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IRELAND LOST BY 217 RUNS
On paper, it looks like a solid loss. The real story is far more interesting that the numbers alone. Ireland may have lost on the scoreboard today, but they won much admiration around the world.
Beginning the day requiring 333 runs for a highly unlikely victory, the Irish lower-order were determined to demonstrate their grit and determination – and they won the plaudits of many.
Curtis Campher was remarkably stoic in defence – despite a cracking and wearing pitch, combined with world-class spin bowlers in home conditions - the Irish all-rounder stood tall. Known for his quick-scoring ability with the bat, Campher played a true Test innings of patience, calm and stubborn resistance. His half-century came up off 157 balls, and by the time the last wicket fell, Campher was 71* from 259 balls.
Andy McBrine was Campher’s overnight partner, but he fell trapped in front for 21 early on Day 5.
Jordan Neill then entered the fray and – once again – the young allrounder found a way to combat the Bangladeshi bowling attack. Across the two Tests, Neill has scored 30, 36, 49 and 30 – valuable lower-order contributions for a number 9.
After Neill was dismissed, bowled by a near unplayable delivery from Mehidy Miraz that pitched on middle and turned away from the right-handed batter to beat the bat and crash into the off stump, the next partnership was the highest of the Irish innings, but also the most mesmerising.
Campher, solid in defence, was joined by Test debutant Gavin Hoey. Early on, Hoey slotted smoothly into the role of support for Campher, and then gradually began to outscore his partner over the next 32 overs they shared at the crease.
Hoey showed composure and great technique in his 104-ball stay. Compiling 37 runs, including four fours, he and Campher pushed on past lunch and into the middle session of the day.

Shortly after lunch, Ireland’s total had become the highest fourth-innings Test score in Dhaka by a visiting side, and the home side began to show frustration.
Eventually, Hoey was beaten by a ball from Hasan Murad that trapped him in front – and Matthew Humphreys fell the very next ball – with Bangladesh wrapping up the Test series 2-0.
But numbers alone don’t tell the full story – records, earthquakes, batting and bowling heroics - Ireland can now move on to the T20 International series starting later this week with confidence.
MATCH SUMMARY
Bangladesh 476 (141.1 overs; L Das 128, M Rahim 106; A McBrine 6-109)
Ireland 265 (88.3 overs; L Tucker 75*, J Neill 49; T Islam 4-76)
Bangladesh 297-4d (69 overs; M Haque 87; G Hoey 2-84)
Ireland 291 (113.3 overs; C Campher 71*, H Tector 50; H Murad 4-44)

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
On the day the first Test in the Ashes was decided in less than two days, Ireland has pushed Bangladesh into a 5th day, and will look to take the game as deep as possible in the distant hope of frustrating the home wide into a draw.
At the end of Day Four, Ireland still requires 333 runs for a most unlikely victory, while Bangladesh need just four wickets. While this would seemingly indicate the match balance was firmly in the favour of the Bangladeshi’s, Test cricket can sometimes turn up remarkable outcomes. The Irish side know the longer they can keep their opponents in the field tomorrow, the pressure will build and…who knows?
Earlier today, Gavin Hoey grabbed a second wicket, and 20-year old all-rounder Jordan Neill claimed his first-ever Test wicket before the Bangladesh captain declared their innings closed on 297-4, a lead of 508 runs.
Ireland lost openers Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling by the 8th over for 13 and 9 respectively. Cade Carmichael compiled a neat 19 before being trapped in front, but Harry Tector and Curtis Campher then dug in.
The pair added 41 for the 4th wicket, however their vigil lasted 14 overs. Tector registered his fifth Test half-century, but then played a misjudged shot and was heading back to the Pavilion. Stephen Doheny and Lorcan Tucker came and went, but Campher stayed the course and was 34* at stumps, together with Andy McBrine on 11*.
The match resumes tomorrow at 9.30am (3.30am Irish time).
MATCH SUMMARY
Bangladesh Men v Ireland Men, 2nd Test, Dhaka, 19-23 November 2025
Bangladesh 476 (141.1 overs; L Das 128, M Rahim 106; A McBrine 6-109)
Ireland 265 (88.3 overs; L Tucker 75*, J Neill 49; T Islam 4-76)
Bangladesh 297-4d (69 overs; M Haque 87; G Hoey 2-84)
Ireland 176-6 (54 overs; H Tector 50; T Islam 3-55)

'Anything can happen'
The home side turned the screws on Ireland late on Day Three to put themselves in a seemingly impregnable position, but Ireland’s vastly improved batting performance – and spirited bowling display – means they have much to still offer this Test as we head towards Day Four.
Test cricket is a remarkable sport – as the cliché goes: “anything can happen”. That was fully realised when, during the 56th over of the Irish innings today, play stopped after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake shook the stadium. The earthquake struck east of Dhaka, but reports say that it was felt as far away as Kolkata in India. Early indications are that there have been some deaths and injuries as a result, so all involved in this game today are thinking of those affected by this event.
Back to the field of play - on paper, Bangladesh holds a big lead at stumps on Day Three. However, the Irish players can take some comfort that their reputation as a never-say-die cricket team has been maintained after yet another backs-to-the-wall lower-order batting display that put some substance into the innings.
Starting the day on a precarious 98-5, Lorcan Tucker (75*) and debutant Stephen Doheny (46) put on a classy and gutsy batting display – showing an applied method of counteracting the spin while not getting bogged down in defence. Their 81-run stand for the sixth wicket was the second-highest stand for that wicket. Tucker now features in eight of the 20 highest partnerships for Ireland in Tests, demonstrating his importance to this Irish middle order.
The wicketkeeper-batter – who scored a century at this ground 2.5 years ago, looked as solid as a rock – his 171-ball vigil was a display of determination, talent and judgement on shot selection in challenging conditions. While he struck seven boundaries in his innings, Tucker showed an admirable ability to defend against the spinning onslaught that was thrown at him, however, he was equally adept at punishing anything over-pitched or wide.
His partner for the first part of the day, Stephen Doheny, had waited long enough for his chance to make his Test debut and seemed committed from ball one to support Tucker, and put a high price on his wicket. Doheny is renowned in domestic cricket for his powerful, clean hitting in white ball cricket, but today he demonstrated a “Test temperament” as he dug in and made the Bangladeshi bowlers work hard to dislodge him.
Unfortunately, with the hard work almost done – getting through to stumps last night and then through the first tricky hour today – Doheny played down the wrong line to a Taijul Islam turner and the ball clipped his off stump in the shadows of what would have been a half-century on debut.
Uncharacteristically, Andy McBrine went cheaply – bowled for 0, but Tucker then found some entertaining support from Jordan Neill.
The 20-year old all-rounder playing in only his second Test had scored 30 and 36 in his debut last week, and today struck 49 in a lively, and at times unorthodox knock. Despite how his shots looked aesthetically at times, Neill has found a way to score against some world-class spin bowling, and fully deserved a first Test Match half-century – but fell desperately close, top edging a ball that reared up off a length and he was out one run short of the milestone.
The pair’s 71-run partnership was the highest-ever for the eighth wicket for Ireland in Tests.
Gavin Hoey and Matthew Humphreys fell a few overs later, leaving Tucker stranded on 75 - and Ireland 11 runs shy of avoiding the follow on.
Bangladesh, though, chose to bat again and by the end of play were 152-1 with a 363-run lead.
MATCH SUMMARY
Bangladesh 476 (141.1 overs; L Das 128, M Rahim 106; A McBrine 6-109)
Ireland 265 (88.3 overs; L Tucker 75*, J Neill 49; T Islam 4-76)
Bangladesh 152-1 (37

An absorbing day of Test cricket saw Ireland fightback from a slow start, but the momentum swung firmly back to the home side’s advantage by the end of Day 1 of the 2nd Test of this two-match series in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first on a green-tinged pitch in Mirpur. The Irish side had two changes from the last Test with Barry McCarthy and Craig Young making way for two Test debutants, Stephen Doheny and Gavin Hoey.
Jordan Neill, in his second Test, surprisingly took the new ball, while at the other end, Curtis Campher was chosen to partner him. Despite a few dangerous deliveries that pitched on a good length and beat the bat, the seamers found no early joy and by the 12th over, Ireland had turned to spin.
Enter Andy McBrine. Ireland Men’s leading Test wicket-taker began tightly, then made the first breakthrough of the day. The Donemana off-spinner trapped Shadman Islam in front, which was given not out on the field, but after a referral to the TV umpire the decision was reversed and McBrine had his first scalp.
One became three by lunch, as McBrine induced a leading edge by Mahmudul that was caught at mid off, then – immediately after being hit for a six – McBrine delivered a beautifully crafted response. The ball angled into the left-handed Najmul Shanto, slightly quicker and fuller. Shanto played back but was beaten and the bails were sent flying.
After lunch, the Bangladeshi batters consolidated their innings with a patient 107-run stand between Mominul Haque (63) and legendary batter Mushfiqur Rahim (playing in his 100th Test) – and at 202-3 looked to be comfortable and unconcerned by what the Irish bowlers were serving up.
Captain Andrew Balbirnie threw McBrine the ball and almost immediately the fourth wicket fell. Mominul played a sweep shot but edged the ball down onto his boot. The ball then flew to Balbirnie at silly point. After consultation with the TV umpire, the dismissal was confirmed and the Irish side had their tails up seeking further in-roads into the home side’s batting line up.
However, Ireland couldn’t strike again, and at the end of the day the Bangladesh side was 292-4.
Some late interest in the day was generated by Mushfiqur – in his milestone Test appearance – falling one run short of scoring his century today, He finished 99 not out and will have to wait until the morning to see if he can register his 13th Test century.
Play resumes at 9.30am (or 3.30am Irish time) tomorrow.
MATCH SUMMARY
Bangladesh 292-4 (90 overs; M Rahim 99*, M Haque 63; A McBrine 4-82)

BEATEN BUT UNBOWED
Bangladesh may have won this 1st Test of this two-match series against Ireland, but the Irish side have much to build on ahead of the second Test starting 19 November 2025.
Looking doomed at 86-5 at the start of play – with a 215-run deficit – the Irish batters looked to play positively and not get dragged into a battle of attrition.
Andy McBrine was once more an immense asset for this Test squad, scoring his fifth Test half-century. He now has the status of ‘Ireland Men’s Test highest wicket-taker’ and ‘Ireland Men’s second-highest Test run-scorer’.
McBrine looked assured at the crease from the outset – and despite surviving a number of close scares (he was giving out twice in successive balls at one point this morning, only to have both decisions over-turned on review), batted Ireland through to lunch in reasonable comfort.
Earlier, Matthew Humphreys flared briefly with 16, before McBrine partnered with Andrew Balbirnie in a 66-run stand. Balbirnie had injured a finger in the field on Day 3 and had been moved lower down the order to give the finger a rest and time to recover overnight.
Jordan Neill again batted bravely – his 30 in the first innings was surpassed by an, at times, unorthodox batting display today of 38.
Barry McCarthy looked solid for his 25 as Ireland pushed into the second session of the day – but were eventually bowled out for 254 in 70.2 overs.
The skipper Balbirnie acknowledged “we showed what we could do in bursts”, but those bursts needed to be sustained longer in this format.
Both sides now move to Dhaka for the second Test which starts on 19 November 2025.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland 286 (92.2 overs; P Stirling 60, C Carmichael 59; M Miraz 3-50)
Bangladesh 587-8d (141 overs; M Joy 171*, N Shanto 100; M Humphreys 5-170)
Ireland 254 (70.4 overs; A McBrine 52, P Stirling 43; M Murad 4-60)
Bangladesh won by an innings and 47 runs

ANOTHER TOUGH DAY FOR IRELAND
Up side: Ireland took 7 wickets in the day including a 5-wicket haul for Matthew Humphreys. Down side: Ireland loses 5 wickets before the end of the days play. And so, the undulating nature of Test cricket plays out again in on Day 3 of the 1st Test of this two-match series in Bangladesh.
The home side started the day on a seemingly impregnable 338-1, a lead of 52 on the first innings. But Irish tails were soon up when Barry McCarthy struck twice – in the second and fourth overs of the day – removing both of the overnight batters with an inspired spell of seam bowling with the new ball. After his first ball veered down leg side, McCarthy hit his length from then on and was rewarded with the bat edges of Mahmudul (171) and Mominul (82) that flew to wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker and second slip Andrew Balbirnie respectively.
Bangladesh steadied and made it to lunch with only one further wicket lost, with 447 runs on the board.
After lunch, and into the final session of the day, Ireland took four more wickets – most eye-catching with the ball was Matthew Humphreys. The 23-year old left-arm off-spinner claimed his second Test five-wicket haul in 2025 with a return of 5-170 from 43 overs. The Belfast-born tweaker developed a good shape to his bowling today, particularly around the wicket to the right handers, where he had the ball drifting in towards the pads, then sharply spinning away.
However, the initial hero with the ball at the start of the day was Barry McCarthy who ended with figures of 2-72, but the figures belied his bowling impact in the first phase of the day. McCarthy, in only his fourth Test, is now Ireland’s third-highest wicket-taker with 16 wickets, and has the reputation of being an ‘impact man’ – when you throw him the ball, he will more-often-than-not impact the game shortly after.
After the Tea break, and with the first innings lead passing 300 runs, the Bangladesh captain signalled the declaration and Ireland’s top-order was left with a tricky 23-over period of play in fading light, an increasingly turning pitch and a 301-run deficit to overhaul.
Paul Stirling was, in this innings, not accompanied out by Balbirnie (who had sprained a finger in the field), but by Cade Carmichael. Unfortunately, Carmichael couldn’t repeat his heroics of the first innings and fell for 5, bowled by Nahid Rana. Stirling (43) and Harry Tector (18) then settled in for a 57-run stand over the next 14 overs, but Stirling – looking to remain positive during his innings – skipped down the wicket, missed a turning ball, and was caught short of his ground after Najmul Shanto at first slip grabbed the ball and hit the stumps with a quick throw. To say it was close is almost an understatement. The run out was sent to the third umpire who adjudicated the play, finding Stirling’s bat was on the line, but not over it, when the bails were dislodged.
Ireland then suffered a mini-collapse, falling from 61-1 to 86-5 by the close of play, with Humphreys and Andy McBrine left to negotiate the last two overs of the day.
Balbirnie, due to his finger injury earlier in the day, was still an unused batter and Ireland will start Day 4 at 86-5, a deficit of 215 runs with 5 wickets in hand.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland 286 (92.2 overs; P Stirling 60, C Carmichael 59; M Miraz 3-50)
Bangladesh 587-8d (141 overs; M Joy 171*, N Shanto 100; M Humphreys 5-170)
Ireland 86-5 (29 overs; P Stirling 43; M Murad 2-8)

2ND DAY-BANGLADESH V IRELAND
Bangladesh put on a near-chanceless display of Test cricket batting today as the home side took a handy first innings lead in the 1st Test of this two-match series in Bangladesh.
Ireland started the day at 270-8, looking to push on past the 300-mark. A pair of cover drives to the boundary by Barry McCarthy (31) looked promising, however Matthew Humphreys was given out LBW on review shortly after for 0. The final batter, Craig Young, launched an over-pitched delivery over the long-on boundary, but then Hasan Mahmud got one through McCarthy’s defences and knocked back his off stump to end the Irish innings on 286.
Seeking an early breakthrough, the Irish bowling unit was thwarted by a stubborn Bangladeshi opening partnership that grew in confidence as the day progressed. Shadman Islam (80) was the early aggressor and looked certain to register his third Test century until he under-edged a ball outside off-stump from Humphreys. The on-field umpire was unmoved, but Lorcan Tucker’s insistence that he heard a nick meant captain Andrew Balbirnie called for a review, which proved conclusive and Shadman was on his way.
In an upbeat mood, the Irish bowlers sought a follow up wicket, but their hopes diminished over the course of the next 44 overs. Mahmudul Joy (169*) registered his second Test century and Mominul Haque (80*) harvested the bowling with ease, and the home side ended the day with a 52-run lead.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland 286 (92.2 overs; P Stirling 60, C Carmichael 59; M Miraz 3-50)
Bangladesh 338-1 (85 overs; M Joy 169*, M Haque 80*; M Humphreys 1-78)

Sarah Keane named CEO of Cricket Ireland, becomes first female CEO of an ICC Full Member nation

Cricket Ireland has today confirmed that Sarah Keane has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer designate and will take over the helm in March 2026.

This landmark decision not only ushers in a new era for Irish cricket but also marks a significant moment in global sport, as Sarah Keane becomes the first female CEO of an International Cricket Council (ICC) Full Member nation.

Following an extensive and highly competitive recruitment process, the Board of Cricket Ireland unanimously ratified Keane's appointment, recognising her unparalleled track record of transformative leadership and strategic vision across Irish and international sport.

Keane brings an extraordinary wealth of experience to Cricket Ireland. She is currently one of the longest-serving and successful CEOs in Irish Sport, having led Swim Ireland since 2004. Under her 21-year tenure, Swim Ireland underwent a remarkable transformation, achieving its best-ever Olympic Games performance in Paris 2024, securing multiple World and European medals, launching a government-backed groundbreaking National Swimming Strategy with a significant focus on infrastructure, and consistently driving increased participation through innovative programmes.

Her influence extends far beyond aquatics. As President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) from 2017, Sarah was instrumental in reforming the Irish Olympic movement. She successfully navigated the organisation through a post-Rio 2016 crisis, revitalising the OFI, together with a great Board and staff team, to deliver Ireland's best Olympic Summer Games in 2024. Under her leadership the organisation has developed a successful commercial programme, established a strong Athlete's Commission and inspirational campaigns like 'Dare to Believe’, together with the execution of a full rebrand of the OFI, and an unwavering commitment to the athlete voice and welfare together with a clear emphasis on the importance of the experience for Irish athletes and their families.

Highly influential in Irish sport, Sarah's extensive network and experience are further evidenced by her roles as a Board member of World Aquatics and European Aquatics, Chair of the European Aquatics DEI Commission, and a past member of several IOC/ANOC Commissions. In 2022 Sarah was appointed as a member of the European Olympic Committee Organising Committee for the European Games 2023 (the biggest multi-sport event to be held in Europe since the 2012 Olympic Games). She contributes to the National Sports Leadership Group and played a key role in the development and delivery of the Inaugural European Under-23 Swimming Championships, the first edition of which took place in Dublin.

Beyond her sporting achievements, Keane is a qualified solicitor with outstanding credentials in corporate management and governance. She serves as a Non-Executive Director of the Central Bank of Ireland, having recently been re-appointed for a second five-year term. An accomplished athlete herself, Sarah is a former National Level Swimmer and international Water Polo player, bringing a deep understanding of high-performance sport from both administrative and participant perspectives.
QUOTES
Speaking on her appointment, Sarah Keane said:

“I am incredibly excited and deeply honoured to become the new CEO of Cricket Ireland and the first female CEO of an ICC Full Member nation. Cricket is a truly global sport, and Ireland now stands on the threshold of tremendous opportunity - from the Olympic opportunity with the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics, the accelerated development of the women’s game, and the potential of bringing different communities together, to Ireland hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2030.

“I'm particularly keen to explore further avenues for commercial growth to ensure sustainable investment, and I look forward to supporting the ambitious plans for the development of the National Cricket Centre on the National Sports Campus and the upgrades to vital cricket infrastructure at Malahide, Stormont and others. I am committed to working collaboratively and tirelessly with the Board, staff, players, and the entire cricketing community to deliver on those opportunities for Irish Cricket and all involved.“
Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, said:
“I am thrilled that Sarah is coming on board as our new CEO. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and is one of the most respected leaders in sport nationally and internationally. Her track record speaks for itself. Cricket Ireland is getting a world-class sports administrator and more importantly an individual of the upmost integrity, character and high-performance mindset. Throughout her career she has been an inspirational trailblazer and I am very proud that she will become the first female CEO of a Full Member nation.

"This is an exciting time for Irish Cricket and Sarah’s appointment will help galvanise and reinvigorate cricket in Ireland. I have been hugely impressed with her grasp of the cricketing landscape at home and on the international stage as well as her vision and passion for what lies ahead. I am confident we have a leader that will maximise our potential as a cricketing nation as we move into the next phase of our journey. I look forward to working with Sarah to ensure we do just that.”
Sarah Keane will officially commence her role as CEO in March 2026, marking a pivotal moment for Cricket Ireland and the broader sporting landscape.

The 3rd Men’s T20 international against England was not just the end of a series, but also the end of an international career – long-term umpire Mark Hawthorne has decided to call it a day on his 23-year international umpiring journey.

Mark, 63, has been involved in international cricket since 2002 – featuring in over 300 international matches at all levels. He stood in his first official senior international in 2011 – an ODI between Ireland Men and Pakistan Men and went on to appointments at numerous ICC events.
He has been involved in both Men’s home Test matches, acting as TV Umpire for the matches against Pakistan in 2018 and Zimbabwe in 2024. Mark was also the first Irish umpire to avail of an umpire international exchange programme in 2019, when he travelled to the Caribbean to officiate.

After winning Game One by four wickets and wash out in Game Two - England took the first-ever Men’s T20I series against Ireland (2-0) after a six wicket victory in the final match at Malahide.

Game Three of this historic T20I series began with England winning the toss for the second time this tour and opting to bowl first at a sunny but chilly Malahide. Opening batters Paul Stirling and Ross Adair started well as they had done in Game One, however a wicket each for Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed and Jamie Overton brought the away side into the contest.

Earlier in the day there was a cap ceremony for Ben Calitz who made his T20I debut. The cap was presented to him in the team huddle by Lisburn teammate Mark Adair. Calitz got his first taste of international cricket, scoring 22 off 18 until he was dismissed by veteran spinner Adil Rashid.
An explosive innings of 48 not out from 29 deliveries from Gareth Delany then helped guide Ireland to 154-8 from their 20 overs.
Two separate spells of rain delayed the start of the England chase however they proved short enough that overs weren’t lost.
Ireland needed an early wicket, and a remarkable one-handed diving catch from Curtis Campher off the bowling of Barry McCarthy delivered just that to send back Jos Buttler. Craig Young then removed England captain Jacob Bethel with the help of another smart catch, this time from Delany in the deep.
Campher’s dismissal of the very dangerous Phil Salt gave further hope, but England’s progress to the target couldn’t be halted as Jordan Cox passed fifty. Ben White, who came into today’s team, managed to remove Cox for 55 but the visitors eventually chased down the total in the 18th over.

MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Men v England Men, 3rd T20I, Malahide – 21 September 2025
Ireland 154-8 (20 overs; G Delany 48*, R Adair 33, H Tector 28; A Rashid 3-29)
England 155-4 (17.1 overs; J Cox 55; C Young 1-21, B McCarthy 1-22, C Campher 1-24)
England Men won by six wickets

Despite Ireland posting a competitive total and some late wickets, England took the opening game in this historic Men’s T20I series by four wickets.
The match opened in a sunny but autumnal Malahide with England winning the toss and opting to bowl first against Ireland. The home side started well with openers Paul Stirling and Ross Adair putting on 49 together. But a wicket each for England spinners Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid then slowed Ireland’s progress.
Harry Tector and Lorcan then looked to rebuild, helping to get their side to 84-2 after 10 overs. The two then kicked on in the second half of the innings to help post a competitive 196-3. A first-ball six from George Dockrell from the final delivery also gave the home side total a crucial boost.
During the innings, Harry Tector passed 1,500 runs in T20I cricket while Lorcan Tucker reached 3,000 runs for Ireland across formats. The two batters also put on 123 runs for the third wicket - a record for Ireland Men in T20Is (beating the previous best of 82 between Gareth Delany and Kevin O'Brien).
England got off to the perfect start putting on 74 for the first wicket until Matthew Humphreys sent back Jos Buttler (28) with Curtis Campher taking a high catch just at the edge of the ring.
Garth Delany, who today played his 100th game for Ireland across formats, came into the attack in the 11th over and removed Rehan Ahmed with his third delivery, despite nearly having him caught by Graham Hume with his first ball of the match.
Hume then took two wickets in the 16th over to make things interesting, which included that of the explosive Phil Salt (89 off 46).
To add further drama, Humphreys prized out Tom Banton in his final over however Will Jacks and Jamie Overton held their nerve to get over the line and complete victory in the first-ever bilateral Men’s T20I between these sides.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Men v England Men, 1st T20I, Malahide – 17 September 2025
Ireland 196-3 (20 overs; H Tector 61*, L Tucker 55, P Stirling 34; A Rashid 1-36)
England 197-6 (17.4 overs; P Salt 89; G Hume 2-36, M Humphreys 2-44, G Delany 1-13)
England Men won by four wickets

Balbriggan win Irish Senior Cup

In their debut appearance in an Irish Senior Cup final, Balbriggan edged out Clontarf to take their first ever title by a margin of 12 runs.
The match opened with Balbriggan winning the toss and opting to bat first in this Irish Senior Cup final at Bready. Balbriggan posted 331-6 from their 50 overs with Jordan Hollard scoring 100 not out from just 42 deliveries (the quickest in the history of the Irish Senior Cup) to get them there.
The batting side were also helped immensely by a partnership of 142 runs between Farooq Nasr (86*) and Sebastian De Oliveira (65) after Balbriggan were 69-5. John McNally (4-56) was the pick of the bowlers for Clontarf, with Cillian McDonnell and captain David Delany taking a wicket each.
In response, Clontarf scored 319-8 from their 50 overs – falling short by just 12 runs. The key contributors for the chasing side were John McNally (68), Mitchell Thomson (60) and Eoghan Delany (48) as well as Ethan Marshall (43 off just 27) who looked to wrestle momentum back for his side.
Clontarf almost kept themselves in the hunt right until the very end, but wickets ultimately left them with too much to do. Player of the Match: Jordan Hollard

MATCH SUMMARY
Balbriggan v Clontarf, Irish Senior Cup Final, Bready – 16 August 2025
Balbriggan 331-6 (50 overs; J Hollard 100*, F Nasr 86*; J McNally 4-56, D Delany 1-51)
Clontarf 319-8 (50 overs; John McNally 68, M Thomson 60, E Delany 48; J Hollard 2-49, S De Oliveira 2-71)
Balbriggan won 12 runs

CRICK ET IRELAND AND NORTHERN CRICKET UNION SEEK UNITY OVER SUMMER CAMP ISSUE

The following is a statement from Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland:

" Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union are dismayed and disappointed at the events which have led to the cancellation of the youth sports camp at North Down Cricket Club.

“North Down has been at the forefront of youth development in recent times. Participation in multiple sports by young people has been recognised as having considerable benefits both in sporting terms and mental wellbeing. It can only be to the detriment of the children concerned that this cancellation has occurred.

“Cricket is a sport for all and both CI and NCU actively encourage diversity, inclusion and equality in our game. Working with other sports in the sharing of facilities and the creation of opportunities for young people is a key aspect of this strategy.

“We applaud North Down Cricket Club’s initiative in planning the sports camp. We are committed to following through on the initiative and Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union are making plans to run a similar sports camp at Stormont. We have therefore approached East Belfast GAA and offered an opportunity to participate in this alternative sports camp which will also include other sports clubs. We look forward to further engagement with the GAA, and other governing bodies, for the benefit of all.

“We call on all community leaders to show leadership and actively support this initiative. Sport can bring communities together and we must all act in partnership to ensure this is the case.”

Cricket Ireland approves £1 million investment in Phase 1 of NICSSA’s Future Master Plan
Key points:
Cricket Ireland Board endorses NICSSA Redevelopment project and approves strategic investment in Phase 1
Five new hybrid pitches installed
Additional expenditure approved for Men’s cricket content in 2025 season
Board-led Operating Model Review process approved and commenced
CEO recruitment process to commence immediately
Board acknowledged the contribution and legacy of the outgoing CEO (Warren Deutrom)
The Board of Cricket Ireland has unanimously approved a strategic £1 million investment into a joint project at the Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association (NICSSA) site in Belfast. This funding will support the delivery of Phase 1 of a longer-term master plan aimed at redeveloping the site’s sporting, health, and wellbeing facilities.
This investment aligns with both the Cricket in Ireland Strategic Plan 2024–2027 and the Cricket Ireland Facilities Strategy, which highlight Cricket Ireland’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure across the island to support the sustainable growth of the sport.

Phase 1 (full funding package to be confirmed) is designed to deliver tangible and lasting outcomes, such as:
A fit-for-purpose venue capable of hosting matches during the 2030 T20 World Cup; and priority access to high-performance training and match facilities for both Irish international and domestic cricket.
Permanent infrastructure, including seating and broadcast facilities, designed to improve the spectator experience especially for groups often underrepresented at sporting events, such as young families and older people;
High-quality indoor and outdoor training spaces to support wider community engagement, broaden cricket’s appeal, and make the sport more accessible and inclusive.
Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, said:
“The NICSSA Sports Precinct is a fundamentally important venue for Irish cricket – it not only features one of our leading international grounds but provides crucial space for community and domestic representative cricket to take place. The Stormont Cricket Ground holds a great fondness for Irish fans for the many international matches it has held over the years – most notably the Test Match last year against Zimbabwe.
“Numerous reports over the years have highlighted that there is a lack of quality training and playing facilities on the island of Ireland. We now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make major in-roads into resolving these issues.
“The proposed redevelopment of the NICSSA facilities is a project that the Board is fully supportive of, and it has unanimously approved a £1 million strategic investment in Phase 1 of the development.
“If you consider this project, the new Stadium at Abbottstown and our direct support for facilities upgrade proposals at Bready and Malahide, we are demonstrating our resolve to tackle the facilities and infrastructure deficits in a substantial manner.”
Cricket update
The Board approved additional expenditure to support more men’s cricket for this season as an offset with the European T20 Premier League’s deferral to 2026.
Facilities updates
The Board was informed that:
the installation of five new hybrid pitches (three at Stormont and two at Lisburn) has been successfully completed. Reports are that the pitches have bedded in well and will see their first use in coming weeks.
the Cricket Ireland Club Fund distributions are underway (further details to be announced shortly).
Governance updates
The Board also:
approved a change to the Terms of Reference of the Management Committee that will see that Committee take on the responsibilities of the Match Allocation Group (which will in turn be disbanded). This will avoid duplication of effort and streamline decision-making around the allocation of international and domestic representative matches each year.
directed the Governance Committee to undertake a Board Evaluation in 2026.
approved a new auditor for 2025 – this will be announced as soon as relevant agreements are completed.
approved the proposed composition of Board sub-committees for 2025-26 (which will be posted on the Cricket Ireland website shortly).
The Board additionally agreed the Terms of Reference for the review of the organisation's operating model. The purpose of the Review is to ensure that Cricket Ireland is fit-for-purpose as it prepares for a new period of growth and to meet the challenges and opportunities over coming years. The Review process, which will be overseen by a sub-committee of the Board, will be seeking outcomes around, most notably, international cricket, financial sustainability and facilities. It is anticipated that the Review process will be completed later this year.
Other updates
The Board additionally received the news of CEO Warren Deutrom’s resignation (see news) and impending departure at the end of August 2025. Board Directors acknowledged and thanked Mr Deutrom for his almost 19 years of service. A comprehensive and thorough recruitment process to select the next CEO will begin shortly.

Third one-day international
Out classed by Ireland
When the West Indies get their act together they can beat the best in any country. Unfortunately they don't but the talent is there.
Ireland just couldn't compete with the onslaught of Carty and Hope although there was one big plus with the Irish batting as Carmichael has the potential to keep him included. Unfortunately, if Balbirnie and Stirling don't score heavily chasing 300 plus, sadly we won't win.
Roll on the T20 series at Bready.
Summary-
West Indies 385-7 (50 overs): Carty 170, Hope 75; B McCarthy 3-100
Ireland 165-8 (29.5 overs): Carmichael 48, Tucker 29; Seales 3-26
West Indies win by 197 runs
(DL method)
Series drawn 1-1