Ireland became one of the two teams to seal an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 berth from the ongoing Europe Qualifier following a washout against Germany on Thursday. The match between Ireland and Germany was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain on Thursday, 27 July. Ireland remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, having registered victories against Italy, Denmark, Austria, and Jersey before their clash against Germany resulted in a washout. This means, after five games, Ireland now have a total of nine points with one more game remaining against Scotland. Following their 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier heartbreak, Ireland made a strong comeback in the Europe Qualifier as they secured a spot in next year’s T20 World Cup. Ireland opened their account in this tournament with a close-fought victory over Italy by seven runs. Having set a target of 158 from their 20-overs quota, they restricted Italy to 151/9. Curtis Campher top-scored for the Irish side with a 39-ball 61 while Harry Tector contributed with a brisk 41. Against Denmark, they secured a dominant nine-wicket victory with skipper Paul Stirling and his opening partner Andrew Balbirnie making quick fifties to chase down a paltry target of 122. In their next two games, Ireland once again registered big wins by 128 runs against Austria and by nine wickets against Jersey. In the clash against Austria, Ireland recorded a big total of 226/4 powered by Lorcan Tucker’s unbeaten 94. Their solid batting performance was well complemented by their bowling attack. Mark Adair led from the front with figures of 4/13 from 3.4 overs, bundling Austria out for 98.
After the rained-out game against Germany, skipper Stirling expressed his joy in having booked their berth for the T20 World Cup
