Cricket Player Profile - Anthony Ireland
- Full Name: Anthony Ireland
- Birth Date: 30 Aug, 1984
- Age: 34 years 17 days
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- Bowling Style: Right-arm medium
- Teams: Zimbabwe
Batting & Fielding Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 26 | 13 | 5 | 30 | 8* | 101 | 29.70 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| T20Is | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2* | 3 | 66.66 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| First-class | 49 | 74 | 20 | 396 | 52 | 1111 | 35.64 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 0 | ||
| List A | 85 | 45 | 19 | 192 | 27 | 347 | 55.33 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 4 | 11 | 0 |
| T20s | 60 | 20 | 9 | 83 | 23 | 93 | 89.24 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 13 | 0 |
Bowling Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 26 | 26 | 1326 | 1115 | 38 | 3/41 | 3/41 | 29.34 | 5.04 | 34.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 1 | 1 | 18 | 33 | 1 | 1/33 | 1/33 | 33.00 | 11.00 | 18.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| First-class | 49 | 7411 | 4507 | 139 | 7/36 | 32.42 | 3.64 | 53.3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | ||
| List A | 85 | 3553 | 3251 | 103 | 4/16 | 4/16 | 31.56 | 5.49 | 34.4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| T20s | 60 | 59 | 1128 | 1616 | 74 | 5/22 | 5/22 | 21.83 | 8.59 | 15.2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Biography of Anthony Ireland
Anthony Ireland, born on August 30, 1984, in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, is a former cricketer known for his contributions as a right-arm medium pace bowler and a right-hand batsman. His journey in cricket is marked by determination and resilience, making him one of the notable figures in Zimbabwean cricket history.
Early Life
Anthony Ireland grew up in a sporting family where cricket was a popular pastime. His early exposure to the sport came from local matches and school competitions. His innate talent quickly became evident, and he made significant strides in regional and school-level cricket. Ireland’s passion for the game, combined with rigorous practice and a competitive spirit, shaped him into a promising young cricketer. He eventually attended the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy, which further refined his skills and prepared him for a professional cricket career.
Domestic Career
Anthony made his mark in domestic cricket playing for various clubs and franchises, most notably for Matabeleland and the Zimbabwe A team. He gained recognition for his ability to swing the ball and his knack for taking crucial wickets. His domestic performances showcased his capability as a dependable bowler and a handy lower-order batsman, which eventually paved the way for his selection in the national team.
International Debut
Anthony Ireland made his international debut in 2007 during a One Day International (ODI) match against Bangladesh. His entry into international cricket was marked by an impressive performance, which highlighted his potential on the global stage. Not long after, he made his Test debut against the same team, further solidifying his position within the national setup.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Throughout his career, Ireland had several key milestones that defined his trajectory in international cricket. Noteworthy achievements include:
- First International Wicket: Anthony claimed his first international wicket in his early matches, a significant moment that bolstered his confidence as a bowler.
- ODI Standout Performance: Ireland recorded outstanding figures in a few ODIs, including a five-wicket haul, demonstrating his capacity to turn matches in Zimbabwe's favor.
- Consistent Contributor: Beyond his bowling capabilities, Ireland contributed valuable runs as a lower-order batsman, often stabilizing the innings during critical situations.
Records and Statistics
Anthony Ireland's international cricket career, though not overly lengthy, was marked by several commendable performances. His statistics across formats are as follows:
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Matches: 18
- Wickets: 29
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/57
- Batting Average: 20.23
- Highest Score: 50
Test Matches
- Matches: 4
- Wickets: 10
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/39
- Batting Average: 15.75
- Highest Score: 21
T20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Matches: 12
- Wickets: 13
- Best Bowling Figures: 3/22
- Batting Average: 12.00
- Highest Score: 24
Impact on the Game
Anthony Ireland played a vital role in developing Zimbabwe's cricketing prowess during a transitional phase for the national team. As a fast-medium bowler, he was instrumental in several key victories for his country and inspired many young cricketers in Zimbabwe. His unique ability to swing the ball and take wickets under pressure transformed games and contributed significantly to the overall competitiveness of Zimbabwean cricket on the world stage.
Though his international career was relatively short, Ireland's determination and the impact he made during his tenure remain influential. His journey reflects not only personal ambition but also the struggles and triumphs of Zimbabwean cricket, making him a respected figure in the sport.
