Forum

Historic first-ever Test win for Ireland Men

A captain's knock from Andrew Balbirnie ensured a momentous first win in men’s Test cricket for Ireland Men's team in Abu Dhabi on Friday, beating Afghanistan by six-wickets at the Tolerance Oval.

With his side set a tricky 111 for victory in their second innings, Balbirnie held his nerve with an unbeaten 58 to masterfully see his side over the line.

Ireland's bowlers had made success possible earlier in the day by running through Afghanistan's batters, perfectly teeing up Balbirnie's heroics deep into the final session of day three.

With Afghanistan resuming on 134-3, and 26-runs ahead of Ireland, the tourists knew they required early wickets as they went in search of a maiden Test win in their history.

Mark Adair ensured they did just that, continuing his superb Test match by removing Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (55) in the fifth over of the day. It was just the start Ireland wanted at the beginning of day three, and debutant Barry McCarthy continued the excellent opening with the dismissal of Nasir Jamal (2).

Ireland were rampant at this stage and by the time Craig Young had accounted for first Karim Janat (13) and then key man Rahmanullah Gurbaz (55), Balbirnie's side were well positioned to secure an historic win.

By lunch Afghanistan were 182-7 and held a lead of 74, which they managed to eke over three figures thanks to the later resistance from Zia-ur-Rehman (13) and Naveed Zadran (25). A crucial first Test wicket for Theo van Woerkom (1-43) managed to break the stubborn eighth-wicket partnership, though, before McCarthy (3-48) and Young (3-24) wrapped up the innings.

With Afghanistan 218 all-out, Ireland then set about chasing down their target of 111. Their chase, however, got off to a rocky start, with opener PJ Moor and Curtis Campher both bowled by Naveed Zadran in successive deliveries at the end of just the second over.

Harry Tector then fell in the fifth over, leaving Ireland in trouble at 13-3 when Paul Stirling joined his skipper at the crease. Balbirnie had already successfully overturned a decision on review earlier in his innings and was able to steer Ireland to Tea without any further losses.

That changed when Stirling (14), given a reprieve by DRS the ball before, was heading back to the pavilion with the final delivery of the third over after Tea. That left Ireland 39-4 and still requiring 72 for victory.

While nerves remained frayed in the final session, there would be no further alarm thanks to the partnership of Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker (27*). They made an unbroken 72 for the fifth Irish wicket, with Balbirnie bringing the scores level before Tucker hit the winning runs, much to the delight of the Ireland team.

MATCH SUMMARY

Afghanistan v Ireland, 1st Test, Day 3, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates -- 1 March 2024
Afghanistan 1st innings 155 all-out (54.5 overs; I Zadran 54; M Adair 5-39, C Campher 2-13, C Young 2-31, B McCarthy 1-28)
Ireland 1st innings 263 all-out (83.4 overs; P Stirling 52, C Campher 49, L Tucker 46; Z ur-Rahman 5-64, N Zadran 3-59)
Afghanistan 2nd innings 218 all-out (75.4 overs; H Shahidi 55, R Gurbaz 46; C Young 3-24, B McCarthy 3-48, M Adair 3-56)
Ireland 2nd innings 111-4 (83.4 overs; A Balbirnie 58*, L Tucker 27*; N Zadran 2-31)

The one-off Test between Afghanistan Men and Ireland Men remained finely poised at the end of day two, with the hosts squeezing out a 26-run second innings lead, with seven wickets in hand.

Resuming day two on 100-4 and just 55-runs behind Afghanistan's first innings total earlier in the day, Ireland lost Harry Tector in the fifth over of the morning trapped in front. Fellow overnight batter Paul Stirling and Lorcan Tucker soon settled things down, though, expertly combining to take Ireland beyond their hosts.

The pair contributed an 80-run stand for the sixth-wicket, even as the pitch started to take increasing turn from the Afghan spinners. Ultimately, it was spin that eventually brought an end to Stirling's excellent knock. In the final over before lunch, Stirling swotted Zahir Khan to the boundary for his seventh four of the innings, moving to 52 from 89 deliveries in the process. But, just two balls later, Khan got one to dip and turn, the off-spinner beating Stirling between bat and pad to bowl the 33-year-old right-hander.

Tucker remained unbeaten on 32 at the end of the morning session, and Ireland took a promising 31-run advantage into the break thanks to what was a new highest sixth-wicket stand for the country in Tests.

Tucker eventually fell for 46 after the break but valuable contributions from Andy McBrine (38) and Mark Adair (15) helped Ireland to a total of 263, which carved out a first innings lead of 108 by the time they were bowled out at Tea. Zia-ur-Rehman was the pick of the Afghan bowlers, closing out the innings with figures of 5-64.

The hero on day one with his 5-39, Adair continued his fine form in the Test by dismissing both Ibrahim Zadran (12) and Rahmat Shah (9) inside the first nine overs of Afghanistan's innings to give Ireland another perfect start with the ball.

In response, Noor Ali Zadran (32) and Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi provided a crucial partnership for the third-wicket. The pair had put on 55, and looked to be cruising to the close, until Test debutant Barry McCarthy managed to get one to lift and take Zadran's edge, presenting Adair with an easy catch at gully.

Despite Ireland's best efforts they were unable to make any further inroads late in the day. Instead, Hashmatullah (53*) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (23*) took Afghanistan to 134-3 at the close, boasting a lead of 26 going into day three.

MATCH SUMMARY

Afghanistan 1st innings 155 (54.5 overs; I Zadran 54; M Adair 5-39, C Campher 2-13, C Young 2-31)
Ireland 1st innings 263 (83.4 overs; P Stirling 52, C Campher 49, L Tucker 46; Z ur-Rahman 5-64)
Afghanistan 2nd innings 134-3 (37 overs; H Shahidi 53*; M Adair 2-23, B McCarthy 1-25)

Ireland Men produced a superb first day's play in the one-off Test against Afghanistan Men as they bowled their hosts out for 155 by Tea, however a brace of late wickets gave the Afghans hope going into Day Two.

Mark Adair was the star with the ball, returning career-best figures of 5-39 and becoming the third player in Ireland Men's Test history to claim five-wickets in an innings.

By the close, Ireland had made 100-4 with the bat themselves, ending day one with just a 55-run deficit to Afghanistan, and with six first-innings wickets in hand.

At the start of play, Ireland - who handed debuts to Barry McCarthy, Theo van Woerkom and Craig Young - were put in the field by Afghanistan at the toss, but any concerns over skipper Andrew Balbirnie calling the coin toss wrong were soon put to bed. It took just 6.3 overs for Ireland to make a breakthrough with the new ball, Adair removing Noor Ali Zadran for just seven. He then struck for a second time three balls later, bowling Rahmat Shah for a duck.

The Northern Knights bowling all-rounder had the ball moving both ways and maintained a patient line just outside off stump – showing all his skills in red-ball cricket what he routinely displays in white-ball formats.

Afghanistan rallied with a 55-run stand between captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (20) and opening batter Ibrahim Zadran (53) but McCarthy removed Shahidi before lunch to claim his first Test scalp, ensuring Ireland were firmly on top at the break with their hosts reduced to 86-3.

Ireland pressed on in the afternoon session, with Adair soon dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (5) before Young removed Nasir Jamal (0) and Zadran in quick succession. Despite being on debut, Young has had an international career stretching back 10 years and this experience showed as he delivered the nagging length that he is renowned for. His ability to hit a consistent line and length worried the Afghan batters and no doubt contributed to wickets at both ends.

When Adair snared his fourth, Zia-ur-Rehman (6) caught by Balbirnie, Curtis Campher was introduced to the bowling crease and quickly took the wickets of Naveen Zadran (12) and Nijat Masood (0).

Adair fittingly wrapped up the innings, and his five-for, by bowling Zahir Khan for the fourth duck of the innings as Ireland bowled-out Afghanistan for 155 in only 54.5 overs.

Ireland innings started poorly - losing captain Balbirnie (2) and fellow opener PJ Moor (12), but Campher (49) and Harry Tector (32*) put on 60 for the third wicket to calm any nerves in the Irish dressing-room. Despite losing Campher and nightwatcher van Woerkom (1) late on, Ireland will start day two in a relatively strong position.

MATCH SUMMARY
Afghanistan Men v Ireland Men, 1st Test, Day 1, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates -- 28 February 2024
Afghanistan 155 (54.5 overs; I Zadran 54; M Adair 5-39, C Campher 2-13, C Young 2-31)
Ireland 100-4 (31 overs; C Campher 49, H Tector 32*)

Harry Tector and Orla Prendergast take Player of the Year accolades at Irish Cricket Awards

Harry Tector and Orla Prendergast were the big winners at the 12th Business Plus Irish Cricket Awards on Friday night in Dublin, as they were respectively named Men’s and Women’s International Player of the Year for 2023.
Tector, 24, had an outstanding year, playing all three formats and achieving an ICC Ranking of 7th in the world for ODIs (the highest such ranking ever for an Ireland Men’s cricketer. He is currently playing franchise cricket in the Bangladesh Premier League. See player profile.
His performance highlights in 2023 include:
Test cricket: 4 matches; 336 runs at 42.00; 4 half-centuries; highest score 85
ODI cricket: 20 matches; 711 runs at 50.78; 2 centuries and 4 half-centuries; highest score 140
T20I cricket: 16 matches; 335 runs at 27.91; 1 half-century; highest score 54*
Prendergast, 21, had a breakout year after consistently showing promise since her debut in 2019. She was named 12th in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament in 2023 after numerous eye-catching performances – and it wasn’t just her all-round skills that made her stand out, but a renewed confidence and positivity. Orla earned her first franchise cricket opportunity in 2023 when she played in the Caribbean Premier League. See player profile.
Her performance highlights in 2023 include:
ODI cricket (batting): 8 matches; 248 runs at 35.42; 2 half-centuries; highest score 71
ODI cricket (bowling): 2 wickets; best bowling 1-24
T20I cricket (batting): 12 matches; 196 runs at 17.81; 1 half-century; highest score 61
T20I cricket (bowling): 5 wickets at 38.80; best bowling 2-22
Each winner received an engraved award designed to the iconic Irish brand, Waterford Crystal – an organisation that is proudly extending its generational links with cricket.
Presentations were also made on the night to recent international retirees, Mary Waldron, Shauna Kavanagh and Rachel Delaney, all who had long distinguished careers in the Irish jersey.
The evening also saw a special acknowledgement of Amy Hunter who was presented her medallion for being named the ‘ICC Women’s Player of the Month’ recently.
Full Award winners list
Kitman Labs Emerging Talent Award – Men: Chris de Freitas (Balbriggan)
Beauchamps Emerging Talent Award – Women: Freya Sargent (Clontarf)
Macron Volunteer of the Year: Dermot Ward (Ardmore)
Certa Smash It/It’s Wicket! Activator of the Year: Maria Van der Munckhof (Limerick)
SportsHub Coach of the Year: Robert Delaney (Mullingar)
Lord’s Taverners Groundskeeping Team of the Year: Matt Reed (Cork County)
Butlers Club Player of the Year – Men: Morgan Topping (Waringstown)
Butlers Club Player of the Year – Women: Mollie Devine (Fox Lodge)
Gibney’s Outstanding Contribution and Service to Irish Cricket – in honour of John Wright: Alan Lewis (see story)
Waterford Club Cricket Official of the Year – in honour of Paul Reynolds: David Caldwell (North West Cricket Union)
Arachas Club of the Year: Waringstown Cricket Club
HBV Studios Inter-Provincial Series Player of the Year: Neil Rock
Evoke Super Series Player of the Year: Amy Hunter
Business Plus International Men’s Player of the Year: Harry Tector
Certa International Women’s Player of the Year: Orla Prendergast


In addition, the Cricket Writers of Ireland inducted three former players into the Hall of Fame:
Inductee 1 (posthumas): Lucius Gwynn
Citation: Lucius may have only received 11 caps for Ireland between 1892 and 1902, but he was widely regarded as the finest Irish batter of the 19th century. He scored 499 runs for Ireland, and his average of 39 on rough pitches, which was still the best average as late as the 1980s. He played in Ireland’s inaugural first-class matches striking five fifties against strong professional sides Surrey, South Africa and London County. Furthermore, Lucius won a rugby triple crown before he died aged 29 of tuberculosis..
Inductee 2: Saibh Young
Citation: Saibh earned 36 caps from 1991-2000. In her Test debut v Pakistan she had remarkable first innings figures of 10-9-1-0. She played at two World Cups and bowled Ireland to notable victories over Pakistan and England, even taking a hat-trick v England on her last appearance. She took 32 international wickets at 28.62, with a best of 4 for 24.
Inductee 3: Kyle McCallan
Citation: Kyle earned 227 caps for Ireland between 1996-2009, taking 256 wickets and scoring 3,616 runs, including a century in his third innings. That was one of two centuries he hit on top of 11 half-centuries. A member of legendary 2007 World Cup team, Kyle batted everywhere from 1 to 11 for Ireland and had stellar club career with Cliftonville and Waringstown.

Alan Lewis to be honoured for Outstanding Contribution and Service to Irish Cricket at Irish Cricket Awards

A man of many hats - international cricketer, Board Member, selector, administrator, commentator and international Rugby referee - Alan Lewis will be honoured with the Outstanding Contribution and Service to Irish Cricket award at the 12th Business Plus Irish Cricket Awards on Friday night.

The annual Business Plus Irish Cricket Awards recognises and celebrates the best of Irish cricket, from grassroots all the way up to international. One of the headline awards is the Gibney’s Outstanding Contribution and Service to Irish Cricket, in honour of John Wright.

The Award recognises individuals who are held in the highest regard within the Irish cricket community, having made a significant long-term contribution to sustaining and growing the reputation of cricket, growing participation and/or advocating for improvements in facilities and opportunities for players.

Past recipients of this prestigious award have included former Cricket Ireland Presidents Dr Murray Power, Roy Torrens, Joe Doherty and Paul Reynolds.


2024 AWARD RECIPIENT

Alan Lewis has made a massive contribution to Irish cricket over his lifetime, as a player, administrator, club official, sponsor, and Board member.

He represented Ireland at all underage and adult categories - including earning 121 caps for Ireland (between 1984 and 1997), captaining the National Men’s team on 35 occasions.

Alan made his senior international debut against the West Indies in Rathmines, Dublin, and went on to score 3,579 runs at an average of 28.63, with a top score of 136* against Wales in July 1990, one of four centuries he scored for Ireland.

He also took 51 wickets, with best bowling figures of 4-21 against Scotland in July 1993.

Alan served a full term on the Board of Cricket Ireland as an Independent Director – and played a key role in shaping the transition to where the sport is to-day as part of his Board role.

Alan served a full term as the last volunteer Chair of the National Selectors, dedicating countless hours of his time to oversee the growth and development of the Men’s National squad.

He has also provided decades of sponsorship support to cricket via his family business, including long-term sponsorship for the Leinster Senior Cup and Leinster Premier League. He currently serves as a Director on the Cricket Leinster Board responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of cricket in Leinster, with a particular focus on the club game/grassroots cricket.

Alan has been a key driving force behind the YMCA Cricket Club which has prioritised the development of youth cricketers and has provided countless provincial and international players under his guidance, direction, and oversight (both male and female). The YMCA youth structure is regarded as a best practice example and Alan has led this project as overall Club Patron.

Alan is also a highly respected cricket commentator and analyst for many broadcasts including BBC, Sky Sports, and Cricket Ireland livestreams.

Born in Cork in 1964, and educated in St Andrews College in Dublin, Alan also played Rugby Union. However, after injury halted his playing career he turned to refereeing and established himself as one of the best referees in world rugby. He would go on to referee at the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups in Australia and France.

Andrew Balbirnie surpassed 3,000 One Day International runs as Ireland Men secured a 2-0 series win, and their first ODI series win in Zimbabwe, with a seven-wicket win in a rain-affected game at the Harare Sports Club.

Balbirnie brought up his 3,000 career ODI run with a single off Blessing Muzarabani, joining Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, and. William Porterfield, as the only Irish Men’s batters to score over 3,000 ODI runs.

The Pembroke man scored his sixteenth One-Day International half-century, in an unbeaten 82*, as Ireland finished off their year in fine style, by adding the ODI series to their recent T20I series success.

There was one change in the Ireland team, as Josh Little, who picked up a slight niggle after his exploits in Friday’s game, was replaced by left-arm spinner Theo van Woerkom.

Zimbabwe brought Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Innocent Kaia, and Luke Jongwe back into their side, in place of Ryan Burl, due to concussion protocols, the injured Richard Ngarava, and Milton Shumba.

Ireland’s seam attack set the table for the batters, as Curtis Campher (4-37) and Graham Hume (4-34) took career best ODI bowling figures, while Mark Adair was equally effective with (0-22) from his eight-over spell.

Having been set a DLS adjusted target of 201 from 40-overs, due to a two-hour rain delay, Ireland soon lost Stirling (8), after he fell to the towering Muzarabani in the third over, after nicking the ball behind.

Coming in at number three, Campher settled quickly, taking his shots on, as the pair scored a 50-run partnership in just 56 balls.

Despite looking extremely comfortable in the middle, Campher (40) eventually fell to Brandon Mavuda, with Wellington Masakadza diving to claim a catch at mid-wicket, with Ireland 82-2. Campher’s 70-run second wicket stand with Balbirnie the best of the innings.

The departure of Campher saw the runs dry up, as scoring became difficult off the bowling of Sikandar Raza, Mavuta and Blessing Muzarabani.

However, Balbirnie and Harry Tector survived the onslaught, and combined for 63 runs, before Tector (33) skying a delivery from Luke Jongwe to Raza.

Balbirnie anchored Ireland’s innings extremely well and brought up his fifty off 76 balls.

With Ireland still requiring 59 off the last ten overs Balbirnie stepped on the gas. And he, along with Lorcan Tucker, combined to score 59 runs as Ireland won with thirteen balls to spare.

Earlier in the day, Ireland captain Stirling won the toss and put Zimbabwe in the bat.

Following wet overnight conditions, it didn’t take Graham Hume long to make an impact with the new ball. He removed opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe in the second over, with an outside edge that was taken by Balbirnie at second slip.

On a slow pitch, with lots of early movement, Ireland’s bowling attack restricted the flow of runs for Zimbabwe.

Some excellent fielding, and a dart like throw from Tector at backward point ended the Joylord Gumbie/Takudzwanashe Kaitano 43-run partnership. Tector running to his left, and from the ground, he had a direct hit on the stumps as Kaitano was run out for 13.

Just before the rain came Campher trapped Kiai (5) lbw, with Zimbabwe 78-3.

Despite a two-hour delay, and with the game reduced to 40 overs, Zimbabwe came out of the blocks after the resumption, with Raza finding his range quickly, including blasting a maximum off van Woerkom towards deep mid-wicket.

Gumbie and Raza combined for a 69-run fourth wicket partnership, before a slower delivery from Campher saw Raza hit straight to Dockrell on the leg-side boundary. Campher followed up with his third wicket of the game, bowling Madande for a duck.

Dockell grabbed two more boundary catches, that of Jongwe and Mavuta, with Zimbabwe 157-7.

After a thoroughly entertaining innings Gumbie (72) was run out by a combination of Andy McBrine and Craig Young, before a late burst from Wellington Masakadze (24) saw Zimbabwe post a total of 197.



MATCH SUMMARY

Zimbabwe v Ireland, 3rd One Day International, Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe, 17 December 2023

Zimbabwe 197 (40 overs; J Gumbie 72, S Raza 37; G Hume 4-34)
Ireland 204-3 (37.5 overs; A Balbirnie 82*, C Campher 40; B Mavuta 1-19)

Ireland won by 7 wickets (DLS Method)

Breaking news...
JP McManus will give 1million Euro to each of the 32 GAA Boards in Ireland. The distribution will be given to the clubs. It was a huge donation. He made his money as a bookmaker!
JP is well known as a philanthropist and extremely generous to good causes.

Zimbabwe v Ireland-3rd ODI
Zimbabwe 121for 6
Match abandoned-thunderstorm

CRICKET FORMALLY INCLUDED IN LA28 OLYMPIC GAMES

The ICC is thrilled at the confirmation that cricket will be part of sports programme of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 (LA28). Cricket’s inclusion was formally ratified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, following LA28’s recommendation last week.

The addition of cricket in the Olympics, for the first time since 1900, concludes a two-year process, in which the ICC worked extensively to develop an exciting proposal that supports the Olympic values and LA28’s mission to create an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners and the local community.

The Olympic Games is estimated to have an audience of more than 3 billion viewers across TV and digital platforms, representing a unique opportunity for cricket to engage new audiences and further boost the sport’s reach across the world, opening the door to a new generation of cricket enthusiasts.

Reflecting on the news, ICC Chairman Greg Barclay commented, "We are thrilled that cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games has been confirmed by the IOC Session today. To have the opportunity to showcase our great sport at the LA28 Games and hopefully many Olympic Games to come will be great for players and fans alike.

“I’d like to thank the International Olympic Committee and LA28 for their support and for their trust in our organization’s ability to deliver a world-class event and countless new Olympic fans from all over the world. The fact that the IOC confirmation of our selection occurred here in Mumbai, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, is truly icing on the cake. The innings has just begun, and we can't wait to see where this incredible journey leads.”

Mithali Raj, former India captain and leading female run scorer of all time said: “It is so exciting that cricket is now an Olympic sport and will make its return at LA28. Players will get the chance to compete for an Olympic gold medal and be part of the games which will be so special. It’s also a chance for more fans around the world to enjoy our fantastic sport.”

Despite record 9th and 10th wicket stands for Ireland, and career-best scores for Barry McCarthy, Craig Young and Josh Little, the Men in Green fell to a 48-run loss to England in the second of the three-match One Day International (ODI) series at Trent Bridge.

George Dockrell’s all-round performance – scoring 43 runs and taking 3-43 – grabbed the plaudits for Ireland, it wasn’t enough to stop a rampant England from claiming a win to go 1-0 up in the three-match series after game 1 was lost to the weather.

Ireland made one change from the side that beat Nepal in their last One Day International – with Craig Young coming in for Gareth Delany, while England gave international debuts to Sam Hain, Jamie Smith, Tom Hartley, and George Scrimshaw.

In stark contrast to Headingley on Wednesday, Trent Bridge was bathed in sunshine, as Ireland captain Paul Stirling won the toss and elected to bowl first, looking to extract some movement from the pitch early on. However, it was England who started on the front foot, with openers Phil Salt and Will Jacks striking 55 off the first six overs.

To stop the flow of runs, Stirling turned to his change-bowler Young - and that decision proved incisive as the North Down paceman took two wickets in three balls - first he removed Salt (28) clipping the ball straight to Stirling at extra cover, and Zak Crawley (0) trapped lbw.

With Ireland looking to capitalise on the in-roads, England’s Will Jacks (94) and Ben Duckett (48) began to counter-attack with a 101-run stand – followed up by debutant Sam Hain smashing 89 off 82 balls – and England finished strongly registering 334-8 from their 50 overs.

While the numbers looked like it was a tough day out for the Irish bowlers, the truth was that – the first six overs aside – they acquitted themselves reasonably well, but were met by a home side that came out swinging and determined to ride their luck at times.

Set a target of 335, Ireland’s top-order started well scoring 46 from the first 26 balls, but soon found themselves two wickets down after Andrew Balbirnie (14) and Stirling (25) in two balls. Curtis Campher (9) and Lorcan Tucker (11) came and went, but
Harry Tector stroked a confident 39 (five fours) before succumbing to Rehan Ahmed – following a spectacular diving catch by Jacks - and Ireland were reeling at 121-5 in the 20th over.

More wickets fell and when Mark Adair was trapped in front for 12, Ireland was heading to an early defeat at 157-7. Or so those watching the game may have reasonably surmised. Dockrell (43) began to play more expensively, while McCarthy (with an ODI career-best 41), Young (with a career-best 40*) and Little (with a career-best 29) showed spirited fight and resilience, to bring the game into the final four overs.

In the end Ireland had conceded too many runs with the ball early and had spent the match trying to catch up. The defeat made narrower with ODI-record ninth wicket and tenth wicket partnerships of 43 and 55 respectively.

The sides will meet again in the final ODI on Tuesday 26 September at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol, with a 12.30pm start.

MATCH SUMMARY
England v Ireland, 2nd One-Day International, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 23 September 2023
England 334-8 (50 overs; W Jacks 94, S Hain 89; G Dockrell 3-43)
Ireland 286 (46.4 overs; G Dockrell 43, B McCarthy 41; R Ahmed 4-54)
England won by 48 runs

You don't need to suffer the wet, windy and cold weather in Ireland. Treat yourself to a Caribbean holiday with cricket!

Cricket West Indies (CWI) today confirmed the start times for the first ever Christmas Series played between West Indies and England in December 2023. The series will feature eight matches – three CG United One-Day Internationals (ODI) and five T20 Internationals (T20I) from 3 to 21 December as fans get the opportunity to rally at home and celebrate with the West Indies ahead of the Christmas holidays.

England arrive in Antigua to start the tour with two CG United ODIs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on 3 and 6 December. The 1st CG United ODI is a day game starting at 9:30am with the 2nd CG United ODI starting at 1:30pm as a day/night game. The 3rd and final CG United ODI to be played at Kensington Oval, Barbados on 9 December will also be a day/night game starting at 1:30pm.

The five-match T20I starts in Barbados with the first match played at Kensington Oval under lights starting at 6pm. The Spice Isle of Grenada then welcomes both teams for the 2nd and 3rd T20Is on 14 and 16 December with both matches starting at 1:30pm.

The tour concludes in the week before Christmas with the 4th and 5th T20Is on December 19 and 21. The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad will be hosting a West Indies vs England men’s fixture for the first time with day/night matches starting at 4pm.

Fans can purchase tickets in advance from the Windies Tickets service presented by Mastercard at Tickets.Windiescricket.com . Fans who purchase online and in advance can choose their preferred seats and benefit from a discount compared to tickets purchased at the venue box office.

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE (with start times)

3 December: 1st CG United ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua – 9:30am

6 December: 2nd CG United ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua – 1:30pm

9 December: 3rd CG United at Kensington Oval, Barbados – 1:30pm

12 December: 1st T20I at Kensington Oval, Barbados – 6pm

14 December: 2nd T20I at Grenada National Stadium, Grenada – 1:30pm

16 December: 3rd T20I at Grenada National Stadium, Grenada – 1:30pm

19 December: 4th T20I at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad – 4pm

21 December: 5th T20I at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad – 4pm

A classy unbeaten century by Irish international Leah Paul led Merrion to the Arachas Women’s All-Ireland T20 Cup win, while CIYMS won the Men’s Cup title via a Super Over at Malahide today.

In the first game of the day, Merrion won in comprehensive fashion over Fox Lodge by 170 runs in a game reduced to 19 overs-a-side – with Paul’s near faultless century the headline act. Blasting 18 boundaries in her 62-ball knock, Paul dominated the North West side’s bowling attack ably supported by Rachel Delaney’s 36 and Polly Inglis’ 42* from just 19 balls.

In response to Merrion’s 230-3, Fox Lodge battled well to be 53-3 in the 10th over, but then suffered a batting collapse that saw seven wickets fall for just seven runs.

Merrion secured their second-straight Arachas Women’s All-Ireland T20 Cup retaining the dominance of Leinster sides in the Cup competition.

MATCH SUMMARY

Merrion Women v Fox Lodge Women, Women’s All-Ireland T20 Cup Final, Malahide, 27 August 2023

Merrion 230-3 (19 overs; L Paul 112*, P Inglis 42*; L Neely 1-43)
Fox Lodge 60 (13 overs; S Black 29; J Morrissey 2-4, S Stewart 2-4)

Merrion won by 170 run

In the second game of the day, Balbriggan’s Greg Ford struck a six off the last regulation ball to take the Arachas Men’s All-Ireland T20 Cup Final into a Super Over – however, a brilliant display of death overs bowling by CIYMS’s Irish international Mark Adair saw the Belfast side win their second successive Cup.

After being sent into bat first, cup-holders CIYMS started sprightly with Ross Adair (23 from 12 balls) and Chris Dougherty (16 from 20 balls) taking 35 runs from the first 22 balls of the match, before Adair fell to a spectacular running catch at mid-on by Andrew Darroch.

The Belfast-based side were looking to implement their usual aggressive batting style, but while the runs flowed increasingly wickets fell – and by the time an extended rain delay was experienced at the 15 over mark, CIYMS was 102-5.

Conditions turned dark and stormy for a brief period, and after a 45-minute delay CIYMS resumed their innings, striking 32 runs from the final three overs – with two overs lost to the delay. Tyron Koen’s cameo of 36 from 25 balls adding a late injection of runs, with his side finishing on 134-7. Farooq Nasr’s 2-15 from three overs was the pick of the bowlers in the now blustery conditions.

Set a revised 138 from 18 overs as a target, Balbriggan began with intent – Connor Fletcher (22) and Nasr (14) struck 32 from the first 26 balls before Allen Coulter intervened claiming two wickets in two balls to have the Leinster side at 32-2 in the fifth over. Theo van Woerkom then struck with his first ball, getting Nasr caught-and-bowled, before Greg Ford (59*) and Chris DeFreitas (37*) combined for a 98-run unbeaten partnership from 71 balls – culminating in the dramatic last-ball maximum.

In the Super Over, Mark Adair used his guile and experience to restrict Balbriggan to 5-1, before his brother Ross hit the winning runs for a memorable CIYMS victory.

MATCH SUMMARY

Balbriggan Men v CIYMS Men, Men’s All-Ireland T20 Cup Final, Malahide, 27 August 2023

CIYMS 134-7 (18 overs; T Koen 36, R Adair 23; F Nasr 2-15) and 6-0 (0.5 overs)
Balbriggan 137-3 (18 overs; G Ford 59*; A Coulter 2-18) and 5-1 (1 over)

CIYMS won by Super Over

Andrew Balbirnie hit 72 off 51 balls in an exciting yet losing cause as India takes a 2-0 lead in the three-match Joy e-bike T20I series at Malahide today.

Under warm, near cloudless conditions Ireland’s captain Paul Stirling won the toss and sent India in to bat first. After the visitors raced to 29 in the fourth over, Craig Young made the initial breakthrough for the Men in Green with Yashaswi Jaiswal out caught by Curtis Campher for 18 off 11 balls. Barry McCarthy then struck a second blow three balls later by removing Tilak Varma for 1, leaving India at 34-2 in the 5th over.

With Ireland sensing in-roads into the Indian batting line-up, Sanju Samson (40 from 26 balls) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (58 from 43 balls) fought back with a sprightly 71-run stand from 49 balls – peppering the boundary with 10 fours and a six to provide a launch pad for the expected final overs onslaught. Samson, in particular, was finding the straight boundaries with ease. However, just as he was looking set for a game-changing knock, he dragged on a ball that kept low from Ben White. Gaikwad – shortly after registering his 2nd T20I half-century – was soon back in the pavilion as well, having picked out Harry Tector at long on, India 129-4 with 5 overs to go.

Overs 16 to 18 went by modestly, with only 14 runs coming from them, but the tide then turned in the final two overs as the Indian batters took 42 from the last 15 balls. 22 runs came from the 19th by McCarthy, while 20 runs – and a wicket – from the last from Mark Adair as Rinku Singh (38 from 21 balls) and Shivam Dube (22 from 16 balls) smashed five sixes in a death overs assault on the home side attack. With that late boost, India finished on 185-5 from their 20 overs.

Needing a positive start in the run chase, Ireland stuttered losing three wickets in the powerplay to be 31-3 after 6 overs – Stirling (0), Tucker (0) and Tector (7) falling cheaply, each looking to play aggressive strokes on a pitch that was becoming a little slower as the day progressed.

Andrew Balbirnie (72) and Campher (18) steadied the ship with a 35-run partnership from 27 balls, before George Dockrell entered the fray at 63-4 at exactly the halfway mark of the innings. Balbirnie brought up his 10th T20I half-century as he and Dockrell began to up the run rate. The pair put on 52 in five overs before an unfortunate mix-up saw Dockrell run out for 13.

After two crowd-pleasing sixes from Balbirnie, the opener fell feathering a ball outside off from Arshdeep Singh, and Ireland’s cause looked lost at 123-6.

Adair provided a late flurry of runs (23 off 15 balls), but Ireland couldn’t sustain the rate and eventually fell 33 runs short.

MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Men v India Men, 2nd T20I, Malahide, 20 August 2023
India 185-5 (20 overs; R Gaikwad 58, S Samson 40; B McCarthy 2-36)
Ireland 152-8 (20 overs; A Balbirnie 72; J Bumrah 2-15)
India won by 33 runs

Heavy rain left Ireland frustrated in their curtailed T20I opener against India at Malahide, suffering a narrow two-run loss via the DLS method, despite Craig Young’s two wickets in two balls right before showers forced play to be suspended.
Ireland, put into bat, collapsed early on, falling to 31-5 before Curtis Campher and Barry McCarthy’s rescue act, but Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad did just enough to keep them above the required score before the rain ended the proceedings.
India fielded two T20I debutants in Rinku Singh and Prasidh Krishna, with captain Jasprit Bumrah, also returning after a long layoff, proving he was back to his formidable best in his very first over. After electing to field, he bowled Andrew Balbirnie with a blistering delivery off just his second ball. Balbirnie got an inside edge onto his off stump, having taken a four off Bumrah’s first ball.
Later in the over, Bumrah had a second. Lorcan Tucker tried to ramp a length ball but lobbed it straight up to Sanju Samson with the keeping gloves. Four overs later, Harry Tector went in exactly the same fashion, this time giving Krishna his first T20I wicket
With Paul Stirling out two balls later for a run-a-ball 11, the collapse was on, leaving Ireland on 30-4 at the end of the powerplay. George Dockrell and Mark Adair couldn’t arrest the slide, leaving Ireland staring down the barrel.
But Barry McCarthy’s late innings onslaught brought him a maiden T20I half-century and powered Ireland back into the game. He and Campher put on a 57-run partnership off 44 balls, accelerating towards the end of the innings to bring Ireland back in the game. Campher departed two overs before the end of the innings to a ripper of a yorker from Arshdeep Singh: that’s when McCarthy took on the scoring mantle solo.
Having already hit an enormous six into the trees, he took 21 off Arshdeep’s final over. A six off the penultimate ball was followed by a shoulder-height beamer from Arshdeep, giving McCarthy - on 45 at the time - the chance to get to fifty off a free hit on the final ball of the innings.
He did not disappoint. Served up a wide full toss, McCarthy flayed the ball over cover boundary for six. Having been on 59-6 in the 11th over, McCarthy’s boundary-fueled blitz gave Ireland a more defendable total of 139-7. Even so, a monumental effort was needed from Josh Little - fresh off his stint in the Hundred -
India’s young, IPL-honed opening partnership set about keeping their rate above par score as the drizzle increasingly threatened play. Yashasvi Jaiswal took two boundaries off Mark Adair’s first over, taking advantage of the slight overpitching.
Little interrupted the flow of runs with his first play of the game, however, conceding three singles before he was sure he had Jaiswal caught behind off his fifth ball. Ultra-edge, though, showed the ball just missing the bat, doubly frustrating for Ireland after an easy runout chance had been missed just two balls earlier.
The India openers managed to hit just enough boundaries to stay ahead of the rate as the powerplay continued, Gaikwad hitting the first six of the innings with a pull behind square off McCarthy.
But, in the space of an over, Craig Young threatened to turn the game. He saw the end of Jaiswal with his second delivery, Stirling taking a swirling high catch, before getting Tilak Varma with his next. Varma was cramped for room by a short ball but got a feather edge down the leg side for Tucker to take a good diving catch. With India 46-2 and the DLS par score at 44, the game was finely balanced as the rain started to get heavier.
Two balls later, it was too heavy to continue, and covers were brought out onto the pitch. As the rain turned into a deluge, play was unable to resume, giving India a two-run victory via the DLS method. It was a frustrating end to the game for the hosts after two pieces of individual genius right before the halt.

The second T20I will begin on Sunday, August 20, at 3pm local time.

MATCH SCORECARD
Ireland Men v India Men, 1st T20I, Malahide, 18 August 2023
Ireland 139-7 (20 overs; B McCarthy 51*, C Campher 39; J Bumrah 2-24)
India 47-2 (6.5 overs; y Jaiswal 24; C Young 2-2)
India won by 2 runs (DLS)

Patrick Kruger led Derriaghy to its first-ever Arachas National Cup title defeating Cliftonville Academy by 4 wickets in a rain-affected match at Waringstown today.
After winning the toss, Cliftonville Academy captain Max Burton chose to bat first, however may have soon been regretting his decision after he watched on from the non-strikers end as two wickets fell in the first two overs of this 40 over-a-side match. Burton was joined by Jared Wilson (15) and the pair batted determinedly to stabilise the innings - but on 32, Burton top-edged a pull shot and was caught at deep mid-wicket by a running Craig Lewis.
A brilliant direct hit run out by Jordan Wade then saw the end of Wilson with Cliftonville Academy sitting at a precarious 72-4 in the 15th over.
Abhishek Raut (25) and Varun Chopra (35) added much needed middle-order runs before Derriaghy’s pace bowlers Patrick Kruger (4-27) and Lewis (3-31) ran through the lower order – the last six wickets falling for 64 runs with Cliftonville Academy bowled out for 155 in 36.2 overs.
With several rain delays, the match was reduced to a 37 over-a-side affair with the DLS adjusted target for Derriaghy set at 155.
When Richard Hood bowled a wicket maiden to start the second innings, the spirits of Cliftonville Academy fans rose in anticipation, but Derriaghy opener Matthew Halliday quickly reeled off seven boundaries – many being well-timed pull shots to cow corner – to swing the momentum of the match back towards the Derriaghy side.
However, just as Halliday threatened to take the game away, he blazed a short ball to fielder Andrew Forbes at deep mid-wicket, out for 41 (44). Shortly afterwards the rain returned and after a lengthy delay the teams resumed the match with a further seven overs lost and a DLS-revised target of 139 confirmed. Returning to the crease, Kruger set about finishing the game as quickly as possible. He struck five fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 51 from 45 balls to lead Derriaghy to the title – picking up Player of the Match in the process.
MATCH SUMMARY
Derriaghy CC v Cliftonville Academy CC, Arachas National Cup Final, Waringstown, 13 August 2023
Cliftonville Academy 155 (36.2 overs; V Chopra 35, M Burton 32; P Kruger 4-27)
Derriaghy 139-6 (28.3 overs; P Kruger 51*, M Halliday 41; B Kane 3-30)
Derriaghy won by 4 wickets