Ireland have announced their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africascheduled from September 28 to October 7 at United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This series will mark Ireland’s return to limited-overs cricket after their disappointing campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. A key decision was the dismissal of the Test captain Andy Balbirnie from the T20I squad, despite his remarkable scoring record for Ireland.
The exception and the last battles
Balbirnie, Ireland’s second-highest run-scorer in T20Is, has struggled in recent months, averaging just 24.83 in 12 innings this year with a strike rate of 113.74. His absence from The Lightning of LeinsterThe most recent T20 match hinted at a possible change. Lorcan Tucker likely to replace it as Paul Stirling opening partner for T20Is. National team selector Andrew White explained the decision as part of exploring “new dynamics at the top of the order” in the T20 format. However, Balbirnie remains a key player in Ireland’s ODI plans and will return as opener for the ODI series.
“We will look to introduce a new dynamic, with Andrew Balbirnie sitting out the T20Is on this occasion. There are only two T20Is in the upcoming series, but they will provide important opportunities as we try to raise our performance levels. White said in a statement released by Cricket Ireland
Focus on a new cycle ahead of ICC events
White stressed that this series against South Africa represents the start of a new cycle for Ireland as they begin preparations for upcoming ICC events including Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 AND Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. With these major tournaments on the horizon, the series will serve as an opportunity to test new combinations and increase performance levels.
“2026 and 2027 are key years for our white-ball teams – those years being the next T20 and 50s World Cups respectively. Given their timelines, it means we are looking at this upcoming series against South Africa as the start of a new cycle. White finished.
Key players and fresh faces
While experienced players like Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, AND Harry Tector will appear in both teams, new faces like Matthew Humphreys AND Ben White have been included in the T20I squad, signaling Ireland’s focus on building for the future. In particular, Josh Little is unavailable for the series due to his ongoing commitments in Caribbean Premier League.
Foot-spinning machine without cap Gavin Hoey is expected to make his ODI debut, while Gareth Delaney is only included in the T20I squad. Changes from 2024 T20 World Cup Squad include the absence of both Balbirnie AND Josh Littlereplaced by emerging talents such as Humphreys.
ALSO READ: South Africa coach Rob Walter talks about Quinton de Kock’s T20I future
Series format and expectations
The series will consist of two T20Is followed by three ODIs. Ireland will be looking to improve on their recent form after a disappointing T20 World Cup and will be looking for redemption after previous back-to-back defeats in the South African series. This series will also provide valuable experience as Ireland focus on preparing for future ICC tournaments.
Ireland men’s squads for the white-ball series against South Africa:
ODI Squad:
- Paul Stirling (c)
- Mark Adair
- Andrew Balbirnie
- Curtis Camphor
- George Dockrell
- Stephen Doheny
- Gavin Hoey
- Fionn Hand
- Graham Hume
- Matthew Humphreys
- Andy McBrien
- Neil Rock
- Harry Tector
- Lorcan Tucker
- Craig Young
T20I Squad:
- Paul Stirling (c)
- Mark Adair
- Ross Adair
- Curtis Camphor
- Gareth Delaney
- George Dockrell
- Fionn Hand
- Matthew Humphreys
- Graham Hume
- Neil Rock
- Harry Tector
- Lorcan Tucker
- Ben White
