Ireland
Captain: Andrew Balbirnie
About
Cricket Ireland achieved ICC Full Member status in 2017 and played their inaugural Test match against Pakistan at Malahide in May 2018, becoming the 12th nation to play Test cricket. Before that elevation, Ireland had already established themselves as the most dangerous giant-killers in Associate cricket: their 2007 World Cup victories over Pakistan (a stunning three-wicket win in Jamaica) and England are among the most celebrated upsets in the tournament's history. Kevin O'Brien's astonishing century off 50 balls against England at the 2011 World Cup — the fastest by a batsman in World Cup history at that point — encapsulates the team's ability to produce match-winning performances on the biggest stages. Captain Andrew Balbirnie and opening batsman Paul Stirling are Ireland's most consistent performers, with Stirling accumulating more T20I runs than any other Irish cricketer. Malahide Cricket Club and The Village (Rathmines) serve as their two primary home grounds, both offering atmospheric conditions. Ireland's ambition is to become a consistent Test nation and reach the knockout stages of ICC global events.