Ireland Scripts History with First-Ever Test Win
One-off Test: Afghanistan vs Ireland – Match Summary
On 22nd June 2017, Ireland, along with Afghanistan, were confirmed as Full Members by the ICC, marking their entry into Test cricket. Fast forward nearly seven years, Ireland has achieved their maiden Test victory in their eighth attempt, against none other than their former Associate team member, Afghanistan.
The two teams had previously clashed in a Test match in 2019, where Afghanistan secured their first Test win against Ireland.
Number of Matches to Register First Men’s Test Win by Teams
| Team | Matches for First Test Win |
|---|---|
| Australia | 1 |
| England | 2 |
| Pakistan | 2 |
| Afghanistan | 2 |
| West Indies | 6 |
| Ireland | 8 |
| Zimbabwe | 11 |
| South Africa | 12 |
| Sri Lanka | 14 |
| India | 25 |
| Bangladesh | 35 |
| New Zealand | 45 |
Ireland debuted in Test cricket in May 2018 against Pakistan, almost a year after achieving Test status. They played two more Tests in 2019, losing to Afghanistan and England, and four in 2023, with losses against England, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
In their eighth Test, a one-off encounter in Abu Dhabi, Ireland were put in to bowl by Afghanistan. The Irish bowlers, led by Mark Adair, capitalized on the conditions and put up a brilliant display, rolling over the Afghan batting line-up.
In response, Ireland, after an initial stumble, managed to put up a solid performance, led by mature knocks from Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker, and Andy McBrine, securing a significant 108-run lead.
Adair continued his brilliant form, removing key Afghan batsmen early. Despite a fightback from Afghanistan’s top and middle order, Ireland managed to restrict them to 218, setting a target of 111 to win.
Andy Balbirnie’s fine knock of 62 helped Ireland post 157 against England in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 clash.
Despite a modest target, Afghanistan made things difficult for Ireland, reducing them to 13/3, thanks to a stunning opening spell from Naveed Zadran and Nijat Masood.
Ireland’s captain, Andrew Balbirnie, then steadied the ship, first with Paul Stirling and then with Tucker, sharing a half-century stand for the fifth wicket to guide Ireland to victory.
Balbirnie’s unbeaten 58 led Ireland to a historic six-wicket win over Afghanistan on Day 3, creating a new chapter in their cricketing history.