Cricket between England vs Ireland ODI head to head has grown into an intriguing contest over the past two decades. While England has traditionally dominated the One Day International (ODI) stage, Ireland has carved their own space with spirited performances and memorable upsets. From historic clashes in World Cups to competitive bilateral series, this rivalry has provided moments that go beyond the numbers.
As of 2023, here’s a closer look at the England vs Ireland ODI head to head record, the top performers, and what makes this battle worth following.
Overall Head-to-Head (ODI)
- Total Matches Played: 15
- England Wins: 11
- Ireland Wins: 2
- No Result: 2
England’s dominance is clear, but those two Irish victories hold immense value — particularly the 2011 World Cup win in Bengaluru, when Kevin O’Brien scripted one of the most iconic innings in ODI history. Fans can check how similar rivalries shape tournaments by exploring the Asia Cup 2025 schedule.
Top Run-Scorers in England vs Ireland ODIs
- Eoin Morgan (Ireland/England): 338 runs
- Ben Duckett (England): 230 runs
- Ollie Pope (England): 205 runs
- Paul Stirling (Ireland): 190 runs
- Sam Billings (England): 182 runs
Interestingly, Eoin Morgan represented both nations in his career and is the leading scorer in this fixture. For Ireland, Paul Stirling remains their most reliable batter, a name often highlighted by Cricket Ireland’s official updates.
Top Wicket-Takers in England vs Ireland ODIs
- David Willey (England): 10 wickets
- Mark Adair (Ireland): 7 wickets
- Josh Little (Ireland): 6 wickets
- Craig Young (Ireland): 6 wickets
- Adil Rashid (England): 6 wickets
England’s attack has been spearheaded by bowlers like David Willey and Adil Rashid, both key figures in the England ODI squad. Ireland, on the other hand, rely on young talents like Josh Little, who continues to gain international recognition.
Key Talking Points in the Rivalry
- Ireland’s Famous Upset (2011): Kevin O’Brien’s 113 (off 63 balls) against England in the World Cup remains one of the greatest ODI knocks of all time.
- England’s Depth: With consistent batting and bowling resources, England often overpower Ireland. You can view the England team profile for their complete ODI history.
- Future Potential: As Ireland gain more exposure against top-tier teams, this rivalry could grow in intensity, especially in ICC tournaments.
Conclusion: Can Ireland Challenge England Again
While the head-to-head record is heavily tilted in England’s favor, the rivalry is far from one-sided in spirit. Ireland’s victories remind fans that passion, belief, and one outstanding performance can change the course of a game. With emerging talents like Josh Little and seasoned campaigners such as Paul Stirling, Ireland will continue to challenge England vs Ireland ODI head to head.
For England, the focus remains consistency and ensuring no slip-ups against an opponent that has proved dangerous before.
The England vs Ireland ODI head to head may not have the historic weight of other rivalries, but it has produced unforgettable stories — and promises many more.
Conclusion
The England vs Ireland ODI head to head rivalry may not yet match the intensity of traditional rivalries like England vs Australia or India vs Pakistan, but it has carved out its own special place in international cricket. With 15 matches played so far, the statistics show England’s dominance with 11 victories, but the story is much deeper than just numbers. Ireland’s wins, particularly the unforgettable triumph in the 2011 World Cup, showcased their fearless brand of cricket and gave the world one of the tournament’s greatest upsets.
What makes this rivalry fascinating is the blend of talent and history that connects both sides. The journey of Eoin Morgan, who started with Ireland before becoming one of England’s most successful captains, is a perfect symbol of how the two cricketing nations are intertwined. Similarly, players like Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, and Josh Little have brought Ireland international recognition with their performances against bigger teams. On the other hand, England’s depth in batting and bowling – from Ben Duckett and Oliver Pope with the bat to David Willey and Adil Rashid with the ball – highlights the gulf in experience that Ireland is constantly working to close.
As the England vs Ireland ODI head to head moves forward, every match brings the promise of competitive cricket. For England, it is about maintaining consistency and preparing for global tournaments, while for Ireland, it is about grabbing every chance to prove their growth on the international stage. Fans of both nations know that whenever these teams meet, there is always the potential for drama, passion, and moments that go beyond statistics. In the years to come, this rivalry could well become one of the defining stories of modern ODI cricket.
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Q1. How many ODIs have England and Ireland played so far?
England and Ireland have faced each other in 15 ODIs till 2023. Out of these, England won 11, Ireland won 2, and 2 matches ended with no result.
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Q2. Who has scored the most runs in England vs Ireland ODIs?
Eoin Morgan tops the batting charts with 338 runs across matches, representing both countries during his career. For Ireland, Paul Stirling is the leading run-getter with 190 runs.
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Q3. Who has taken the most wickets in England vs Ireland ODIs?
David Willey leads the bowling tally with 10 wickets for England, while Mark Adair is Ireland’s top bowler with 7 wickets.
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Q4. What was Ireland’s most famous win against England?
Ireland’s most iconic win came in the 2011 ICC World Cup, when Kevin O’Brien smashed a 63-ball century to chase down England’s target in Bengaluru.
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Q5. Where can I follow England and Ireland’s latest ODI fixtures?
Fans can follow England’s official fixtures on the ECB website and Ireland’s match updates on Cricket Ireland.
