The match, which has become an important feature of Ireland’s senior men’s calendar, will see Andrew Balbirnie and Matthew Humphreys lead the two sides as captains, providing a competitive red-ball environment ahead of the international assignment.
The Emerald Challenge was originally introduced in 2024 as a high-quality red-ball fixture to help prepare players for home Test cricket. While the 2025 edition shifted to a white-ball format, the 2026 version returns to its traditional red-ball structure, reinforcing its role in Ireland’s Test build-up.
Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Graeme West, said the fixture is becoming increasingly valuable for both established players and emerging talent.
“The Emerald Challenge is starting to establish itself as an important part of the home season calendar. It has been well received by players and staff, who have embraced the concept and eagerly await the latest instalment at Malahide next week,” West said.
He added that the competition provides vital match practice in the absence of a domestic first-class structure.
“The Emerald Challenge offers flexibility to play a format that provides competitive preparation for international commitments and a platform for emerging players to impress selectors,” he said.
“With no domestic first-class competition, this ensures our Test squad gets quality red-ball cricket before facing New Zealand in Stormont later this month.”
West also noted that Ireland will await further ICC updates on the future structure of the World Test Championship before finalising longer-term plans for red-ball development.
Emerald Challenge 2026 Squads
Strikers (Head Coach: Gary Wilson)
Matthew Humphreys (c), Mark Adair, Ben Calitz, Cade Carmichael, Tom Mayes, Andy McBrine, Jordan Neill, Cian Robertson, Paul Stirling, Morgan Topping, Sam Topping, Josh Wilson, Craig Young
Raiders (Head Coach: Chris Brown)
Andrew Balbirnie (c), Curtis Campher, Chris Defreitas, Stephen Doheny, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Holland, Barry McCarthy, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Rueben Wilson
