From creating some of the greatest upsets in cricket history to be awarded full membership of the ICC, Ireland has established itself as an emerging cricketing nation. The way Irish cricket has risen amongst the ranks is a lesson for many countries wanting to play cricket at the highest level. This article, presents some of the most glorious moments of Irish cricket.
1. Icc Associates In 1993
Cricket was introduced in Ireland way back in the late 1700s. Around the 1830s, many cricketing clubs came up, and in 1904, the Ireland team beat South Africa. By this time, cricket had picked up its pace in Ireland. However, it was in 1993 that Irish cricket got some organizational accreditation. They were granted associate membership at ICC in 1993. After this, they got to play in their first ICC trophy in 1994.
2. Full Member Status In 2017
In 2017, Ireland was awarded full membership of ICC, allowing them to play Test matches. This was a remarkable feat for Ireland cricket. They played their first Test match in 2018, becoming the 11th Test-playing nation in cricket history. Since then, Ireland has played three Test matches. This achievement meant that Ireland could now compete with the best teams in the longest format.
3. Fastest World Cup Century- Kevin O’Brien
In 2011, Kevin O’Brien, a former Ireland captain, made history for the fastest world-cup century. He did so in just 50 balls against a strong England team. The record remains unbroken to date--his inning of 113 off 63 comprised 13 fours and 6 sixes. Kevin was also named the player of the match.
4. Bowled Out England For 85 Runs In A Test Match
Ireland played their latest Test match against England at Lords in 2019. The Test match was a record-setter with multiple records being made. Ireland was playing its first Test match in England, and the visitors bowled out England for a mere 85 runs in 23.4 overs. Tim Murtagh took 5 for 13 in his nine overs and was the most successful bowler.
5. Defeated Pakistan In 2007 World Cup
Ireland’s most successful ICC campaign came in the 2007 when they reached the super-8. In the group stages, Ireland tied with Zimbabwe and beat Pakistan. The Irish bowlers restricted Pakistan to 132 in a rain-affected match. Boyd Rankin took three wickets before Niall O’Brien led the chase with his gritty 107-ball 72. In the end, Ireland won the match by 3 wickets.
6. 2011 World Cup Victory Against England
Ireland's best ODI victory was probably against England in the 2011 World Cup. Chasing a mammoth target of 328 against a solid English bowling line-up, Kevin O’Brien led the chase with his 63-ball 113. He got great support from Alex Cusac, who scored 47. Then, Tom Mooney, with his quick fire 33 off 30 took his team over the line.
7. First T20I Century For Ireland 2019
Kevin O’Brien, a legend of Ireland cricket, features on the list for the second time. He set the record of scoring the first T20I century for an Irish player. He achieved this feat in 2019 against Oman, scoring 124 off 62 balls, including twelve fours and seven sixes. Interestingly, Kevin O’Brien is also the first Ireland player to score a Test hundred.
8. 2015 World Cup Win Against West Indies
Ireland’s other feat in a world cup came in 2015 when they defeated West Indies at Saxton Oval, New Zealand. Bowling first, Ireland restricted the Windies to 304 in 50 overs, with George Dockrell picking up three wickets. Chasing such a huge target, the Ireland team saw three half-centuries from their batters. Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, and Niall O’Brien all scored the fifties, with Stirling scoring the highest at 92. This batting performance from the batters helped Ireland chase a 300-plus target in the world cup for the second time.
9. A T20I World Cup Win In 2009
Ireland achieved its first win in a T20I world cup in 2009 against Bangladesh at Nottingham. Bangladesh scored 137 in their quota of 20 overs, setting Ireland a decent target of 138. Trent Johnston stared with the ball, picking up three crucial wickets. In the chase, Niall O’Brien scored a blistering 40 of just 25 balls helping Ireland achieve a comfortable six-wicket win.
10. 2005 Intercontinental Cup Win
Ireland’s one of the most successful multi-day format triumphs was the 2005 ICC Intercontinental Cup. This was the second edition of the Intercontinental Cup. Ireland had won the Europe group comfortably and then beat the winners of the Asia group, UAE, in the knockouts. In the final, Ireland defeated Kenya from the African group to be crowned the champions. Till now, Ireland has won the title 4 times, the most by any team.
