accent among the commentary team at the Cricket World T20 Cup starting this week in the USA and West Indies. 
More, more, more. How do you like it? ZZZZ5:16 amZZZZ
HERE we go again. Cricket really does itself no favours with the frequency of its global events. A 50-over World Cup every four years – like other major sports – is about right, but when it comes to twenty20, cricket goes all Andrea True Connection.
Little joy for Josh ZZZZ12:00 amZZZZ
Josh Little made an eye-catching return to the international arena in Florida as Ireland completed their preparations for the T20 World Cup with a 41-run defeat by Sri Lanka in a 12-a-side practice match.
Malan signs contract extension ZZZZ3:44 amZZZZ
Heinrich Malan has agreed a two-year contract extension that will take him up until mid-2027.
Ireland win another thriller ZZZZ4:12 amZZZZ
Ireland will fly off to the T20 World Cup next week in fine fettle after another heart-stopping victory over the Netherlands in The Hague yesterday.
Ireland clinch tri-series ZZZZ11:22 pmZZZZ
Lorcan Tucker continued his run of form with the bat yesterday, notching a third half-century in four innings as Ireland beat Scotland by five wickets to clinch the T20 international tri-series with a game still to play in The Hague.
Adair downs the Dutch ZZZZ11:25 pmZZZZ
MARK ADAIR showed both sides of his all-round game in The Hague yesterday and kept his nerve in a thrilling finish as Ireland squeezed past the Netherlands by one run in their first match of the T20 tri-nations series.
Hume misses tri-series due to visa issues ZZZZ3:32 pmZZZZ
Waringstown all-rounder Graham Hume will miss the tri-series in the Netherlands due to visa issues and has been replaced by Fionn Hand.
Brutal Pakistan clinch series ZZZZ1:44 amZZZZ
Lorcan Tucker lit up his first game as Ireland captain with a sparkling half-century - his second in successive innings - but was again on the losing side at Clontarf yesterday as Pakistan eased home by six wickets to claim the T20 international series 2-1.
Ireland set for series in Pakistan ZZZZ6:28 amZZZZ
Ireland are set to tour Pakistan for a series next year.
Pakistan level series ZZZZ6:27 amZZZZ
LORCAN TUCKER top scored with 51 in another impressive batting display by Ireland at Clontarf yesterday but it wasn’t enough to prevent Pakistan winning by seven wickets and levelling the three-match T20 international series.
Balbirnie stars in famous win over Pakistan ZZZZ9:56 pmZZZZ
Andy Balbirnie scored a superb 77 from 55 balls to set up a stunning five-wicket victory over Pakistan at Clontarf last night that gives Ireland a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three T20 international series.
Ireland hopeful ahead of Pakistan series ZZZZ1:20 amZZZZ
Paul Stirling will be taking the chance to fine tune his seam bowling options for next month’s T20 World Cup when Ireland take on Pakistan at Clontarf in the first of a three-match series.
Little to miss Pakistan series ZZZZ11:02 pmZZZZ
JOSH LITTLE will miss the three-match T20 international series against Pakistan that starts at Clontarf on Friday and Ireland will also be without their star paceman for the tri-series featuring Scotland and the Netherlands that follows in The Hague.
All systems go for Test ZZZZ1:37 amZZZZ
Ireland will play their first Test match on home soil for more than six years this summer after the confirmation yesterday that a five-day match against Zimbabwe will go ahead in Belfast on July 25-29.
Belfast Test against Zimbabwe confirmed. ZZZZ10:14 amZZZZ
Ireland's Test against Zimbabwe this summer has been confirmed for Belfast in July, but six planned white-ball matches against the same opponents have been scrapped.
Academy beaten by Guernsey in series opener ZZZZ12:55 amZZZZ
Ireland Academy lost the opening match of their three-game series against Guernsey by 63 runs at KGV on Friday.
Ireland give green light to Test ZZZZ11:45 amZZZZ
There was good news for fans of red-ball cricket as the Cricket Ireland Board gave the go-ahead for the first Test to be staged in Northern Ireland in July.
Ireland name Academy squad to play Guernsey ZZZZ6:02 amZZZZ
Olly Riley will captain the Ireland Academy squad in three matches against the Guernsey senior side on Friday and Saturday.
Explained: Where are this year's player contracts? ZZZZ4:17 amZZZZ
Nearly two months after the 2023 deals expired, Cricket Ireland has yet to agree to terms with its players for the upcoming summer
Guernsey name squad for Ireland Academy games ZZZZ11:28 amZZZZ
Guernsey have named a strong side for their three games against the Ireland Academy this weekend.
Doheny and Humphreys stars of Wolves tour ZZZZ2:39 amZZZZ
A look at the averages for what has been a successful tour for the Ireland Wolves, who won five and lost three games of their eight-matches.
Doheny icing on successful tour ZZZZ1:16 amZZZZ
Stephen Doheny signed off with a century in Kathmandu yesterday as the Ireland Wolves beat Nepal A by 69 runs to complete a 3-0 whitewash in their 50-overs series and end a successful two-week tour on a high.
Mark Adair short-listed for ICC Award ZZZZ3:12 amZZZZ
Mark Adair has his maiden nomination for the ICC Player of the Month award after spearheading Ireland’s Test win over Afghanistan as well as contributing in the shorter formats.
Five-star Humphreys bowls Wolves to victory ZZZZ3:06 amZZZZ
MATTHEW HUMPHREYS and Liam McCarthy bowled Ireland Wolves to an unlikely 21-run victory over Nepal A in Kathmandu in the first of three 50-over matches.
Nepal A edge out Wolves in thriller ZZZZ5:12 amZZZZ
Nepal A gained a consolation win, beating Ireland Wolves by three runs in a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout in Kathmandu.
Stay of execution for Test? ZZZZ4:35 amZZZZ
The Board of Cricket Ireland shied away from cancelling this summer’s proposed Test match against Zimbabwe in Belfast at their meeting on Tuesday but will re-visit the thorny issue next month.
D-Day for Test as Ireland Board meets in Dublin ZZZZ2:40 amZZZZ
There are no easy answers, but one cost-cutting alternative that could be discussed at today’s CI board meeting is cancelling the two white-ball ‘home’ series against South Africa scheduled for Abu Dhabi at the end of September.
Ireland Wolves well beaten by Nepal ZZZZ9:21 amZZZZ
Ireland Wolves return from their self-imposed two-year exile ended in a convincing six-wicket loss against Nepal after a rusty batting display saw them dismissed for just 121.
Ireland tour averages ZZZZ3:26 amZZZZ
A look at how the Irish players did in the recent series against Afghanistan.
More fixture woe for Ireland? ZZZZ8:21 amZZZZ
Ireland's Test match against Zimbabwe, pencilled in for Stormont in late July, is reportedly being scrapped as the beleaguered Board are yet again struggling with their finances.
Ireland Academy to play Guernsey ZZZZ10:26 amZZZZ
The Irish Academy squad will play three matches on the Channel Island in April.
Ireland well beaten by Afghanistan ZZZZ10:24 pmZZZZ
Paul Stirlinghad to settle for second best against Afghanistan in Sharjah as Ireland were comprehensively outplayed in the final T20 international, losing it by 57 runs and the hard-fought series 2-1.
Ireland beaten in second T20I ZZZZ9:40 pmZZZZ
IRELAND will face a decider against Afghanistan on Monday after spurning a couple of gilt-edged chances to wrap up their three-match T20 international series in Sharjah.
Superb Tector sets up T20 win ZZZZ10:42 pmZZZZ
Harry Tector rescued Ireland from another middle order stumble in Sharjah with his commanding unbeaten half-century setting up a 38-run victory over Afghanistan in the first of a three-match T20 international series.
Ireland crumble to Nabi ZZZZ3:14 amZZZZ
The rest of the batting was abysmal and for the second game in succession nine Ireland players failed to reach double figures.
Tector century in vain ZZZZ1:45 amZZZZ
Harry Tector scored his fifth one-day international century for Ireland in Sharjah last night but once again found himself on the losing side as Afghanistan eased to victory by 35 runs in the first game of a three-match series.
Malan ready to be tested again ZZZZ9:03 amZZZZ
Heinrich Malan is preparing to be tested again by Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates this week after the celebrations and euphoria of Ireland’s first Test match victory in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Test cricket remains the pinnacle for players ZZZZ1:35 amZZZZ
The players must get huge credit for a thoroughly committed performance but this was not a victory that Irish cricket as a whole deserved.
Mixed news for Ireland on fixtures front ZZZZ6:22 amZZZZ
The euphoria following Friday's maiden Test win is still fresh in the mind, but there has been mixed news emerging on the fixtures front this year.
Wolves end exile with Nepal tour ZZZZ5:23 amZZZZ
Ireland Wolves will emerge from their two-year hibernation with an eight match white-ball tour of Nepal.
Balbirnie and Trott sum up the contest ZZZZ2:28 amZZZZ
Andy Balbirnie described Ireland’s first Test victory as “kind of overwhelming” after emotional scenes greeted their six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.
History made as Ireland emerge victorious ZZZZ2:18 amZZZZ
Andy Balbirnie showed a captain’s composure to lead Ireland to an historic first Test match win in Abu Dhabi yesterday,
Test in the Bal-ance ZZZZ11:04 pmZZZZ
Andy Balbirnie was left wondering what might have been in Abu Dhabi last night as Afghanistan fought back to parity against Ireland on the second day of the one-off Test at the Tolerance Oval.
Adair provides Ireland spark ZZZZ10:39 pmZZZZ
MARK ADAIR led a superb seam bowling display that dismissed hosts Afghanistan for 155 yesterday and put Ireland in a strong position after the first day of the one-off Test at the Tolerance Oval.
Can Ireland gain maiden Test win? ZZZZ11:07 pmZZZZ
IF IRELAND can end their losing streak and win a Test match for the first time at the eighth attempt this week in Abu Dhabi it is perhaps inevitable that the victory should come against Afghanistan.
Campher relishing Test challenge ZZZZ1:44 amZZZZ
CURTIS CAMPHER is looking forward to his fifth taste of Test cricket in Abu Dhabi tomorrow and hoping for a first win when Ireland take on Afghanistan at the start of a three-week multi-format tour of the United Arab Emirates.
Patience the key for McCollum ZZZZ5:43 amZZZZ
James McCollum will be hungrier than most for runs in next week's one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.
Stormont to host Ireland Test ZZZZ2:18 amZZZZ
Six years on, mainly due to the cost of Ireland hosting a multi-day international, the wait for another home Test will end with the Belfast venue to be given its biggest ever game.
Young poised for Ireland Test debut ZZZZ8:24 amZZZZ
Craig Young is set to make his Test match debut when Ireland play their next multi-day match at the end of the month against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.
Rock to skipper Ireland Wolves in Nepal ZZZZ10:25 amZZZZ
Neil Rock will lead Ireland Wolves when they end their two-year exile with a trip to Nepal next month.
Ireland name squads for Afghanistan series ZZZZ9:45 amZZZZ
The absence of Josh Little from the Test and ODI squads is the main talking point from the squads announced by Ireland for their multi-format series against Afghanistan that gets underway later this month.
ACB confirm Ireland tour dates ZZZZ1:19 amZZZZ
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Monday the dates for their Test match, three ODI's, and three T20I's against Ireland starting at the end of next month.
Ireland in 2023 - a stats review ZZZZ4:47 amZZZZ
A look back at how Ireland Men performed during the last year, with the high point qualification for the T20 World Cup, and the nadir the abject failure to make it to the 50 overs event in India.
Ireland Wolves to face Nepal? ZZZZ10:48 amZZZZ
Ireland Wolves look set to end their self-imposed two-year exile with eight matches against Nepal in March.
Ireland learn T20 World Cup opponents ZZZZ10:06 amZZZZ
Ireland have been drawn in the same group as India, Pakistan, hosts USA and Canada in the T20 World Cup.
Audio
Mark Adair speaks to the press after the win was secured (28 July)
Mark Adair after Ireland beat Zimbabwe by four wickets (28 July)
Andy McBrine who took three wickets (25 July)
Andrew McBrine after day 1 of the Test (25 July)
Lorcan Tucker after the 5 wicket win over Scotland at Voorburg. (23 May)
Neil Rock of Ireland Wolves (25 March)
Neil Rock (25 March)