News

BELFAST – The best v best Emerald Challenge returns in 2025 – this time the series will feature three 50-over matches between the Raiders and the Strikers, played on 1, 3 and 5 September 2025 at Stormont.

These three List A matches are an important part of Ireland Men’s preparations for both the upcoming T20I series against England Men next month and – looking further ahead – for the qualifier for the next ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

Heinrich Malan, Ireland Men’s Head Coach, said:

“After a good block of domestic inter-provincial cricket, we’re turning our attention to the international challenges ahead. The Emerald Challenge will support our preparations on two levels – firstly, we are around 18 months out from the all-important Cricket World Cup Qualifier and will use these matches to take stock of the progression of our 50-over cricket talent pool. Secondly, many of the players in the Emerald Challenge are also pushing for selection in the upcoming T20I series against England. While a different format, this series will provide players vital competitive cricket and enable some players who haven’t had much cricket this year to get some time in the middle. Additionally, as we currently manage a few players through injuries, these three games will provide the opportunity for a number of fringe and emerging players to put their case forward for inclusion in upcoming international squads and winter tours.”

EMERALD CHALLENGE

The Emerald Challenge schedule is:

• 1 September: Raiders v Strikers, Emerald Challenge (50-over match; Stormont; start 10.45am)
• 3 September: Raiders v Strikers, Emerald Challenge (50-over match; Stormont; start 10.45am)
• 5 September: Raiders v Strikers, Emerald Challenge (50-over match; Stormont; start 10.45am)

The venue is Stormont Cricket Ground. Entry for spectators is free.

You can follow the matches via our livescoring on the Cricket Ireland website.

SQUADS

Raiders

• Paul Stirling (c) (Northern Knights)
• Andrew Balbirnie (Pembroke / North West Warriors)
• Ben Calitz (Lisburn / Northern Knights)
• Cade Carmichael (Instonians / Northern Knights)
• David Delany (Clontarf / Leinster Lightning)
• Gareth Delany (Leinster / Munster Reds)
• Graham Hume (Waringstown / North West Warriors)
• Matthew Humphreys (Lisburn / Northern Knights)
• Tom Mayes (Waringstown / Northern Knights)
• Andrew McBrine (Donemana / North West Warriors)
• Jordan Neil (CSNI / Northern Knights)
• Morgan Topping (Waringstown / Northern Knights)
• Craig Young (North Down / North West Warriors)

Head Coach: Gary Wilson

Strikers

• Lorcan Tucker (c) (Pembroke / Leinster Lightning)
• Ross Adair (Lisburn / Northern Knights)
• Chris DeFreitas (Balbriggan / Leinster Lightning)
• George Dockrell (Phoenix / Leinster Lightning)
• Stephen Doheny (Merrion / Munster Reds)
• Matthew Foster (CSNI / Northern Knights)
• Gavin Hoey (Pembroke / Leinster Lightning)
• Matt Hollard (Balbriggan / Leinster Lightning)
• Liam McCarthy (Railway Union / Munster Reds)
• Barry McCarthy (Pembroke / Leinster Lightning)
• John McNally (Clontarf / Leinster Lightning)
• Harry Tector (Pembroke / Leinster Lightning)
• Tim Tector (Pembroke / Leinster Lightning)

Head Coach: Heinrich Malan