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Ireland Women’s head coach, Ed Joyce, has decided to step down from the role at the end of his current contract, which is after the conclusion of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan in April.
Joyce, 46, was appointed as the Women’s permanent head coach in September 2019, after a three-month period as the interim coach following the departure of Aaron Hamilton. He has overseen one of the greatest periods of transformation in Irish women’s cricket over the last six years, and will end his tenure with a last shot at qualifying for a 50-over World Cup – an achievement that has eluded Ireland Women since 2005.
To date, Ireland Women have played 97 times during Joyce’s reign (51 wins, 44 losses and two no-results), including a range of stunning results over many of the world’s best sides.
Joyce retired as a player in 2018 - a dual-international, he played 151 times for Ireland, becoming one of the most celebrated batters Ireland has produced.
His move into coaching included time as a batting coach for Ireland Men, before accepting the Women’s head coach role.
Ed Joyce said:
“It has been a privilege to lead Cricket Ireland’s women’s performance programme and to work with this group of dedicated cricketers and support staff. The last six years have been an incredible journey – not just for me personally, but for the players, coaches and, indeed, the entire performance programme.
“When I came on board we had just announced first-ever part-time contracts for women cricketers in Ireland. Those six part-time contracts have grown over subsequent years to now 23 players under some form of contract – a number of these being full-time. This process of professionalisation alone has been rewarding yet challenging. Throw the Covid pandemic into the mix, the constant need to juggle the availability of players who are still studying – all while meeting the demands of international cricket – the role has been all-encompassing.
“Just as in my professional playing career, I recognise the natural cycle of coaching. There comes a time when a system benefits from fresh perspectives and new voices, allowing players to explore and develop their skills in diverse ways.
“Looking back to mid-2019, I'm immensely proud of the players, coaches, and support structures we've built. They've undergone a remarkable evolution, rising to every challenge. Victories against England (twice in a week!), Pakistan (in Pakistan), and Bangladesh (in Bangladesh), alongside dominant performances against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, and competitive showings against Australia and South Africa, are testaments to their hard work and some of my fondest memories.
“I'm grateful to Cricket Ireland for their trust in me, and deeply thankful to my coaching and support team for sharing this journey. My sincere thanks also go to the players, their families, and the provincial and club coaches who have been integral to our success. A team is far more than just the eleven on the field; you've all been part of the wider team, making these past six years so enjoyable.
“This is not, I hope, the end of my journey with Irish cricket. You never can anticipate the future and what opportunities this great sport of cricket will offer in the years to come.”
Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, said:
“While it’s a sad day to see such a respected figure step down, Ed’s impact on the senior women's programme will be felt for years to come. He has been instrumental in transforming the senior women’s set-up during his tenure, instilling in the players a sense that they belong at the sport’s top table.
“While we tried to convince Ed to extend his time in the role, he felt that this was an appropriate time to refresh the leadership. He'll lead the team one last time at the Qualifier in Pakistan this April, then handover what is a strong foundation for the next head coach to build upon. We're immensely grateful for Ed's contributions in this latest incarnation of his wonderful service to Irish cricket – and as he says, we hope to see him back in some capacity in the future. It’s also important to send our thanks to Ed’s family - Fran, Georgiou and Sebastian - for their unwavering support over the last six years."

Ireland sealed their third consecutive Test victory and also maintained a perfect record against Zimbabwe with a 63-run triumph on the final day of the Only Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo on Monday morning.
Matthew Humphreys powered the victory, claiming a maiden five-wicket haul and finishing with remarkable figures of 6/57 from 28 overs, the best ever for Ireland in Test cricket.
Play commenced on schedule, with Zimbabwe resuming at 183/7, still 109 runs adrift of the target. Wessly Madhevere resumed on 61, partnered by Newman Nyamhuri on 5
Ireland’s hopes for an early breakthrough were quickly realized when Humphreys struck in the second over of the day. Nyamhuri, attempting a sweep, was trapped plumb in front for 8. The ball pitched in line with leg stump, straightened to beat the bat, and thudded into his front pad. The umpire had no hesitation in raising the finger, much to Humphreys’ jubilation.
Despite valiant efforts from Madhevere, Zimbabwe struggled to mount significant resistance. Ireland’s fielding, however, showed moments of frailty. Richard Ngarava was dropped twice in consecutive deliveries. Lorcan Tucker missed a catching opportunity after an edge, while Andy McBrine fumbled a caught-and-bowled chance, conceding a boundary on the very next ball.
Humphreys struck again with the new ball, darting a delivery in sharply that stayed low and dislodged Madhevere’s off-stump. The Zimbabwean batter departed for a well-fought 84, ending the hosts’ faint hopes of a comeback.
Andy McBrine provided the finishing touch, delivering a beautifully flighted delivery that held back just enough to castle Richard Ngarava. The ecstatic Irish team celebrated as Zimbabwe were bowled out, securing a 68-run victory
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland v Zimbabwe, Only-Test in Zimbabwe, 6-10 February 2025
Ireland 260 (56.4 overs; A McBrine 90*; B Muzarabani 7-58)
Zimbabwe 267 (86.1 overs; N Welch 90; B McCarthy 4-75)
Ireland 298 (93.3 overs; A Balbirnie 66; R Ngarava 4-55) Zimbabwe 228 (86.4 overs; W Madhevere 84; M Humphreys 6-57)
Ireland won by 63 runs

On the third day of the Test match, Ireland Men looked to take control against Zimbabwe Men at Queens Sports Club with half-centuries from Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker and three late wickets for the bowlers.
After Ireland's second innings was a tale of promise and resilience met by a determined Zimbabwean bowling attack. Beginning the day on 83-1, with Andrew Balbirnie and Curtis Campher well-set, the visitors looked to solidify their advantage. The pair extended their partnership to 75 runs before Trevor Gwandu struck, dismissing Campher for a well-earned 39.
Balbirnie, playing a captain's knock with his fifth Test fifty, helped Ireland build a formidable lead. After the first session, Ireland stood at 149/2, and looked to be taking control of the Test match.
However, Zimbabwe came back strongly after the break. Harry Tector was trapped leg before by Johnathan Campbell for 17, giving the bowler his maiden Test wicket.
Balbirnie followed soon after, falling to Wessly Madhevere's sharp turn for a crucial 66. Paul Stirling’s brisk 21, featuring two sixes, ended with a glove behind off Blessing Muzarabani. The batter seemed unconvinced by the decision. Madhevere continued his impressive spell, removing Andy McBrine for 16.
Lorcan Tucker played a fighting innings, scoring a crucial 58, but Ireland's middle and lower order faltered under the pressure of disciplined Zimbabwean bowling. Richard Ngarava's masterful use of the second new ball proved decisive as he claimed four wickets, including the key scalps of Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, and Lorcan Tucker.
Tucker picked up his third half-century, the last man out on 58. Ireland were bowled out for 298, setting Zimbabwe a record 292 to win — a challenging target given the history in Zimbabwe, where no side has successfully chased over 200.
Ireland's disciplined bowling attack executed their plans with precision, earning due rewards as McCarthy dismissed Ben Curran for the second time in the match, this time for just four runs.
The delivery almost mirrored the one from the first innings, holding its line and inducing an outside edge that was comfortably collected by Tucker behind the stumps.
Soon after, Adair got in on the act, sending down a peach that went through the gates and crashed into the off-stump, removing Takudzwanashe Kaitano for 14.
Humphreys then got the big wicket of Nick Welch, who made 90 in the first innings. He flighted one that bamboozled Welch, striking him on the right leg. Ireland appealed, and the umpire raised his finger.
Zimbabwe finished Day Three at 38-3, still 254 runs away from victory. For Ireland, seven wickets will do it. There is a small matter of rain in the forecast for Sunday and Monday. Ireland will likely be more eager than Zimbabwe for it to stay away.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland v Zimbabwe, Only-Test in Zimbabwe, 6-10 February 2025
DAY THREE (Close of play)
Ireland 260 (56.4 overs; A McBrine 90*; B Muzarabani 7-58)
Zimbabwe 267 (86.1 overs; N Welch 90; B McCarthy 4-75)
Ireland 298 (93.3 overs; A Balbirnie 66; R Ngarava 4-55) Zimbabwe 38-3 (15 overs; B Bennett 15*; M Humphreys 1-4)
Zimbabwe need 254 runs for victory (Ireland require 7 wickets)

Barry McCarthy’s four-wicket haul puts Ireland on top at the end of Day Two
· Barry McCarthy takes career-best 4-75
· Play resumes tomorrow morning 10am (time local to ground)
Ireland’s bowlers shone brightly on the second day of the Only Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, with Barry McCarthy and Andy McBrine spearheading a determined performance with the ball.
McCarthy's precision and aggression earned him a four-wicket haul, while McBrine's cleverness with the ball, as Ireland dismantled the Zimbabwe batting lineup to bowl them out for 267.
The hosts resumed their innings on 72/1, with Nick Welch and Takudzwanashe Kaitano looking to build on their promising overnight start. However, McCarthy struck early, trapping Kaitano leg before for 26 with a ball that seamed in sharply.
McCarthy's relentless accuracy paid further dividends when he clean-bowled Brian Bennett with a beautifully angled delivery.
Not to be outdone, McBrine's smart bowling and alert fielding support turned the screw on Zimbabwe. He removed Wessly Madhevere for 26 after a clever catch off a rebound by keeper Lorcan Tucker. Three balls later, Johnathan Campbell fell cheaply, gifting a catch to cover point as McBrine claimed two wickets in the over.
By lunch, Zimbabwe had lost four wickets, with Ireland firmly in control.
After the break, Ireland continued to chip away at their resistance. McBrine trapped Nyasha Mayavo leg before for 18, and McCarthy struck again, dismissing Newman Nyamhuri for a golden duck with a ball that seamed away sharply.
Mark Adair then joined the attack, removing Richard Ngarava and Nick Welch in quick succession. Welch, Zimbabwe's standout performer with a gritty 90, fell to a stunning catch by Harry Tector at deep square leg, leaving the hosts struggling.
Despite Ireland's dominance, The host's tailenders mounted a defiant 67-run partnership between Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu, frustrating the Irish attack. Muzarabani's aggressive 47 off 68 balls nearly secured a half-century before Humphreys ended his innings with a full-length delivery which crashed into middle stump.
Gwandu remained unbeaten on 18 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 267 to secure a slender lead of seven.
Ireland started at a rate of knots, scoring 24 in their first three overs. Muzarabani was particularly punished by some emphatic boundaries from PJ Moor.
Captain Andrew Balbirnie was no slouch on the other, end going at more than a run a ball.
However, Ireland lost their first wicket when Moor, with his bat hanging out, edged a delivery from Ngarava that kept moving away at an angle, straight to Mayavo, for 30.
Balbirnie (32) and Curtis Campher (14) held off the Zimbabwe attack to finish the day on 83/1, 76 runs ahead.
The Test match is interestingly poised now, but Ireland will fancy their position more.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland v Zimbabwe, Only Test match in Zimbabwe, 7 February 2025
DAY TWO (Close of play)
Ireland 260 (56.4 overs; A McBrine 90*; B Muzarabani 7-58)
Zimbabwe 267 (86.1 overs; N Welch 90; B McCarthy 4-75)
Ireland 83-1 (21 overs; A Balbirnie 32*, P Moor 30; R Ngarava 1-25)
Ireland leads 76 runs

Business Plus returns to the crease as title sponsor for the 13th Irish Cricket Awards
Organisers of the 13th annual Irish Cricket Awards –
being held on 6 March in Dublin - have received a major boost with DMG Media, through their Business Plus brand, signing on again as the event’s title sponsor. This will be the second year the media title will feature in that position.

DMG Media, Cricket Ireland’s Official Media Partner, is continuing to build close ties with the Irish cricket community and views the 13th Business Plus Irish Cricket Awards 2025 as an important statement in achieving this aim.
Fintan Gavigan, Group Head of Marketing for DMG Media Ireland, said:
“The team at DMG Media is excited to deepen our partnership with Cricket Ireland by supporting the key event that honours the players, coaches, match officials, and volunteers who contribute to making cricket one of the most vibrant and welcoming sports on this island.
“Our brands are all about engaging audiences through great content. Cricket helps us achieve this ambition. We enjoy telling the story of Irish cricket and we hope to be supporting the growth of the sport across Ireland for many more years to come.”
Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said:
“The team from DMG Media Ireland have been a delight to work with over the last 12 months and I’d like to thank CEO Paul Henderson, Fintan Gavigan, and their broader team for their support of Irish cricket. Business Plus is a trusted and much-respected title that we are delighted to associate with this important annual event. The DMG team produced some exceptional content last year that brought our event alive for those following online in particular. Those from across the Irish cricket family that we celebrate deserve no less, and I look forward to another great Awards event in March.”
AWARDS
The 13th Business Plus Irish Cricket Awards 2025 will feature sixteen award categories that recognise players, coaches, volunteers, groundskeepers, officials, and clubs for the contribution they make to the game in Ireland.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally sanctioned the European T20 Premier League - a new annual T20 franchise tournament that will be held for the first time from 15 July to 3 August 2025.

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is a new privately-owned franchise tournament with a unique twist – the tournament is a partnership between three cricket nations – Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. This collaborative approach gives the tournament a true European feel and will feature the best talent from those three nations playing alongside some of the best talent from around the world.

During the initial phase of the tournament’s development, an ‘interim working group’ has been established with representatives from the participating cricket boards and from strategic partner, Rules Sport Tech, on behalf of the funding partners, to guide decision-making and oversee the resourcing of a new administrative entity to run the event..

Warren Deutrom, Chair of the interim working group, said:

“We are delighted to confirm the ICC sanction of the ETPL and agreements are now in place across the joint venture partners. This is an important day in the development of the event, as it effectively fires the starting pistol on work around three important areas - franchise ownership, broadcast and the player draft.

“A formal launch event for the ETPL will be held in due course to unveil key franchise and fan information, including franchise ownership, names and brands - and details about the players draft, which has become a popular feature of many franchise tournaments.

“I would like to thank staff from Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, Cricket Netherlands and our business partners who have been working tirelessly for the last year to bring this tournament to fruition.

“These are exciting times for cricket in Europe, and for local cricket fans, as we showcase some of the best cricket talent from Europe and around the world.”

Landmark deal sees solar powerhouse Fáilte Solar go into bat for Irish cricket

Cricket Ireland and Fáilte Solar have today announced that the solar product company will be #BackingGreen both on and off the pitch as the Primary Sponsor of Ireland Men.

With terms in place for a deal of up to 10 years this is the longest sponsorship of this nature in Irish cricket history, and highlights Fáilte Solar’s commitment to Irish cricket as Ireland Men continues to grow in stature both at home and around the world.

The partnership unveiling took place at Fáilte Solar’s newly opened headquarters in Shannon, County Clare, where the company was founded by Indian native Abhilash Borana in 2019, at the same time as he was completing his master’s degree in International Commercial Law at the University of Limerick.

To mark the partnership announcement, Cricket Ireland President Stella Downes, CEO Warren Deutrom and several Ireland Men’s players - including Test Captain Andrew Balbirnie, vice-captain Lorcan Tucker and talismanic all-rounder George Dockrell - visited Fáilte Solar headquarters, participated in a tour of the facility, enjoyed a meet and greet and Q&A with the Fáilte Solar staff, before having a playful hit on the lawn.

Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom, said:
“Today’s event in Shannon marks a big step forward for Irish cricket, and one which will see an Irish business success story support our Men’s side in 2025 and beyond.
“Fáilte Solar is a company that shares our goal of becoming a major sport at home, and a major cricket nation around the world, just as they themselves continue to grow rapidly both in Ireland in other markets around the world to make sustainable energy solutions more cost-effective and accessible.
“This is a hugely exciting time for Ireland Men, not just because the team’s consistency over a number of years has resulted in automatic qualification for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, back-to-back Test wins, and some high-profile victories against South Africa just last month. But there is also a lot to look forward to in 2025, with an all-format tour of Zimbabwe in January and both England and West Indies touring Ireland.
“I would like to personally thanks Abhilash and Fáilte Solar CEO James Ring, and my own team at Cricket Ireland for bringing this exciting partnership to fruition.”

Having founded in 2019, Fáilte Solar is already the leading distributor of photovoltaic equipment in Ireland, with the company’s achievements generating recognition for its founder Abhilash Borana, who was a 2023 EY International Entrepreneur Awards Finalist and Forbes "30 Under 30 Europe" inductee in the 2022 Manufacturing and Industry category.

Fáilte Solar Founder and Chair Abhilash Borana, said:
“As a huge fan of cricket and as someone who has made a home here in Ireland since 2018, I am ecstatic to see these two things I love come together.
“At Fáilte Solar we are on a mission to establish solar energy as an affordable and cost-effective solution for businesses and consumers in Ireland and around the world in the coming years.
“As an entrepreneur driven company, we cultivate a culture of togetherness which makes Irish cricket a natural entry point for us, and we cannot wait to begin #BackingGreen and supporting the Ireland Men’s team as they continue to challenge the status quo on the world stage.”

With more than 70 employees across Europe and a further 200 in India, Fáilte Solar serves internationally with subsidiaries in several countries in central Europe, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, and India. Fáilte Solar was founded with €50,000 of seed money raised from Borana’s family in 2019, and will exceed €60 million turnover in 2024.

By supporting Cricket Ireland, Fáilte Solar join a broad range of Irish sponsors and global companies that have a significant presence on the island of Ireland, including Certa Ireland, Corpay, DMG Media and Butlers Chocolates.

Ireland beat South Africa in final match of Men’s ODI series

Ireland Men ended their ODI series against South Africa Men in style on Monday, claiming a 69-run victory in Abu Dhabi with 23 balls to spare.
Ireland had tied the T20I series that preceded the three-game ODI series, which South Africa had claimed by virtue of winning the first two matches. They ensured a winning finish with a superb all-round performance, beating South Africa in convincing fashion.

Captain Paul Stirling starred with the bat, making 88 from 92 deliveries, but there were a number of contributions throughout the order and Ireland's seamers then drove home the advantage with ball in hand. Stirling earlier called correctly at the toss for the first time in five attempts and, after electing to bat, flourished alongside Andrew Balbirnie. The pair made 101 for the first wicket, setting a new best for Ireland's highest opening partnership against South Africa in ODI cricket.

Stirling brought up his half century, his 15th in the format for Ireland, before Balbirnie (45) pulled Lizaad Williams into the hands of Tristan Stubbs on the leg-side boundary just five runs short of his own 50. Ireland's skipper was unrelenting in the Abu Dhabi heat, before eventually departing in the 35th over. Curtis Campher (34) and the returning Lorcan Tucker (26) provided further contributions, while Harry Tector's rapid 60 from 48 was a welcome return to form for the 24-year-old and took Ireland to 284-9 from their 50 overs.

Both Mark Adair and Graham Hume quickly settled into their work with the new ball, picking up a wicket apiece to dismiss both openers and leave South Africa stunned at 8-2. Adair then made it 10-3 by trapping stand-in skipper Rassie van der Dussen lbw at the start of the fifth over, the score now 10-3 and Ireland cock-a-hoop.

Kyle Verreynne (38) looked to find a way back for his team but couldn't build on his start and by the time he fell to Craig Young, the Proteas were struggling at 59-4. A 47-run partnership between Jason Smith and Andile Phehlukwayo frustrated Ireland until the latter top-edged a pull shot to Young, earning Fionn Hand a first wicket on his ODI debut. Smith kept up the charge and reached a well-made half century but could only watch on as Bjorn Fortuin (11) was bowled by Matthew Humphreys and Williams became Young's third wicket.

Ireland sensed victory but Smith moved up a gear and was closing in on a century until he gave a chance to deep third off the bowling of Hume, leaving Ireland just one wicket away from a famous win. Hume picked up that wicket in the 47th over, delivering the perfect end to Ireland Men's international year.

MATCH SUMMAR

Ireland 284-9 (50 overs; P Stirling 88, L Tucker 60, A Balbirnie 45; L Williams 4-56)
South Africa 215 (46.1 overs; J Smith 91; G Hume 3-29, C Young 3-40, M Adair 2-54)
Ireland won by 69 runs

South Africa win second match of Men’s ODI series with Ireland
Defeat in the second ODI match meant Ireland Men conceded the series to South Africa Men on Friday.

South Africa, who won the opener by 139 runs, proved dominant again, sealing the trophy with a game to spare thanks to a 179-run victory this time around. An unchanged Ireland were again asked to bowl first at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, while Kyle Verreynne replaced injured opener Tony de Zorzi for the away team.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma made a bright start alongside the in-form Ryan Rickelton but the former also suffered a knock while diving to make his ground at the non-striker's end and was forced to retire hurt on 35. Curtis Campher struck not long after, taking a sharp catch off his own bowling to remove Rickelton (40). There was celebration for Gavin Hoey, too, who took his first international wicket by bowling Rassie van der Dussen (35).

A 103-run partnership between Kyle Verreynne (67) and Tristan Stubbs (112*) set South Africa back on course, though. Stubbs went on to produce a stunning first international century - an unbeaten innings that came from 81 balls and included eight fours and three sixes - which ensured the Proteas posted a commanding 343-4 from their 50 overs.

It was always likely to prove a difficult run chase for Ireland and their task was made greater when both openers, Andrew Balbirnie (1) and captain Paul Stirling (5) fell inside the first three overs. There were starts from Harry Tector (20), Campher (17), Mark Adair (21) and Gavin Hoey (23), but Ireland struggled to build partnerships and ended up 174-runs short despite some spirited late hitting from Graham Hume (21) and Craig Young (29*).

The third and final match of the series will be played at the same venue on Monday.

MATCH SUMMAR
South Africa 343-4 (50 overs; T Stubbs 112*, K Verreynne 67, W Mulder 43; C Campher 1-22, A McBrine 1-43, G Hoey 1-49)
Ireland 169 (30.3 overs; C Young 29*; L Williams 3-36, B Fortuin 2-36, L Ngidi 2-38)
South Africa won by 174 runs

South Africa beat Ireland in first match of Men's ODI series
Ireland Men suffered a 139-run loss to South Africa on an historic night for captain Paul Stirling, and Irish sport as a whole, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Before play, Stirling was handed his 400th cap for his country across all formats on the same ground where he made his debut back in 2008. In reaching 400 international appearances, the batter became the first cricketer for Ireland to do so and the most-capped male Irish athlete in any team sport.
Stirling's father was in attendance to witness his son make history, while, at the other end of the spectrum, 22-year-old Leinster Lightning leg-spinner Gavin Hoey made his international debut for Ireland. But despite a fighting performance with the ball, Ireland were unable to mark the occasion with victory as their batters came up short in the run chase.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma called right and opted to bat first at the toss, however his side were met by an Ireland attack with the bit between their teeth. As has so often been the case in recent years, Mark Adair set the tone with the ball, removing opener Tony de Zorzi (12) in the seventh over. It was the first of three wickets in as many overs as Craig Young bowled Bavuma (4) before Adair's second wicket left the Proteas 39-3.
Ryan Rickelton (91) and Tristan Stubbs (79) punched back with a 152-run partnership, but Ireland kept fighting and dismissed the two set batters in the space of two overs. Andy McBrine broke the partnership by bowling Rickelton and Adair collected his third of the match six balls later with the wicket of Stubbs. Adair ended up with figures of 4-50 from his 10 overs, while Young (3-45) produced the next best return with the ball.
Unfortunately for Ireland and their captain, Stirling was unable to mark his milestone with a telling contribution at the crease and was bowled by Lungi Ngidi in the first over. Andrew Balbirnie and Curtis Campher looked to settle the ship but were both accounted for by Lizaad Williams for 20.
When Adair was caught by Rickelton off the bowling of Ngidi at the start of the 21st over, Ireland had slid to 86-6. Ultimately, the task was too great as South Africa closed in on victory. The second of three matches in the ODI series takes place at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Friday.

MATCH SUMMARY
South Africa 271-9 (50 overs; R Rickelton 91, T Stubbs 79; M Adair 4-50, C Young 3-45)
Ireland 132 (31.5 overs; G Dockrell 21; L Williams 4-32, B Fortuin 2-28, L Ngidi 2-35)
South Africa won by 139 runs

Ireland win first-ever Men's T20I against South Africa to tie series

Excellent performances from brothers Ross and Mark Adair helped Ireland Men defeat South Africa and draw the two-match T20I series in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Ross set Ireland on course with his maiden international hundred before Mark's 4-31 with the ball claimed a dramatic 10-run win.
The former combined with Paul Stirling in a stunning opening partnership which teed up Ireland's first innings total of 195-6, their highest T20I score against South Africa and 10th best of all-time in the format.
Their 137-run stand for the first wicket is also Ireland's second-biggest T20I partnership, with Ross Adair becoming just the third Irish men’s player to hit a T20I century.
Adair's innings was brutal, the 30-year-old hitting nine sixes and five fours in his knock of 100 from just 58 deliveries.
He joined Kevin O'Brien and Stirling in Ireland's T20I hundred club in men’s cricket, delivering a showstopping display of batting in his 10th outing in the format.
Stirling played superbly himself with a rapid 52 off 31 balls - the Ireland skipper's 24th half century in T20Is - but his contribution was overshadowed by the brilliance of his opening partner.
When Ireland were beaten in Friday's first game in the series, it was South Africa's opening batters who shone in a successful run chase and they started brightly again, putting on 50 for the first wicket before Graham Hume removed the dangerous Ryan Rickelton for 36.
Reeza Hendricks' half century maintained the charge before being dismissed by Ben White and by the time South Africa captain Aiden Markram was bowled by Matthew Humphreys seven balls later, the Proteas were 130-3 and requiring 66 from 38.
The younger Adair and Neil Rock soon combined to account for Tristan Stubbs but Matthew Breetzke passed 50 and took South Africa to within 23 runs of victory with 12 balls remaining.
Adair subsequently took three wickets in the penultimate over, including that of Breetzke, before Hume (3-25) saw out the final over that claimed a major victory for Ireland.
The two sides now turn their focus to the three-match ODI series, which kicks off at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Men v South Africa Men, 2nd T20I, 29 September 2024
Ireland 195-6 (20 overs; R Adair 100, P Stirling 52; W Mulder 2-51)
South Africa 185-9 (20 overs; R Hendricks 51, M Breetzke 51; M Adair 4-31, G Hume 3-25)

Dramatic last-ball win for Ireland over England in 3rd women's ODI

Ireland Women claimed a dramatic three-wicket victory over England Women on the last ball of a reduced-overs final match of the ODI series in Stormont on Wednesday.

After defeats in each of the first two games, Ireland were looking to deny England a whitewash and end the series on a high.

They did in the most sensational of circumstances, claiming only the second ODI victory over England Women in Ireland's history thanks to stellar performances from Aimee Maguire and captain Gaby Lewis as well as Alana Dalzell's boundary from the final delivery of the match which secured the win.

The two sides were earlier left frustrated by the weather, which first reduced the game to a 25-over affair - and then a 22 over contest - by the time play finally got underway.

Having opted to bat first, the tourists were thankful for Tammy Beaumont's 52 from 42 balls, but it was Ireland spinner Maguire - who turned 18 just two days ago - who stole the show with the first five-wicket haul of her career in just her seventh ODI.

Maguire made an immediate impact by first bookending her first over with the wickets of Freya Kemp and Paige Scholfield before dismissing England captain Kate Cross for just 3 in her second set of six.

The younger of the two Maguires in the side, Aimee's 5-19 came in just 3.5 overs and go down as the fourth best figures of any Ireland bowler in women's ODIs.

Freya Sargent (2-38), Jane Maguire (1-17), Orla Prendergast (1-22) and Alana Dalzell (1-36) also contributed with the ball as England were bowled out for 153 after 20.5 overs.

With the aid of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, Ireland was then left chasing 155 for a famous victory.

Captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter made a flying start with the bat, putting on 51 for the first wicket until Hunter was dismissed for a run-a-ball 18.

The 23-year-old Lewis brought up her ninth ODI half century before eventually falling for 72 from 56 deliveries, hitting 10 fours across an eye-catching innings that took Ireland to the brink of victory.

Nerves were frayed, though, when Leah Paul (22) departed in the same over, but Ireland still had their noses in front with 16 required from 18.

An excellent penultimate over from Lauren Filer, which cost just two runs, then left eight runs required from the final six balls. A single, a two and then three wickets in succession meant Dalzell was on strike with one ball and four runs to win.

Her lofted stroke to long-on looked to be cut off by Hollie Armitage but the England fielder misjudged the bounce and the ball crossed the boundary to the delight of the Ireland dugout.

The two teams now head south to Clontarf Cricket Club for the first of two T20Is on Saturday, with each of those matches broadcast live and exclusive on Virgin Media in the Republic of Ireland, and TNT Sport in the UK.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Women v England Women, 3rd ODI, Stormont, Belfast, Northern Ireland -- 11 September 2024
England 153 (20.5 overs; T Beaumont 52; A Maguire 5-19, F Sargent 2-38)
Ireland 155-7 (22 overs; G Lewis 72; L Flier 2-22)
Ireland won by 3 wickets

Following the Irish Government’s announcement today on the approval to develop a new international cricket facility at the National Sports Campus in Dublin, Cricket Ireland reacted with delight.

The announcement by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD stated that approval had been granted for a National Cricket Stadium and High Performance Centre project to proceed to pre-tender phase. This will see planning and design completed by mid-2025 with the tender phase to follow.

The Centre, which will be located in the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown, will deliver a permanent home for cricket in Dublin that meets International Cricket Council requirements for hosting major cricket events and competitions. It is anticipated that the proposed facilities would include both indoor and outdoor practice and training areas and an arena for holding major games with associated media and spectator facilities. This would enable Ireland to host major international cricket events at this new state of the art facility. It also will be a key enabler for Cricket Ireland’s objectives to grow the game and channel investment into the grassroots of the sport.

It is intended that the overall project will be delivered on a phased basis, with Phase 1 scheduled to be completed in 2028. This first phase includes the delivery of a main cricket oval, permanent seating for 4,000 spectators, space to accommodate significant temporary seating, a high performance centre and ancillary facilities such as a state-of-the-art players/officials pavilion.


In response, Mr Deutrom said:

“Today's announcement is absolutely fantastic - it is a huge tribute to everybody involved at all levels in Irish cricket who have got us to the stage whereby the government genuinely regards us as a sport of national significance worthy of major investment.

“For me, it is probably up there in terms of significance with the day that we became a Full Member of the ICC - it is a tribute to the enormous growth that the sport has enjoyed over the last 10 to 15 years at all levels of the game. Not just nationally, but provincially and at club level. These facilities will help drive the sport forward – they will significantly assist our highest performing players nationally and provincially to prepare, train and perform better on the world stage. It's also going to increase the number of pitches that we can use, helping us ensure that we host more cricket in Ireland. Whether men's, women's, seniors, juniors, nationally or provincially, this new facility will help keep our product, our sport, on our shores.

“Our new permanent ground will also ensure that we have a platform suitable of hosting the world’s top teams on an annual basis and also when we co-host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with England and Scotland in 2030.

“Yes, it's going to take time to get there - likely three, maybe even four years, until we begin to use it, but today’s announcement fires the starting pistol on the project. It will enable us to sweat our assets more - getting more bums on seats, generating more revenue to invest back into the sport. And, of course, it means we're going to be using much less temporary infrastructure, which means we can put that money instead into people and programmes - and allow us to focus investment into club and regional facilities and infrastructure through our new club fund - to help grow the game.

“Cricket is a sport that indexes massively, not just within Ireland, but also in many large, growing economies overseas. By being at the top table of the world’s second largest sport, we reach parts of the world that some other sports can't reach. Cricket is the number one sport for the 20% of the world’s population that resides in South Asia, let alone in the UK, Australasia, and Southern Africa. Recently, of course, we saw the T20 Men's T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and in the US, while cricket will make a much-heralded return to the Olympics programme in Los Angeles in 2028.

Cricket Ireland Chair, Brian MacNeice noted:

“Cricket is truly now global, and clearly a sport that the Irish Government believes can play a significant role in delivering for Ireland PLC on the world stage. I think today's announcement is very much a symbol of that.

“On behalf of the cricket family in Ireland, we would like to offer our wholehearted thanks to Minister Martin and Minister Byrne, as well as our partners at Sport Ireland, for their generous support for, and belief in, cricket – this support will flow through to benefit the tens of thousands of players, coaches, volunteers, groundskeepers, match officials and administrators across Ireland. This investment will help shape our future as a sport and support our ambitions to be a major sport in Ireland, and a major nation in world cricket.”

Meet Phil McCormick, groundskeeper for the historic Stormont test match

As Ireland Men and Zimbabwe Men prepare for the first ever test match in Northern Ireland, attention also moves to the 22 yards between the stumps, known as the wicket or pitch, being prepared by Stormont groundskeeper Phil McCormick.

His work will have been a closely guarded secret as he curates for a match that will be watched around the world. The work itself will result in how the ball behaves after it’s delivered by the bowler, and how the ball behaves off the turf could help either Ireland Men or Zimbabwe Men win this test match. Phil McCormack has curated for big games before including fixtures against Australia, England and a memorable series against Afghanistan in 2016.

Phil McCormick on becoming a groundskeeper:
“I've always had an interest in it and I was given the opportunity here when I was 17 or 18 after I left school to come over for the summer and help out help out Tommy Hamilton, who was a head groundsman back then and enjoyed it that much that they decided to keep me on the Winter. I went to Greenmount and did my Level 2 NVQ in Sports and Turf when I was 18 or 19 and then I've stayed on ever since that.”

On preparing his ground for the test match:
“I've been 28 years in the job, and this is the pinnacle for me… for any groundsman you want to be a Test match groundsman. There’s hosting one day internationals against Australia and England and all the rest of it but actually being the Test match groundsman and having your Test match ground number is as big as you can get. So this is going to be huge. Yeah, you just hope it goes well. You would love to get it into the fifth day, that would be something really, really special.”

On the art of preparing pitches:
“That's the thing about cricket. You can go out and cut a football pitch in the same height, have it looking lovely and you can do a speed test with the [foot] ball rolling over it. It's not an exact science, but cricket is nowhere near an exact science. Like every pitch is different. You can get moisture… you can get impact hammers, you can dry it out. You can record the temperatures, the amount of rainfall, and it will still not play the same. And how the ball reacts with the cloud cover, the humidity, all these, dozens of different factors play a part… it's not just the pitch, it’s the atmosphere… there's no exact science and that's why it's so good preparing pitches. Because you know you can prepare hundreds of pitches, and you maybe never get the same one again. Possibly more art than science.”

ICC expresses sadness at the passing of Frank Duckworth

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its sorrow at the death of Frank Duckworth, co-creator of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method that is used for regulating targets in weather-affected limited overs games.

Duckworth, 84, who was a consultant statistician with the ICC until 2014, passed on Friday.

ICC General Manager – Cricket Operations, Wasim Khan, condoled Duckworth’s death and acknowledged his contribution to the game.

Wasim Khan: “Frank was a top statistician who was respected by peers as well as the wider cricket fraternity. The DLS method that he co-created has stood the test of time and we have continued to use it in international cricket more than two decades after its inception.

“Frank’s contribution to the game has been immense and the world of cricket is poorer with his death. We send our condolences to his family and friends.”

Duckworth was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2010.