Cricket Ireland 2009

2009 was another successful year for Irish cricket at all levels. The senior men's team qualified for the 2011 World Cup by virtue of victory in the 12 team tournament in South Africa, crushing Canada by 9 wickets in the final.

On the world stage they reached the last 8 of the Twenty20 World Cup, defeating Bangladesh along the way, before losing narrowly to both finalists, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In ODI cricket, they defeated Kenya 3-0, and also won against Scotland, before losing in a last over thriller by just 3 runs versus England in front of a capacity crowd at Stormont.

Ireland's women were also victorious in 2009, winning both the Senior and U17 European Championships, as well as the T20 Championships.

For good measure, they also inflicted a crushing defeat of Pakistan in a T20 international. At youth level, Ireland also dominated, with the Under 19 side winning both the European Championships, and the Global World Cup Qualifying competition in Canada.

They now play in the World Cup in New Zealand in January, where they have been drawn to play Australia, USA and South Africa in the group stages.

The Under 17 side won their European Championships in Belfast, while the A side triumphed in The Netherlands. Ireland captain William Porterfield capped a glorious year for cricket in the country when he was awarded the ICC Associate Player of the Year in South Africa.