[2][3] In November 2019, Balbirnie was named as the captain of Ireland's Test and ODI team, after William Porterfield stepped down.

On 15 August 2017, Balbirnie scored his maiden first-class century, when Ireland played the Netherlands in the 2015–17 ICC Intercontinental Cup.

[12] In July 2019, Balbirnie was selected to play for the Dublin Chiefs in the inaugural edition of the Euro T20 Slam cricket tournament.

[33] In September 2019, Balbirnie was named in Ireland's squad for the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

[37][38] In the third and final match of the series, which Ireland won by seven wickets, Balbirnie scored his 2,000th run in ODI cricket.

[42][43][44] In September 2021, Balbirnie was named the captain of Ireland's provisional squad for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

[46] On 4 July 2023, Balbirnie has stepped down from his captaincy in limited-overs cricket, after Ireland failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup.

[47] In March 2024, Balbirnie led Ireland to its first win in Test cricket, against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, scoring an unbeaten half-century in the fourth innings.