Nationality: Ireland Republic
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Date of Birth: 1990-12-28 Age: 34
Andrew Balbirnie was born on 28th December 1990, and he grew up in the bustling city of Dublin, Ireland, a surprising hotbed for cricketing talent in a nation predominantly passionate about other sports. His cricketing journey began not on lush pitches, but rather in local parks and school fields where his natural flair for the game was honed. From a young age, Balbirnie displayed a remarkable aptitude with the bat, a right-handed dynamo who exuded a sense of calm and control as he faced bowlers.
He progressed swiftly through the ranks, making a name for himself in school cricket before being absorbed into the Irish national set-up. Balbirnie made his One-Day International debut for Ireland against Scotland in July 2010, a moment that marked the beginning of a promising professional career. Over the years, he has become renowned not only as a formidable batsman but also as a leader, captaining the national team with poise and determination.
Balbirnie's batting evokes a blend of classical style with modern aggression, capable of delicate strokes and powerful hits alike. Though mainly noted for his prowess with the bat, he has occasionally rolled his arm over for some right-arm offbreak bowling, adding an extra dimension to his game.
Among his memorable performances, the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup features prominently. Ireland’s match against Zimbabwe was a thrilling encounter where Balbirnie's composed innings helped secure a pivotal win. In 2019, his century against the West Indies in the Caribbean further cemented his status as a player for big occasions. Fiercely competitive, his clashes against traditional rivals England have often been highlights, with epic battles that have captivated fans on both sides of the Irish Sea.
In terms of achievements, Balbirnie boasts more than just scores and statistics. Under his leadership, Ireland successfully transitioned into the Test cricket arena, a historic moment that redefined the nation's cricketing narrative. His century against England at Lord’s in 2019 may not have led to victory, but it celebrated Ireland's growing stature on the world stage.
Andrew Balbirnie stands as a beacon of Irish cricket, inspiring young aspirants and proving that passion and dedication can uplift a sport within a nation. His journey reflects not just the story of a cricketer, but that of a game finding its soul in a land where it was least expected.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 6s | 4s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 89 | 89 | 2 | 2083 | 83 | 23.40 | 1677 | 124.21 | 0 | 10 | 62 | 219 |
| ODI | 64 | 64 | 4 | 1939 | 145 | 30.30 | 2537 | 76.43 | 6 | 10 | 31 | 181 |
| FC | 8 | 16 | 1 | 474 | 95 | 29.63 | 913 | 51.92 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 55 |
| T20 | 16 | 16 | 4 | 426 | 99 | 26.63 | 336 | 126.79 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 41 |
| 4day | 5 | 8 | 0 | 59 | 29 | 7.38 | 149 | 39.60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Wkts | Runs | Overs | Ave | Econ | Wide | NoBall | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 2 | - | 4.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | - | 8.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 1 | - | 14.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4day | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 5 | - | 1.20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Last updated: 2025-02-18
Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe
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