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Clear Currency Irish Senior Cup – 1st Round
Clontarf v CSNI
YMCA v Bready
Leinster v Eglinton
Merrion v Coleraine
Lisburn v Malahide
Woodvale v Balbriggan
North Down v Brigade
Fox Lodge v The Hills
Newbuildings v Carrickfergus
Ardmore v Instonians
Cork County v North Kildare
Donemana v Cork Harlequins
The following clubs received first round byes: Pembroke, Waringstown, Phoenix, CIYMS
Irish Senior Cup Schedule
Round 1: 21 May 2022 (reserve date 29 May)
Round 2: 19 June 2022 (reserve date 26 June)
Quarter-Finals: 17 July 2022 (reserve date 24 July)
Semi-Finals: 31 July 2022 (reserve date 7 August)
Final: 27 August 2022 (reserve date 7 September)

Ireland has lost the final of the Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier to the UAE, but will be satisfied that their primary mission to qualify for the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup was achieved this week at the Al Almerat Stadium.
It was the Muhammad Waseem show as the UAE opener plundered his second T20I career century – both against Ireland. Waseem’s 112 came from just 66 balls, as he led the Emerati side to a comfortable 7 wicket victory with 8 balls to spare.
For the Irish bowlers it was slim pickings, with the best return being the paceman Josh Little who took 2-17 from his four overs.
Given today’s result, Ireland will enter the First Round Group Stage of the ICC T20 World Cup in October facing West Indies, Scotland and one further qualifier (TBC in June) in Group B. Two from that Group will move to the Super 12s stage of the tournament (see draw).
Earlier in the day Irish skipper Andrew Balbirnie won the toss and decided to bat first, but despite a burst of 11 runs from the first over, both Balbirnie (4) and opening partner Paul Stirling (12) were back in the pavilion shortly after, with Gareth Delany (1) falling in between. Whether the top order felt the pressure was off today after qualifying for the World Cup on Tuesday or had simply decided to attack early, the three wickets were loose-looking shots which left Ireland at 19-3 in the fourth over.
Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker (20) sought to stabilise the innings with a 43-run stand, but Tucker was caught in the deep from an impatient shot, trying to up the run rate. After Andy McBrine and Simi Singh came and went cheaply, Shane Getkate joined Tector and the pair put on 55 for the seventh wicket from just 36 balls. Getkate surpassed his previous highest T20I of 24 with a mighty blow over the mid-wicket boundary, but fell soon after, bowled by a leg cutter from Zahoor Khan.
Tector brought up his second T20I half-century from just 36 balls, but after reaching 50 the in-form right-hander fell to a diving catch in the outfield by Basil Hameed.
Mark Adair (20 from 15 balls) and Barry McCarthy (15 from 6 balls) added late runs, and Ireland was eventually bowled out for 159 off the last ball of the innings, with the 48 runs off the last five overs pushing the score to a par score, which unfortunately wasn’t enough on the day.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Men v UAE Men, T20 World Cup Qualifier, Muscat, 24 February 2022
Ireland 159 (20 overs; H Tector 50, S Getkate 30; Z Khan 3-29)
UAE 160-3 (18.4 overs: M Waseem 112; J Little 2-17)
UAE Men won by 7 wickets

Ireland has qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after defeating Oman by 56 runs today at the Al Almerat Stadium today.
A sensational team performance saw the Irish side recover from an early stumble to record a convincing victory, bowling out the Omani’s for 109 in the 19th over. Needing 166 to win, Oman’s batters started with intent, but from a position of 68-2 after 10 overs, they collapsed, losing eight wickets for 41 runs, with Ireland earning the holy grail of a World Cup spot in Australia in October.
Player of the match Andy McBrine hit 36 off 21 balls and claimed 2-24 in an all-round performance of quality. Josh Little delivered another menacing spell with 2-14 from his four overs, and Simi Singh cleaned up the tail finishing with 3-20 from 3.3 overs.
Captain Andrew Balbirnie led from the front in the field, and made a number of tactical bowling changes that paid immediate dividends at crucial times. The most influential switch was to bring Little back for an over at the halfway stage with Oman setting themselves for a launch at the target and two set batters gradually upping the run rate. Little’s extra pace induced an edge from Shoaib Khan from his first ball – and from there Ireland didn’t look back.
Craig Young (2-32) continued his run of wicket-taking form capturing 8 wickets in the four matches of the tournament at an average of 13.38.
In the end, Oman’s Fayyaz Butt skied a ball to long on and was caught, bringing his side’s innings to a close on 109. Ireland’s players burst into spontaneous celebration, having won three matches on the trot in do-or-die encounters.
Earlier in the day Oman won the toss and decided to bowl first having built up a good record chasing down totals on their home pitches. Despite four boundaries coming from the bats of Balbirnie and Paul Stirling, both openers were soon back in the pavilion with the score on 19 – both batters out chasing a quick start, miscuing shots from the bowling of Bilal Khan.
Gareth Delany and Harry Tector then came together to put on an energetic 82-run stand in 57 balls. The pair looked to attack from the first ball together, striking five sixes and five fours between them – Delany hitting three maximums in a row off the 11th over by Zeeshan Maqsood.
Tector, who only came into the team after being left out of the first match of the tournament, looked comfortable throughout – swinging through the line and finding the gaps at regular intervals. However, on 35 he slashed at a wide ball outside off-stump and picked out the point fielder. Lorcan Tucker chopped on first ball, then Delany fell for a 32-ball 47 an over later after at one stage threatening to take the game away from Oman – and from a healthy 101-2, Ireland was now wobbling on 105-5.
George Dockrell played a short cameo of 18 from 16 balls to try reclaim the momentum, but it was Andy McBrine who stepped up with the bat this time. Receiving well-deserved plaudits for his bowling in this tournament, McBrine swivelled and pulled his first ball for four, going on to strike 36 from just 21 balls, which included three boundaries and two sixes, eventually falling off the last ball of the innings.
Ireland had put on 59 off the last six overs to finish on 165-7 from their 20 overs – a competitive total, but not ‘out of reach’ for the home side.
Ireland has qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup, but has a chance to win the Qualifier trophy against UAE on Thursday at 2pm (local time) or 10am (GMT) at the same venue.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Men v Oman Men, T20 World Cup Qualifier, Muscat, 21 February 2022
Ireland 165-7 (20 overs; G Delany 47, A McBrine 36, H Tector 35; B Khan 3-23)
Oman 109 (18.3 overs: S Khan 30; S Singh 3-20, J Little 2-14)
Ireland Men won by 56 runs

ITW Irish Cricket Awards 2022 this Friday; several category shortlists revealed

The ITW Irish Cricket Awards 2022 will be digitally broadcast on Friday 25 February 2022 via Youtube, celebrating the year that international cricket returned to Ireland. Several shortlists have been revealed ahead of the event as part of the build-up.
The broadcast of the event will start at 7.30pm (Irish time) and will be hosted by sports journalist and broadcaster Marie Crowe, supported by RTE’s John Kenny and former Ireland Men’s captain Kyle McCallan. Bonus interviews and content will be available on Cricket Ireland’s social media channels on the night.
The event will see 15 award categories presented:
ITW International Men’s Player of the Year
Hanley Energy International Women’s Player of the Year
Cricket Writers of Ireland Hall of Fame (three inductees)
Gibney’s Outstanding Contribution and Service to Irish Cricket, in honour of John Wright
HBV Studios Inter-Provincial Player of the Year
Arachas Super Series Player of the Year
Clear Currency Emerging Talent Award – Male
Clear Currency Emerging Talent Award - Female
Techfynder Cricket Official of the Year
Shapoorji Pallonji Outstanding Contribution to Coaching
Tildenet Club of the Year
O’Neill’s Club Male Player of the Year
O’Neiil’s Club Female Player of the Year
Turkish Airlines Groundskeeper of the Year
House of Waterford Crystal Volunteering Excellence Award
Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said:
“We’re delighted to once more to celebrate a memorable year in Irish cricket. It was a year we returned to a sense of normality, a year international cricket returned to Ireland, and a year that was punctuated by reminders of what a great sport we have.
“From elite to grassroots levels, every cricketer and fan alike enjoyed the sights, sounds and celebration of cricket – and while there were too many favourite moments to mention, there was one day in May that stands out in my mind. The 24th of May at Stormont saw Ireland Women run out on the field of play for the first time in over 550 days – and it also coincided with the very first day spectators were allowed back to games. The feeling around the ground was one of joy and relief that the long wait had finally come to an end.
“The Women went on to win that series convincingly – and then finished the year by qualifying for the ICC Women’s Championship. Indeed, 2021 was an epochal year for women’s cricket in Ireland – it featured the release of our first-ever Women’s & Girls Cricket Action Plan, saw numerous on-field team and individual successes, and has seen major investment by Cricket Ireland into the women’s programme.
“Before you enjoy the Awards event this Friday, we would like to acknowledge the many people who played a part in Irish cricket during 2021 – we thank the many thousands of players, coaches, umpires, groundstaff, match officials and volunteers who year-in, year-out ensure our sport continues to grow. Thanks also to our sponsors, business partners, Provincial Unions and venue partners for another successful year, and finally thanks to the many, many fans of Irish cricket in Ireland and around the world. Keep Backing Green.”
Iconic Irish brand House of Waterford Crystal has once again supported the ITW Irish Cricket Awards supplying the awards for winners.
HBV Studios will once more produce the event.
SHORTLISTS
While most winners and nominees will be revealed on the night, several shortlists are provided below ahead of the event:
Shortlist for the ITW International Men’s Player of the Year
Andrew Balbirnie
Josh Little
Simi Singh
Paul Stirling
Previous winners: Paul Stirling (2021, 2020, 2017), Tim Murtagh (2018), Ed Joyce (2016)
Shortlist for the Hanley Energy International Women’s Player of the Year
Laura Delany
Gaby Lewis
Leah Paul
Orla Prendergast
Previous winners: Laura Delany (2021, 2018), Eimear Richardson (2020), Gaby Lewis (2017), Ciara Metcalfe (2016)
Shortlist for the Tildenet Club of the Year
Balbriggan Cricket Club
Bready Cricket Club
Cork Harlequins
Drumaness Superkings

Ireland moves through to semi-finals after win over Germany at the T20 World Cup Qualifier
Ireland Men have progressed through to the semi-finals after a comprehensive win over Germany in a must-win Group Stage match of the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier at the Al Almerat Stadium today.
Ireland started their run chase knowing that if they could complete the victory in less than 16 overs they would guarantee themselves progression to the semi-final stage after Bahrain – playing in a concurrent match – posted 172-5 against UAE, setting up an exciting finish to this Group stage of the tournament.
After an efficient bowling performance that restricted Germany to 107-7, the Irish batters completed the run chase in 13.1 overs with Harry Tector flashing a square cut to the boundary to bring up the winning runs.
Paul Stirling (34) and Andrew Balbirnie (32) posted a 67-run opening stand from just 47 balls to get the run chase off to the necessary start, but despite both openers falling within three balls of each other, Tector and Lorcan Tucker saw out the win.
During Balbirnie’s innings he brought up his 5,000th run for Ireland across all formats.
In the other match, Bahrain completed a remarkable 2-run win over heavy favourites UAE, but it wasn’t quite enough to progress to the semi-final on net run rate meaning Ireland finished first in the group.
Ireland’s opponents in tomorrow’s do-or-die semi-final will be determined in this afternoon’s matches – with the winner of tomorrow’s semi-final qualifying for the T20 World Cup in Australia in October.
Earlier in the day Irish skipper Balbirnie won the toss and decided to bowl first hoping to take advantage of what he noted was a tacky pitch.
The Irish bowlers were disciplined early, bowling tight lines and producing late swing in early morning conditions. It was Josh Little who broke through first, rapping Talha Khan on the front pad and adjudged adjacent by the umpire for 9. Little followed up in his next over with the wicket of Justin Broad, also for 9, this time beaten for pace and a top edge flew to Lorcan Tucker behind the stumps.
Immediately after the power play finished, Balbirnie threw the ball to his spinners and both Andy McBrine (2-15) and Simi Singh (1-21) responded with great spells through the middle overs. McBrine has bowled exceptionally tightly in this tournament to date, with an economy rate of just 4.42 to go with his three wickets.
Faisal Mubashir (45*) and Dylan Blignaut (22) – who plays club cricket with The Hills Cricket Club in Ireland – were the only German batters to reach double figures as wickets fell regularly. The batting side managed to strike 40 runs from the last five overs, but their total of 107-7 from 20 overs looked well below par.
All of Ireland’s five bowlers contributed with at least one wicket apiece, with Josh Little’s 2-13 the pick with a welcome return to form
Ireland meets their semi-final opponent tomorrow at 2pm (local time) / 10am (Irish time) at the same venue. Given the number of permutations in Group B, the opponent will not be known until later today.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Men v Germany Men, T20 World Cup Qualifier, Muscat, 21 February 2022
Germany 107-7 (20 overs; F Mubashir 45*; J Little 2-13, A McBrine 2-15)
Ireland 111-3 (13.1 overs: P Stirling 34, A Balbirnie 32; M Yar 2-20)
Ireland Men won by 7 wickets

NI Schools
Ferguson Grainger Cup
1st Round (by 6th May)
A Limavady Grammar School v Foyle College
B Grosvenor Grammar School v RBAI 2nd XI
C Friends' School Lisburn v Bangor Grammar School
D Royal School Armagh v Belfast Royal Academy
E Campbell College 2nd XI v Ballymena Academy
F Regent House School v Methodist College Belfast
G Down High School v Lurgan College
Second Round (by 13th May)
H A v Wallace High School
I Coleraine Grammar School v B
J RBAI v C
K D v Sullivan Upper School
L Antrim Grammar School v E
M F v Belfast High School
N Ballyclare High School v G
O Campbell College v Carrickfergus Grammar School

ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 placings
1 - India
2 - England
3 - Australia
4 - Afghanistan
5 - Pakistan
6 - Sri Lanka
7 - South Africa
8 - Bangladesh
9 – United Arab Emirates
10 – Ireland
11 – West Indies
12 – Zimbabwe
13 – Uganda
14 – Scotland
15 – Canada
16 – PNG

Ireland beaten but unbowed as they exit the Under-19s World Cup
An exceptional bowling display by a spin-heavy UAE side overcame a tiring Ireland side to win the Plate Final of the ICC Under-19s Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Queens Park Oval today.
Already equalling the best-ever finish by an Irish side in the Under-19s World Cup tournament – and having already achieved automatic qualification through final ranking to the next Under-19s World Cup – Ireland were brushed aside by a UAE side that had convincingly beaten West Indies in their last match and looked full of confidence going into today’s clash. For the Irish, this was the last match of a more than month-long tour, having departed Ireland over a month ago. The young side has played 12 matches in that time, often in 30-plus degree heat, and the experience will undoubtedly be to their advantage as they develop as senior cricketers in coming years.
After winning the toss today and choosing to bat first, Ireland weren’t able to repeat the batting heroics of their last match, succumbing for just 122 in the 46th over. Instonians’ Jack Dickson top-scored for the second game straight, today hitting 40 from a patient 83 balls, with a four and two sixes.
The Irish were seeking a partner to stick with Dickson to build a partnership, but regular wickets fell with the domination of the UAE’s spinners making it difficult for the batters to get a start. Philippe le Roux (14), Scott Macbeth (15), Liam Doherty (13) and Jamie Forbes (11*) got starts, but ultimately the Irish side failed to mount a sizeable enough total to defend.
The UAE batters, led by Kai Smith (49) and Punya Mehra (48*), took control of the run-chase and cantered to an eight-wicket win, claiming the UAE’s first piece of silverware at an international tournament.
The Irish side may have been beaten today but should remain unbowed. An unfancied squad by many at the outset, the young side went on to win three of their six tournament matches and finished the tournament’s 10th ranked side – the equal-highest position that Ireland has finished in this tournament’s history. While they may have initially dreamed of getting through the Group to the Super 8 stage, the side quickly regrouped after losses to India and South Africa to convincingly win consecutive Plate matches against Canada and Zimbabwe.
Not only can the squad leave the tournament with pride regarding their eventual ranking outcome, there were several players whose performances caught the eye – Josh Cox’s century against Uganda, Muzamil Sherzad’s 5-20 against Zimbabwe, Jack Dickson’s 78* and 40 in the last two matches, Philippe le Roux’s 83* against Canada, and Matthew Humphreys’ 12 wickets being just a few stand-out moments that Irish fans can reflect on fondly.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Under-19s Men v UAE Under-19s Men, U19 World Cup Group Stage, Trinidad, 31 January 2022
Ireland 122 (45.3 overs: J Dickson 40; J Giyanani 2-12)
UAE 128-2 (26 overs: K Smith 49, P Mehra 48*; J Forbes 1-32)
UAE Under-19s won by 8 wickets

NCU JUNIOR CUP 2022
(Sponsored by GMcG)

1st Round
A Lisburn II v Victoria
B Laurelvale v Drumaness Superkings
C Belfast v Larne
D Donacloney Mill II v North Down II

2nd Round
E C v B
F Monaghan v A
G CIYMS II v Donaghadee & Ards
H D v Downpatrick
I CSNI II v Holywood
J Instonians II v Muckamore II
K BISC v Dunmurry
L Waringstown II v Cooke Collegians

3rd Round
M E v F
N G v H
O I v J
P K v L

Semi-Final
Q M v N
R O v P

Final (Laurelvale)
S Q v R

Under-19 beat Zimbabwe
Muzamil Sherzad, a pair of unbeaten 70s and an earthquake shake Zimbabwe at the Under-19s World Cup
A sensational bowling display from Muzamil Sherzad, an unbeaten 159-run third-wicket partnership, and a 5.1 magnitude earthquake featured prominently in Ireland’s 8-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the Plate Semi-Final of the ICC Under-19s Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Queens Park Oval today.
The Irish bowling performance was dominated by the outstanding seam bowling of Muzamil Sherzad. Ireland’s 19-year old Afghanistan-born paceman who plays with North Kildare Cricket Club delivered a fearsome display as he blew away the middle and lower order with a mix of pace, movement and the odd short-pitched ball. Sherzad had claimed six wickets at 23.16 in his last three matches in this tournament, but has seen is bowling average plummet to 14.45 with his five-wicket haul today.
Sherzad, though, wasn’t the only thing that struck at the Queens Park Oval today, with a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shaking the ground mid-way through the Zimbabwe innings. The commentary team, that featured Irishman Andrew Leonard, bravely continued commentating with good humour as an assessment was made of any potential damage to the historic ground that has stood on the site since 1896.
Prior to Sherzad’s interventions into the Zimbabwean batting line-up, bowling honours had certainly gone to Lisburn’s left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys. The tweaker had eight wickets in the tournament before today, including 4-25 against Uganda, and takes his tally to 11 – equalling Sherzad for Ireland’s highest wicket-takers at this world cup. Humphreys not only used his angle superbly, angling from around the wicket to right-handers and taking the ball away, he also varied his pace to great effect. His second wicket, bowling a quicker ball that skidded through the defences of Steven Saul and upset the stumps, was the stand out dismissal.
The Zimbabwean batters failed to stitch together consistent partnerships, but still eked out a total of 166 that would be defendable on a pitch that was expected to take turn later in the day. The Bennett brothers – Brian and David – top scored with 37 and 35 respectively, but the Irish bowlers never let the African side to get too much momentum at any stage.
In the run-chase Ireland lost Nathan McGuire (6) and Josh Cox (0) early, but Jack Dickson and captain Tim Tector came together to – firstly – stabilise the innings, then push on to build a superb, unbeaten 159-run third-wicket stand.
Tector was outstanding. Having only scored 40 runs in his previous four innings in the tournament, he looked confident from the outset, determined to lead his side to what was eventually a comfortable victory. He struck 8 fours and a six in a knock of 76* that swung the match firmly into Ireland’s grasp. When he came to the crease his side was 10-2 facing a tricky run-chase. However, the YMCA top-order batter looked like he was batting on a different pitch to almost everyone else, striking multiple boundaries through the off side and a big six over the mid-wicket fence.
Like Tector, Dickson hadn’t had the World Cup he wanted – with 14 and 0 his only two innings so far. The Instonians batter dug in early and ground out an innings of true quality, becoming more elaborate in his shot-making as his innings went on. He struck three sweetly-timed maximums on the way to his 78* off 88 balls – finishing the match with a big straight six, followed by a driven four to clinch the win.
The win today means Ireland Under-19s will automatically qualify for the next Under-19s World Cup in 2024.
Ireland’s next match – the Plate Final - will be against UAE on Monday. This will be the second Under-19s Plate Final Ireland has made, but their first Plate win if successful.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Under-19s Men v Zimbabwe Under-19s Men, U19 World Cup Group Stage, Trinidad, 29 January 2022
Zimbabwe 166 (48.4 overs: B Bennett 37, D Bennett 35; M Sherzad 5-20, M Humphreys 3-32)
Ireland 169-2 (32 overs: J Dickson 78*, T Tector 76*; T Mataranyika 1-31)
Ireland Under-19s won by 8 wickets

Just wondering has any consideration being given to making Saturday 28th May a free date ? It’s NI Centenary Day and in terms of parades will be as big as the 12th of July from what I’ve heard .
Maybe give clubs the option to play those games on Sunday 22nd May

United Arab Emirates and Ireland booked their places in the Plate semi-finals as the next stage of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup got off to a thrilling start in Trinidad and Tobago.
UAE survived a dramatic batting collapse to edge past Uganda by one wicket and set up a clash with either host nation West Indies or Papua New Guinea in the next round. And Philippus le Roux was Ireland’s hero, digging in for a vital unbeaten 83 to help his side post a total which proved comfortably beyond Canada.
Ireland will now meet the winners of tomorrow’s clash between Zimbabwe and Scotland while Canada join Uganda in the Plate play-off semi-finals.
Le Roux leads Irish charge
A fine unbeaten 83 from Philippus le Roux set Ireland on their way to a 94-run victory over Canada, who remain in search of their first victory of the competition.
Canada started well with the ball, Ethan Gibson taking two early wickets – including danger man Joshua Cox, who struck a century against Uganda in the group stage – to reduce Ireland to 34 for three.
Le Roux arrived at the crease to begin the rebuilding job but soon lost the company of his captain Tim Tector (15) as Canada continued to apply pressure.
When Gibson (three for 36) returned to clean bowl Matthew Humphreys for a duck, Ireland were in trouble at 90 for seven but le Roux continued to stand firm. He added 48 with Jamie Forbes (25) and struck 12 boundaries in all as he carried Ireland to 179, at which point he ran out of partners 17 short of a century.
Canada were quickly on the back foot in reply, falling to 12 for three as Reuben Wilson removed both openers. Kairav Sharma (19) and Gurnek Johal Singh (15) were the only batters to reach double figures as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with all the bowlers chipping in.
Wilson was the pick of the attack, finishing with three for 18, while Forbes claimed two for two as Canada were bowled out for 85 with 20.4 overs unused.
Wednesday 26 January matches
Super League Quarter Final – England v South Africa, Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua
Plate Quarter Final – Zimbabwe v Scotland, Queens Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago
Plate Quarter Final – West Indies v PNG, Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Trinidad and Tobago

Ireland's Paul Stirling and Simi Singh both named in ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year
Paul Stirling and Simi Singh have both been named by the International Cricket Council in the Men’s ODI Team of the Year this morning.
Stirling, who last week stood in as Ireland captain and led the Men in Green to the celebrated series win over West Indies, made 705 runs in 2021 in ODI matches at an average of 79.66. This included three centuries and two half-centuries, and he finished top run-scorer worldwide in the format.
Singh, who excelled with his off-spin bowling and made several valuable contributions with the bat, picked up 19 wickets in ODI matches at an average of 20.15, which included one five-for. With the bat he hit 280 runs at 46.66, including a century against South Africa at Malahide which went down in the record books as the first-ever century by a batter coming in at eight in ODI cricket.
Stirling said:
“It’s a nice way to close the chapter on 2021 being named in this team of the year. It was pleasing that the hard work put in with Graham Ford has paid off. You are always looking to improve as an international sportsman so to have probably my most successful year in an Ireland shirt to date was extremely satisfying and gives me a benchmark to try and surpass in years to come.
“I would say the highlight for me was scoring so heavily in one tour in January. I had just come from Sri Lanka where I had really struggled for form and rhythm so to be able to turn that around in a few weeks has given me a lot of confidence when future runs are hard to come by. Of course the T20I hundred at Bready against Zimbabwe was a memorable one too, it’s always nice being able to raise the bat in front of your home support.”
Singh said:
“It’s great to be recognised at the highest level and to be named among the top players in the world is a surreal feeling. Wining against South Africa, scoring my maiden ODI ton, taking my maiden ODI five-for, hitting a maiden ODI fifty in the same year was pretty special personally.”

HISTORIC WIN FOR IRELAND
Ireland Men have won their first-ever one-day international series away from home over an ICC Full Member after recording a two-wicket victory over the West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston today.
For the third time in succession, Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl first. Stand-in captain Paul Stirling named an unchanged line up for the match, however, the early exchanges did not go to script for the Men in Green. Shai Hope – who had under-performed so far in the series with scores of 17 and 29 – went on the attack, blasting balls to all areas of the ground. Hope was particularly aggressive with Josh Little, feeding off the extra pace and width on offer.
He brought up his half-century off just 37 balls, with 9 fours and a six, but just as he threatened to take the game away from Ireland he mis-timed a hook shot from a Craig Young bouncer and was caught by Josh Little at fine leg.
That dismissal brought about a middle-order collapse with West Indies losing 7-57 in the next 17 overs. Young claimed two wickets, but the chief destroyer was off-spinner Andy McBrine. Fresh off his Player of the Match 4-25 in the last ODI, McBrine was again hitting the right areas from the off. He had Nicholas Pooran and Shamarh Brooks both trapped in front, and set a leg slip trap for a lunging Kieron Pollard, who dutifully edged a ball to William Porterfield who claimed a diving catch.
George Dockrell chimed in for a wicket to snare the dangerous Romario Shepherd – Dockrell’s 150th List A wicket – and the home side’s innings was seemingly adrift at 119-7 in the 28th over.
It was then that former West Indian captain Jason Holder took the reins – he and Akeal Hosein put on 63 for the eighth wicket in a face-saving stand for the Caribbean side. Holder played across the line of the ball repeatedly but effectively as he hit six boundaries, and was looking comfortable moving into his 40s, but he took on the arm of an outfielder one too many times and was run out going for two. Gareth Delany with a superb flat throw from deep square leg and Neil Rock’s quick hands catching the tall Barbadian all-rounder short of his crease.
Big-hitting Odean Smith threatened to let loose again after his 19-ball 46 in the last match, carving out 20*, but when Alzarri Joseph fell for 6, the West Indian side were bowled out for 212 in the 45th over - the third time in the series Ireland has dismissed the home side before they batted out their allotted overs. This is the first time Ireland Men have bowled out a Full Member in three successive matches.
Bowling honours once more went to Andy McBrine – the Donemana off-spinner finished with 4-28 from 10 overs. McBrine’s series haul of 10 wickets at 11.6 apiece was an excellent return. Having lost fellow spinners Simi Singh and Ben White for the series due to Covid infections, Ireland needed McBrine to stand up – and that he did, with two four-wicket hauls the last two matches.
The North West bowling contribution in this series wasn’t only McBrine’s return - his North West Warriors teammate Craig Young claimed three wickets in each of the three matches of the series at 15.66 apiece to also play a key role.
With 213 the target, Ireland lost opener Porterfield from the first ball of the innings – upper-cutting a ball from Joseph that flew straight to Hosein at Third.
While the West Indian side undoubtedly were buoyed by the early breakthough, Stirling sought to wrestle back momentum with a quickfire 44 from 38 balls. Aided by the more circumspect McBrine, the pair put on 73 for the second wicket from 77 balls. The interim captain played several of his classic shots – a flick off his pads for four, a flat bat lofted off drive over cover for four, and a majestic swivel pull shot over the square leg boundary for six just to highlight a few.
However, looking certain to register his 27th ODI half-century, Stirling missed a tossed up ball by spinner Hosein and was trapped in front. Given not out, the bowling side sought a review, which shortly after saw the Irish skipper walking back to the pavilion.
McBrine was joined by the in-form Harry Tector, and the pair settled in to ensure no cluster of wickets would ensue. Tector, who has scored six half-centuries in his last nine innings, looked assured as he stroked the ball through the off side and off his pads. McBrine looked increasingly confident as his innings grew and he brought up his second career ODI half-century from 89 balls. Shortly after, the left-handed McBrine flashed at a bouncing ball outside off stump and edged through to the keeper, out for 59, but the platform had been well-and-truly set.
Tector registered his third half-century of the series, but in heart-in-the-mouth fashion, a clatter of wickets fell late on with Ireland going from 190-4 to 208-8. It was nervous times for all Ireland’s fans as Mark Adair and Craig Young stood at the crease. Fortunately, Young steered the winning runs away to the boundary off Shepherd and the Men in Green had won their first ODI series win away from home against a Full Member.
ANDY McBRINE said...
“Player of the Series means a lot personally, but I’m firstly jus trying to contribute what I can to the team.”
After the match, PAUL STIRLING also said:
“We’re delighted, it’s not every day we go on away trips and turn over a side like the West Indies. Really proud of the lads that we can go 1-nil down in the series and come back to win the next two games and take the series. We may have been fortunate to win the toss three times, but we still had to go out and perform, so we’re delighted. We’re a pretty tight unit, we always have been, it’s one of our strengths.
“Harry Tector has been amazing – his consistency over his last 10 knocks has been outstanding, we hope he can continue that, but it’s not a time to put pressure on him. He has so much potential, it’ll come down to how much he wants it, and I think he does want it.
“Andy McBrine epitomises what an Irish cricketer should be – the heart he shows. It’s not easy to come back from being hit on the head, but he showed commitment and passion to help win us the game today – that partnership was key with Harry today, and all off the back of his bowling which has been magnificent.”
MATCH SUMMARY
West Indies Men v Ireland Men, 3rd ODI, Sabina Park, Jamaica, 16 January 2022
West Indies 212 (44.4 overs: S Hope 53, J Holder 44; A McBrine 4-28, C Young 3-43)
Ireland 214-8 (44.5 overs: A McBrine 59, H Tector 52, P Stirling 44; A Hosein 3-59)
Ireland Men won by 2 wickets

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – An unbeaten century by Player of the Match Joshua Cox and a four-wicket haul from Matthew Humphreys headlined Ireland Under-19s Men’s victory over Uganda by 39 runs in their first ICC Under-19s Men’s Cricket World Cup match today.
The South African-born Cox, 18, looked sparkling in his square of the wicket shots today (see video). He brought up his half-century off 61 balls, then blasted a pull shot to the boundary for his century off 111 balls – which was also the third-last ball of the innings.
Cox, who holds an Irish passport as a dual citizen and has Irish great-grandparents on both sides of his family, hit scores of 44* against Sri Lanka and 28* against Scotland in the two official tournament warm-up matches, with today continuing his run of ‘red-inkers’ in the last three matches for the Irish Under-19s. His innings today featured 8 fours and a six – he is only the fourth Ireland Under-19s batter to have scored a century at an Under-19s World Cup after Eoin Morgan, Paul Stirling and Harry Tector.
The Irish side batted solidly for their 236-9 from 50 overs, albeit with two key partnerships that drove the scoring forward – a 99-run 5th wicket stand between Cox and Philippe le Roux (32) and a 47-run sixth-wicket stand between Cox and Scott Macbeth (22).
With 237 the target, the Irish bowlers struck early and always kept the Ugandan run chase in check. The left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys, who plays club cricket for Lisburn, impressed taking 4-25 from 10 overs, while Rush’s spinning all-rounder Nathan McGuire finished with an economical 2-29 from his 10 overs
Ugandan captain Pascal Murungi hit a well-compiled 63, but his side were eventually bowled out for 197 in the 49th over.
Ireland Under-19s will next face India and South Africa in their remaining Group Stage matches, with both fixtures to be shown live on Sky Sports in Ireland / UK.
After the match, Josh Cox said about the century:
“It’s an amazing feeling, first game of the World Cup, it’s a dream come true. I always felt I had enough time to do it, and I just trusted the batters up the other end they could help me get there.”
About the bowling performance:
“Our spinners are our strength, and I thought they bowled well today – if they keep putting in performances like that then we’ll get the results.”
About facing South Africa next week:
“I’m extremely excited, I know a lot of the guys – I’ve known them a long time and played against them. I can’t wait to play them, it should be a really fantastic occasion.”
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Under-19s Men v Uganda Under-19s Men, U19 World Cup Group Stage, Guyana, 15 January 2022
Ireland 236-9 (50 overs: J Cox 111*, P le Roux 32; J Baguma 2-34)
Uganda 197 (48.1 overs: P Murunga 63; M Humphreys 4-25, N McGuire 2-29)
Ireland Under-19s won by 39 runs