Tag: Ireland Cricket Team

The Ireland Cricket Team—the Men in Green—represents all of Ireland in international men’s cricket under the governance of Cricket Ireland. They became an ICC Associate Member in 1993, achieved Test status in 2017, and now compete at the highest level across Test, ODI, and T20I formats.

Key Highlights

• ICC Associate Member since 1993; Test status since May 2017
• Tests played: 10 (3 W – 7 L)
• ODIs: 210 matches (83 W – 108 L – 3 Ties – 16 NR)
• T20Is: 175 matches (72 W – 92 L – 2 Ties)
• First Test: v Pakistan, May 2018 (at The Village, Malahide)
• Memorable wins: Over Pakistan (2007 World Cup), England/E.Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe (2011–15)

Early History & Development

Cricket has been played in Ireland since 1888, with Cricket Ireland organizing elite cricket from 1890s onward. Following ICC Associate membership in 1993, Ireland impressed on the world stage during the 2007 Cricket World Cup, famously defeating Pakistan and becoming global darlings.

Rise Through ICC Events

ICC Trophy & World Cups

Ireland debuted in the ICC Trophy in 1993–94. They earned ODI status in 2006 and performed consistently in World Cups. Notable knocks include Kevin O’Brien’s 118 against Pakistan in their inaugural Test in 2018.

Granting of Test Status

After repeated strong performances, Ireland secured the right to play Test cricket in 2017, debuting in 2018 .

Iconic Grounds

• The Village, Malahide (Dublin): Hosted Ireland’s first Test
• Stormont (Belfast): Venue for first Test win vs Zimbabwe in 2024
• Clontarf Cricket Club (Dublin): Hosts key ODI series like against West Indies

Squad, Leadership & Coaching

• Head Coach: Heinrich Malan (since 2022)
• Batting/Wicketkeeping Coach: Gary Wilson
• Pace Bowling Coach: Ryan Eagleson; Spin Coach: Chris Brown
• Captain:
  • Tests: Andrew Balbirnie
  • ODIs/T20Is: Paul Stirling (ODIs until 2023), then Stirling → Balbirnie
• Key players: Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Andy McBrine, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher

Records & Milestones

Test Cricket

• 118 by Kevin O’Brien in Ireland’s only Tests-inaugural vs Pakistan in 2018
• Ireland earned its first Test win in February 2024 vs Zimbabwe at Stormont

ODI Records

• 83 wins in 210 ODIs, including record-breaking victories like beating West Indies in 2025
• Paul Stirling surpassed 10,000 international runs during a 124-run win over West Indies in May 2025

T20I Records

• Curtis Campher delivered a historic “five wickets in five balls” in July 2025—the first in men’s cricket history
• Ireland appeared in four T20 World Cups (2014–2022), notable wins over Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Namibia

Historic Moments

• 2007 World Cup: First win vs Pakistan
• 2011 & 2015 World Cups: Victories over established teams like England and West Indies
• Debut Test (2018): Inaugural Test vs Pakistan; followed by first Test win vs Zimbabwe (2024)
• Stirling’s 10,000-run milestone in 2025
• Campher’s record bowling feat in July 2025

Ireland’s Impact on World Cricket

Ireland’s journey from Associate to Full Member highlights the progress of emerging nations. They’ve inspired teams worldwide and enriched cricket through a blend of resilience, flair, and character. Their Test entry in 2018 and victories in ICC events underscore this transition .

Future Outlook

Ireland seeks to:

• Solidify Test presence and aim for more wins
• Achieve consistent top‑10 ICC ODI and T20I rankings
• Advance further in World Cups and T20 tournaments
• Enhance youth development via Provincial Cricket and greater domestic professional exposure

With emerging stars such as Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, and Curtis Campher, Ireland’s talent pipeline promises sustained growth.

Conclusion

From shocking the cricket world in 2007 to earning Test status in 2017, and achieving historic feats like Campher’s rare bowling record, the Ireland National Cricket Team has charted a dynamic path. They stand as a testament to what ambition and talent from emerging nations can achieve. Ireland’s future shines bright, with balance in formats, coaching depth, and player development.

Ireland Cricket Team – Key Stats