Ireland named a strong 15-member squad for the 3-match T20I series against India to be played at Malahide, Dublin. The matches will be held on 18th, 20th, and 23rd August. The veteran Paul Stirling has been named as the captain for the series. Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Gareth Delany, and Curtis Campher comprise batters.
Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy, and Craig Young will lead the pace bowling department. George Dockrell and Ben White comprise spin bowling options. Theo Van Woerkom has been included as the new entrant in the squad.
Ireland qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 after the Europe qualifying rounds.
“The recent qualifying campaign in Scotland was the first stage of our strategic planning for next June’s T20 World Cup,” Andrew White, Ireland Men’s national selector, said.
“We only have a limited time between now and the end of the 2023 domestic season, so it’s also crucial that we use what opportunities we must provide exposure and experience to a pool of players who we believe are in contention for making that World Cup squad,” he further added.
Ireland gave a tough fight to India in the last T20I series
The Indian Cricket Team visited Ireland for a two-match T20I series last year. Ireland gave a tough fight in both matches. The first match saw Ireland post 108 for 4 in 12 overs with India chasing down the target in 9.2 overs.
The second match was a high-scoring affair as the Indian team posted 221 for 5 in 20 overs. Ireland almost did the unthinkable as they fell short of this massive target by just 4 runs. Paul Stirling made quick fire 40 off 18 deliveries, Andrew Balbirnie 60 off 37 balls, Harry Tector 39 off 28 deliveries, Dockrell and Mark Adair put on unbeaten 47 runs for the 6th wicket.
It was a remarkable performance by the Ireland batting line-up against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Umran Malik, and Axar Patel.
Ireland squad:
Paul Stirling (C), Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Finn Hand, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Mark Adair, Theo van Woekreom, Ben White, Craig Young.
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