In a breathtaking display of power-hitting at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Ireland smashed their way to a staggering 235/5 against Oman in a Group B clash of the T20 World Cup. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Oman watched helplessly as Ireland’s middle order erupted in a fireworks show led by captain Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany.
The innings got off to a shaky start with openers Tim Tector and Ross Adair back in the hut for just 25 runs. Harry Tector followed soon after at 45, and Curtis Campher departed at 64, leaving Ireland in dire straits at 64/4. But what followed was a masterclass in aggressive cricket.
Captain Tucker, anchoring the innings with composure, forged a explosive 101-run stand for the fifth wicket with Delany off just 56 balls. Delany’s blistering 56 off 30 deliveries, adorned with 4 sixes and 3 fours, shifted the momentum dramatically, pushing the score to 165.
Post Delany’s dismissal, Tucker linked up with George Dockrell for a rapid 50-run partnership off 19 balls. Dockrell unleashed pure carnage, smashing 35 not out off 9 balls with 5 sixes. Tucker, unbeaten on a magnificent 94 from 51 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes), fell agonizingly short of a century as he didn’t face a ball in the final over.
This monumental total marks Ireland’s highest ever in T20 cricket and the highest individual team score in this T20 World Cup edition. Chasing 236, Oman face an uphill battle, while Ireland eye their first win in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The stage is set for a historic chase under the Colombo lights.