Ireland Stuns South Africa with Historic T20I Victory

Ireland Stuns South Africa with Historic T20I Victory

Ireland’s historic victory over South Africa in the second Twenty20 international on Sunday in Abu Dhabi marked a significant milestone for the Irish cricket team. It was their first-ever win over the Proteas in a men’s T20I, tying the two-match series 1-1.

Ross Adair’s scintillating century, the third by an Irishman in a T20 international, propelled Ireland to a formidable total of 195 for 6. Adair’s nine sixes, a new Irish T20 record, set the tone for Ireland’s aggressive batting display. Captain Paul Stirling also contributed with a solid 52, forming a formidable opening partnership of 137 runs.

South Africa’s chase started promisingly, with Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke scoring half-centuries. However, Ireland’s Mark Adair turned the tide with a devastating spell of bowling, claiming 4 for 31 in his four overs. His wickets included the crucial dismissal of Tristan Stubbs, who had threatened to take the game away from Ireland.

South Africa’s innings crumbled from 157 for 4 to 185 for 9, as Ireland’s bowlers maintained their discipline and accuracy. The Proteas’ hopes were dashed when Hendricks was dismissed for 51, leaving them with too much to do in the final overs.

Ireland’s victory was a testament to their growing strength in the T20 format. They have now won four of their last five T20Is, including a historic win over England earlier this year. The series tie against South Africa is a further indication of their progress and potential.

The two teams will now shift their focus to the three-match ODI series, which begins in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Ireland will be aiming to continue their momentum and secure a series victory against one of the world’s top cricketing nations.

Ireland Aim to Ride ODI Momentum into T20 Series Against England

Ireland Aim to Ride ODI Momentum into T20 Series Against England

Ireland’s thrilling final-ball victory in the third ODI against England has ignited a surge of optimism within the team as they prepare for the T20 leg of the tour in Dublin. Gaby Lewis, Ireland’s stand-in captain, believes the momentum from their triumph will propel them to success in the shorter format.

Lewis’s match-winning 72 from 56 balls in the third ODI was instrumental in Ireland’s narrow three-wicket victory. Despite a spirited fightback from England, led by Lauren Filer and Mady Villiers, Ireland’s lower-order held their nerve to secure the win.

The result may not have altered the series outcome, which England claimed 2-1, but it has instilled a sense of belief in the Irish team. After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the T20 World Cup, the victory has provided a much-needed boost.

“It’s huge,” said Lewis. “It puts the defeat in the last game to the back of our minds. We’re looking forward to bringing that positivity into these two games this weekend.”

The fact that Ireland prevailed in a shortened 22-over contest has further bolstered their confidence in the T20 format. “It gives us that confidence in the T20 format,” said Lewis. “We’re looking forward to a 2-0 series win this weekend!”

England captain Kate Cross acknowledged Ireland’s superiority in the third ODI but praised her team’s resilience. “Ireland were the better team in that third ODI,” said Cross. “But what our girls did really well was they fought to stay in the game.”

Cross also highlighted the learning opportunities presented by the setback, particularly for the six new caps who featured in the series. “We got a little bit of a sniff at the end of that game,” said Cross. “But incidents like what happened with Hollie [Armitage’s misfield] are just part of the game.”

England’s T20I squad will feature several new faces, including Seren Smale and Charis Pavely. Katie George has also been called up as cover for Mahika Gaur, who is recovering from a side strain.

“Mahika is coming back from an injury,” said Cross. “Katie’s been added to the squad to just give us a little bit more depth in the seam attack.”

With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, both Ireland and England will be eager to make a statement in the upcoming matches. Ireland will be looking to continue their winning ways, while England will be determined to prove their mettle in the shorter format.

Ireland Drops Balbirnie from T20I Squad, Explores New Dynamic

Ireland Drops Balbirnie from T20I Squad, Explores New Dynamic

Ireland’s cricket team is undergoing a strategic shift in its T20I squad, with the selectors opting to drop Test captain Andy Balbirnie in favor of a “new dynamic” at the top of the order. Balbirnie, Ireland’s second-highest T20I run-scorer, has struggled for form this year, averaging a modest 24.83 and striking at a rate of only 113.74.

National selector Andrew White explained the decision, stating that the team is exploring new options in the T20I format. Lorcan Tucker, who opened the batting in Balbirnie’s absence in Leinster Lightning’s recent T20 match, is a potential candidate to replace him as Paul Stirling’s opening partner.

While Balbirnie will sit out the T20Is, he remains a key figure in the ODI squad and will continue to open the batting alongside Stirling in that format. Josh Little, who is currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League, is not included in either squad.

The upcoming series against South Africa marks the start of a new cycle for Ireland’s white-ball teams, with the 2026 and 2027 T20 and 50-over World Cups on the horizon. The selectors are looking to deepen the pool of international cricketers and provide opportunities for players like Gavin Hoey, an uncapped legspinner, to gain experience.

Ireland will host South Africa’s tour in Abu Dhabi due to infrastructure constraints, but they hope to overcome these challenges with the development of a new national stadium. South Africa has already announced its squads for the series, with many of their first-choice players rested.

Ireland Women Seal Historic ODI Victory Over England

Ireland Women Seal Historic ODI Victory Over England

Ireland’s women’s cricket team celebrated a historic victory over England in the third and final ODI of their series in Belfast, securing their first win against their rivals since 2001. Despite a late collapse, Ireland held their nerve to chase down England’s total of 153 with just three wickets to spare.

The match was reduced to 22 overs per side due to rain delays, and Ireland’s bowlers made the most of the conditions. Aimee Maguire, who turned 18 just two days before the match, claimed a career-best 5 for 19, including the wickets of England’s top scorer Tammy Beaumont (52) and Freya Kemp (3).

England’s innings was characterized by a lack of support for Beaumont, with only Ryana Macdonald-Gay (17) reaching double figures. Ireland’s fielding was also impressive, with Jane Maguire taking a brilliant catch at cover to dismiss Emma Lamb.

In reply, Ireland’s chase got off to a flying start thanks to Gaby Lewis, who scored 72 from 56 balls. However, a collapse of five wickets for 13 runs, including three in three balls from Mady Villiers, threatened to derail their victory hopes.

But Alana Dalzell held her nerve in the final over, striking a last-ball four to seal the win. The victory was aided by a misfield from Hollie Armitage, who ran past her attempted gather while looking into the sun.

Ireland’s victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. Aimee Maguire’s superb bowling performance and Lewis’s aggressive batting set the foundation for their success. The win will give Ireland confidence as they prepare for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.

England Women Crush Ireland by 275 Runs, Beaumont Scores Century

England Women Crush Ireland by 275 Runs, Beaumont Scores Century

England Women’s cricket team secured an emphatic 275-run victory over Ireland in the second ODI at Stormont, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Tammy Beaumont’s unbeaten 150 was the cornerstone of England’s dominant performance, while Kate Cross’s career-best bowling figures of 3 for 8 dismantled Ireland’s batting lineup.

Beaumont’s century, her 10th in ODIs, propelled her to the top of England’s all-time list for most hundreds in the format. She now trails only Meg Lanning (15) and Suzie Bates (13) on the overall list. The 31-year-old opener faced just 139 deliveries, striking 16 fours and a six, as England chased down Ireland’s paltry total of 45 with 33.1 overs to spare.

Ireland’s batting collapse was triggered by Cross, who claimed three wickets in her opening spell. The England captain, who had also starred with both bat and ball in the first ODI, continued her impressive form, bowling with pace and accuracy. Freya Kemp, who is part of England’s T20 World Cup squad but was sent to Ireland to regain form, contributed 65 runs to England’s total. The 19-year-old all-rounder also chipped in with two wickets.

Lauren Filer, who was overlooked for the T20 World Cup, took 3 for 10, while debutant Georgia Davis claimed 2 for 19. Ireland’s total of 45 was their lowest-ever in ODIs, highlighting the gulf in class between the two sides.

Beaumont, who has been dropped from England’s T20I team, emphasized that her performance was not about proving anyone wrong. “I’ve got nothing left to prove in my game,” she said. “I’m playing for me and playing for England and playing for my team-mates.”

The victory extends England’s dominance over Ireland, who have now lost 10 consecutive ODIs against their rivals. The two teams will meet again in the third and final ODI on Wednesday, before England travel to Dublin for three T20Is.

Kate Cross to Captain England for First Time in Ireland Series

Kate Cross to Captain England for First Time in Ireland Series

Kate Cross, the experienced England all-rounder, is set to make history as she captains her country for the first time in the upcoming series against Ireland. With the majority of England’s T20 World Cup squad rested, Cross will lead a second-string team in three ODIs and three T20Is at Stormont and Castle Avenue, respectively.

Cross, who has captained Lancashire Thunder and Manchester Originals domestically, expressed her excitement and determination to lead England in her own unique style. She acknowledged the guidance she has received from former captains Charlotte Edwards and Heather Knight, but emphasized her intention to approach the role with her own approach.

While England’s primary goal is to secure victories, especially in the ODIs which are part of the ICC Women’s Championship, the tour also provides an opportunity for fringe players to showcase their abilities and stake a claim for regular international involvement. Cross believes that the competition within the squad will drive players to perform at their best.

Ireland, who recently defeated Sri Lanka in an ODI series, are not taking England’s weakened squad lightly. Captain Gaby Lewis stated that her team will prepare thoroughly regardless of the opposition and expects a competitive series. She highlighted the experience and talent within England’s second-string squad and emphasized the importance of Ireland’s own preparation.

The series marks England’s first tour of Ireland since 1995, and both captains believe it will help raise the profile of women’s cricket in the country. Cross hopes that the matches will inspire young Irish girls to take up the sport, while Lewis emphasized the role of Irish players as role models for the next generation.

India-Born Ireland Cricketer Battles Acute Liver Failure, Awaits Transplant

India-Born Ireland Cricketer Battles Acute Liver Failure, Awaits Transplant

India-born Irish cricketer Simranjit Singh, known as Simi Singh, is battling for his life in the ICU of Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, India. The 37-year-old all-rounder is suffering from acute liver failure and is awaiting a liver transplant.

Singh’s journey to Ireland began in 2005 when he left his hometown of Mohali, Punjab, to pursue hotel management. However, his passion for cricket followed him, and he joined Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin as a professional in 2006.

Singh’s health issues began around five months ago in Dublin, with a persistent fever that baffled medical professionals. After inconclusive check-ups, he returned to India in late June for further treatment.

Initial consultations and treatment at PGI, Chandigarh, focused on tuberculosis, but tests later ruled out the disease. As Singh’s condition worsened, he was transferred to a private hospital in Mohali, where he was diagnosed with acute liver failure.

On September 3, Singh was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he is currently waiting for a liver transplant. His wife, Agamdeep Kaur, has agreed to donate a part of her liver.

Singh’s blood group, AB+, makes him a universal receiver, increasing the chances of a successful transplant. Doctors are optimistic about the outcome and believe it will give Singh a new lease of life.

Singh has been a key player for Ireland since his debut in 2017. He has represented the country in 35 One-Day Internationals and 53 T20 Internationals, taking 39 ODI wickets and 44 T20I wickets. He also holds the distinction of scoring an ODI century against South Africa in 2019.

In 2020, Singh became one of the first 19 players to receive a central contract from Cricket Ireland, marking a significant milestone in the development of Irish cricket.

Gaby Lewis to Lead Ireland in White-Ball Series Against England

Gaby Lewis to Lead Ireland in White-Ball Series Against England

Gaby Lewis, Ireland’s experienced all-rounder, will lead the team in their upcoming white-ball series against England at home. Lewis has recovered from a quad strain sustained earlier this month and will take over the captaincy from Laura Delany, who is still recovering from an ankle ligament injury.

Alice Tector, who made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka, has earned her maiden T20I call-up. She is the sister of Ireland men’s batter Harry Tector. Una Raymond-Hoey, who missed the first T20I against Sri Lanka due to injury, has returned to both the ODI and T20I squads.

National selector Ciara O’Brien expressed disappointment over Delany’s absence but praised Lewis’s leadership qualities. “Gaby has led before in Laura’s absence. We’re very comfortable with her stepping in to lead for the England series and know that she will bring her impeccable high standards to the role,” O’Brien said.

Lewis, who scored her maiden T20I century against Sri Lanka, is Ireland’s leading run-scorer in the format and the second-most experienced player behind Delany. She captained Ireland in their historic first-ever ODI win over Sri Lanka, a series that saw Ireland earn their first points in the Women’s Championship 2022-25.

The Irish squad for the series is a young one, with an average age of less than 22 years. O’Brien urged Irish cricket fans to support the team. “This is a young side, with an average age of less than 22 years, and we hope that all Irish cricket fans to turn up and support the team,” she said.

Ireland and England will play three ODIs in Belfast before moving to Dublin for three T20Is. The ODIs are part of the Women’s Championship, while the T20Is will serve as preparation for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka Women Seal Consolation Win in Final ODI Against Ireland

Sri Lanka Women Seal Consolation Win in Final ODI Against Ireland

Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team ended their tour of Ireland on a high note, securing an eight-wicket victory in the third and final ODI in Belfast. The win was set up by a dominant bowling performance led by Achini Kulasuriya, who claimed three wickets in the opening overs.

Ireland, who had already clinched the series 2-0, were sent into bat after Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss. Kulasuriya struck with the first two balls of the innings, dismissing Sarah Forbes and Amy Hunter for ducks. Orla Prendergast, the Ireland captain, also fell cheaply to Kulasuriya, leaving the hosts reeling at 10 for 3.

Inoshi Priyadharshani and Amy Kanchana chipped in with a wicket apiece, and Ireland were reduced to 28 for 5 in the 15th over. A fightback was led by Leah Paul and Arlene Kelly, who added 36 runs between them. However, Paul was eventually dismissed by Sachini Nisansala for 19, and a flurry of wickets followed.

Canning became Athapaththu’s first wicket, Kelly the second, and between them Athapaththu and Nisansala finished the innings off. Priyadharshini returned remarkable figures of 10-5-7-1, the second-most miserly ODI spell by a Sri Lanka woman cricketer.

In reply, Sri Lanka’s openers Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne put on a 32-run stand. Athapaththu then combined with Harshitha Samarawickrama for a 62-run partnership, taking Sri Lanka to 94 with 32 overs remaining.

Athapaththu’s 48 came off 49 balls and included ten fours. Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 48, hitting seven fours of her own. Kavisha Dilhari contributed 10 not out as Sri Lanka reached their target in 23.1 overs.

The win was a consolation for Sri Lanka, who had lost the first two ODIs and the two-match T20I series 1-1.

Gaby Lewis Century Powers Ireland to Thrilling T20I Win Over Sri Lanka

Gaby Lewis Century Powers Ireland to Thrilling T20I Win Over Sri Lanka

Ireland’s Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast starred in a thrilling seven-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I in Dublin, leveling the two-match series 1-1.

Lewis, who had scored a century in the first T20I, continued her impressive form with a smashing 119 off 75 balls. She found an able ally in Prendergast, who contributed 38 off 31 balls. The duo shared a 119-run partnership for the second wicket, laying the foundation for Ireland’s competitive total of 173 for 3.

Lewis reached her fifty off 40 balls and accelerated her scoring rate thereafter. She struck 17 fours and two sixes in her innings, including three fours in the final over. Prendergast provided valuable support, hitting back-to-back fours in the 12th over and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a shaky start with the early loss of Vishmi Gunaratne. However, Harshitha Samarawickrama threatened to repeat her heroics from the first T20I, striking two fours in the first over and a six off Jane Maguire.

Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari put on a 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket, keeping Sri Lanka in the hunt. But Maguire’s dismissal of Samarawickrama for 65 off 44 balls proved to be a turning point.

Dilhari continued to find the boundaries, but Sri Lanka lost wickets at the other end. They needed 22 off the last two overs and 16 off six. Dilhari struck a six in the final over to reach her fifty, but with eight needed off two, she failed to connect cleanly, allowing Ireland to level the series.

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