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Lorcan Tucker helps Ireland crush Oman at T20 World Cup 2026

COLOMBO: Stand-in captain Lorcan Tucker scored a superb unbeaten 94 as Ireland hammered Oman by 96 runs to register their first win at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday.

It propelled Ireland to the tournament’s highest score of 235-5, the second biggest total in the history of the men’s T20 World Cup.

Oman were never remotely in the chase at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) and were bundled out for 139 in 18 overs.

“The pitch was good, and we tried to capitalise by rotating the strike and putting the bad balls away,” said Tucker, who took over after Paul Stirling was ruled out on Friday with knee ligament damage.

“My role in the batting unit has changed, and I am loving the challenge,” Tucker said after posting the highest individual innings of the tournament so far.

He rescued the Irish from a precarious 64-4 after 7.3 overs with a sensational 51-ball knock that included 10 fours and four sixes.

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“We had lost too many wickets, and we tried to keep the momentum,” he said.

He just missed out on a century when he lost the strike in the final over and was a spectator as George Dockrell hit the last three balls to the fence.

Tucker put on 101 runs for the fifth wicket with Gareth Delany, who made 56 off 30 balls.

The big-hitting Dockrell finished with 35 off just nine balls.

In reply, opener Aamir Kaleem scored exactly 50 and Hammad Mirza 46, but they were the only bright spots for Oman.

READ: Rain threat looms over Pakistan-India clash in Colombo

Adam Zampa stars as Australia crush Ireland in statement win

COLOMBO: Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa’s four-wicket hauls skittled Ireland for a mere score as Australia started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a 67-run win over Ireland in the 14th match here at the RPS Stadium on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, Australia racked up 182-6 in their 20 overs, despite the absence of their regular skipper, Mitchell Marsh, who was ruled out due to injury.

After losing Travis Head early in the piece, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis stabilized the innings with a brisk 49-run partnership off 23 balls.

The scorecard read 56 when Green was dismissed after managing 21 from 11 with the help of two sixes.

Ireland bowlers quickly maintained their composure to leave Australia in a mess with four down for 88 in 9.3 overs.

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George Dockrell and Harry Tector combined to dismiss Josh Inglis (37 from 17) and Glenn Maxwell (9).

After quick wickets, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Stoinis launched a recovery with a 61 run parntership.

The pair propelled the scorecard to 149 runs in 16.5 overs. The stand eventually culminated with Renshaw’s wicket, who made 37 from 33 balls.

Marcus Stoinis, meanwhile, with his blitz, ensured that Australia finished strong.

In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 115 in 16.5 overs.

Ireland suffered an early blow as their captain, Paul Stirling, went back to the pavilion after retiring hurt.

Australia pacer Nathan Ellis tore through the top and middle order, picking up four wickets for just 12 runs.

The early blows never allowed Ireland’s batters to settle as they were reduced to 43-5 in 6.5 overs.

George Dockrell and Lorcan Tucker tried to arrest the slide with a 46-run partnership. The pair brought the total to 89 in 13.4 overs.

The stand ended with Tucker’s wicket, who made 24 from 27 balls.

Following the wicket, Ireland’s innings quickly unraveled with Ellis taking the last wicket.

Besides Ellis, Zampa also shone with the ball, taking four wickets in his quota of four overs.

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T20 World Cup: Theekshana, Hasaranga star as Sri Lanka beat Ireland

COLOMBO: Kusal Mendis half-century backed by a clinical bowling effort helped Sri Lanka beat sloppy Ireland by 20 runs in the fifth fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Chasing 164, Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.

Ireland openers added 24 in 3.2 overs as Sri Lanka struck to remove experienced Paul Stirling for six.

After the opening wicket, Harry Tector and Ross Adair put the chase back on track with a 32-run partnership.

The scorecard read 56 in eight overs when set batter Adair (34) departed as Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector combined to steady the innings with a 49-run partnership.

The pair did well to keep Sri Lanka’s bowlers at bay as the scorecard read 105 in 14.2 overs.

Just when Ireland were looking to turn things around, Sri Lanka made a strong comeback as the Irish batters holed out to the outfield at regular intervals.

Eventually, they were bowled out before completing their 20 overs.

Harry Tector remained the top-scorer with 40 from 34 balls, hitting only one boundary.

For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga shared six wickets between them.

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Earlier, put into bat first, Sri Lanka managed to post 163-6 at the end of 20 overs.

Sri Lanka’s openers added 28 in 4 overs before Kamil Mishara (14) holed out to mid-off, resulting in a cheap dismissal.

Following the wicket, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis stitched a cautious 34-run stand to steady the innings.

Ireland’s bowlers kept it tight, not allowing the set batters to capitalize. The disciplined bowling reaped rewards as Sri Lanka lost two batters in quick succession.

Pathum Nissanka was the first to go after managing 24 from 23, whereas Pavan Rathnayake added only five before getting cleaned up.

As a result, Sri Lanka were reduced to 68-3 in 10.1 overs. The Irish bowlers continued to squeeze Sri Lanka despite a brief partnership of 18 between Dunith Wellalage and Kusal Mendis.

The scorecard read 86 in 13.5 overs when Wellalage, who made 10, was sent back to the pavilion.

Ireland managed well to control the first half of the innings, but a vital 67-run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis and some dropped chances from them put the Islanders in a dominant position.

The pair took the total over 150 run mark with Kusal remaining unbeaten on 56 from 43 balls with the help of five fours. On the other hand, Kamindu played a brisk cameo, scoring 44 off just 19, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

For Ireland, George Dockrell and Barry McCarthy took two wickets each.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana.

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy and Matthew Humphreys.

READ: Paul Stirling joins Rohit Sharma in elite T20 World Cup list

T20 World Cup: Pakistan-Ireland warm-up fixture washed out

COLOMBO: Pakistan’s solitary warm-up fixture against Ireland ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was abandoned without a ball bowled here at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Wednesday.

The only warm-up match for Ireland and Pakistan before the T20 World Cup was called off due to persistent rain.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on 7 February with the opening fixture scheduled between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

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Their opening fixture will be followed by a match against their 2024 World Cup nemesis USA at the same venue.

However, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign will remain overshadowed by the political situation surrounding the high-profile clash against India.

Pakistan were scheduled to play arch-rivals India on 15 February; however, they are set to forfeit the clash at the government of Pakistan’s instructions.

Pakistan squad

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.

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U19 World Cup: West Indies, Ireland seal Super Six spot

WINDHOEK: West Indies defeated South Africa by 55 runs while Ireland secured a four-run victory over Japan to book their place in the Super Stage of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026.

West Indies set South Africa 235 to chase in 50 overs, thanks to Zachary Carter sublime century.

After losing Tanez Francis in sixth over, Zachary Carter and Joshua Dorne added 82 runs for the second wicket partnership.

The pair brought the total to 115 in 22.3 overs before three quick wickets halted their progress.

Skipper Dorne scored 20 from 49 while Shamar Apple and Jewel Andrew were sent back for ducks.

As a result, West Indies were reduced to 115-4 at the end of 23 overs.

Despite the wickets tumbling, Carter cruised along and went on to score 114 from 104 balls with the aid of eight sixes and same number of boundaries.

His wicket in the 36th over sparked another collapse as the whole team was bundled out for 234 in 47.5 overs.

For South Africa, JJ Basson starred with the ball as he picked up a five wicket haul.

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In reply, South Africa batting lineup faltered and the whole team was bowled for 179 in 37.4 overs.

Shaquan Belle started the proceeding as he tormented the Proteas top-order.

Adnaan Lagadien was the first one to go after scoring 10 followed by Muhammed Bulbulia’s and Jorich Van Schalkwyk wicket in the eight and ninth over respectively.

South Africa batting lineup could not got going with West Indies bowlers taking wickets at regular intervals.

Jason Rowles remained the top scorer with 46 from 40 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

For West Indies, Shaquan Belle wreaked havoc with the ball, picking up six wickets in his quota of 10 overs while giving away 40.

In Group A fixture, Ireland defeated Japan by four wickets, advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

Ireland chased down 248 run target in 48 overs, losing four wickets in the process.

Freddie Ogilby starred with the bat for Ireland, scoring 73 from 76 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes.

Sebastian Dijkstra was the other notable contributor, scoring an unbeaten 55 from 61 deliveries with the help of six and four boundaries to get his team over the line.

Earlier, after opting to bat first Japan put 247-9 in their 50 overs.

Charlie Hara-Hinze top scored for them with, making 57 off 70 deliveries with the help of a six and four boundaries.

For Ireland, Adam Leckey and Oliver Riley shared six wickets between them.

READ: U19 World Cup: Here’s why Pakistan slowed their chase against Zimbabwe

Ireland reveal squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

DUBLIN: Ireland have named an experienced 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

Paul Stirling will lead the side, with wicket-keeper Lorcan Tucker named as his deputy.

The squad’s 12 out of 15 members have featured in the 2024 edition, whereas Tim Tector, Ben Calitz, and Matthew Humphreys will play in the mega event for the first time.

Ireland’s highest run-getter, Stirling, will bolster the batting unit alongside the likes of George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, and Harry Tector.

The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Mark Adair and Josh Little.

The Irish side will be appearing in their ninth T20 World Cup, with their best coming in 2009 and 2022 when they advanced to the second round.

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Following the announcement, Ireland’s men’s selector, Andrew White, aims to deliver improved performances in a challenging event.

“To say we are very much looking forward to this T20 World Cup is an under-statement,” he said.

“After a memorable 2022 tournament, we probably weren’t at our best in 2024 – and have been waiting to rectify that ever since,” he added.

“There is no doubt we are in a highly competitive group, which includes playing the tournament hosts but we have played these sides recently enough in previous editions of this tournament, and will go into these matches with no fear,” White concluded.

Ireland is slotted against Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe in Group B and will start their campaign against the hosts in Colombo on February 8.

Ireland Squad for T20 World Cup

⁠Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

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Laura Wolvaardt’s ton powers South Africa to series win

GQEBERHA: Skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus hit sparkling centuries to power South Africa women to a series victory over Ireland women here at the St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Tuesday.

Chasing a daunting 376, Ireland were bowled out for 301 in 47.5 overs.

Ireland started poorly in the chase as opener Sarah Forbes went without scoring. As a result, skipper Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter added 77 for the second wicket to put the chase back on track.

Lewis scored 45 off 52 with the help of eight fours. Following her wicket, Orla Prendergast and Amy Hunter kept Ireland in the hunt with a 93-run partnership.

The duo’s batting brought the scoring to 170 in 29.3 before Hunter’s removal dented the chase. Hunter managed to score 64 from 66 balls.

With the asking rate rising, it was already an uphill task for Irish batters despite Prendergast remaining battling out till the 40th over.

She was eventually dismissed for a well-made 97 from 86 balls, laced with 10 fours and two sixes.

For South Africa, Leah Jones remained the standout bowler, taking three wickets while Nondumiso Shangase and Miane Smit scalped two apiece.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, South Africa were 59-2 after the first 10 overs before a mammoth 179-run stand between Wolvaardt and Luss brought the score to 238 in 36.5 overs.

The partnership was eventually broken with Wolvaardt’s wicket, who made 124 from 119 balls laced with 19 fours.

Meanwhile, Luss forged another 117 with Dane van Niekerk, which propelled the score over the 350-run mark.

Sune Luss made 114 from 113, striking 13 fours and a six, while Niekerk unleashed a boundary barrage with a quick-fire 88 off just 47 balls. She hit 13 fours and three sixes in her power-packed knock.

For Ireland, Jane Maguire managed to scalp three wickets.

The third ODI will be played on 19 December in Johannesburg.

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South Africa clinch T20I series 2-0 after washout

BENONI: South Africa women clinched the three-match T20I series against Ireland women 2-0 after the final fixture was completely washed out here at the Willowmoore Park Stadium on Wednesday.

The game was abandoned without a toss due to weather conditions.

As a result, the Proteas clinched the series 2-0 after showcasing dominant performance in the opening two matches.

South Africa started the series opener with a 105-run victory in Cape Town.

Skipper Laura Wolvaardt starred with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 115 from 56 balls, studded with four sixes and 15 boundaries. As a result, South Africa put on a daunting 220 run total on the board.

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In reply, Ireland’s batting lineup faltered under pressure and were skittled for 118 in 18 overs.

The Proteas dominated in the second T20I as well, with the runs on the board after deciding to bat first. They racked up 201-5 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to Dane van Niekerk’s late flourish, who scored a brisk 41 from only 19 balls.

On the contrary, Ireland could only manage to score 136-3 in their allotted 20 overs.

For South Africa, Chloe Tryon remained the standout bowler, who picked up two wickets in her quota of four overs.

The three-match ODI series between South Africa and Ireland will begin on 13 December in East London.

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South Africa thump Ireland to seal T20I series

PAARL: Faye Tunnicliffe starred with a half-century as South Africa women outplayed Ireland women in the second T20I to clinch the series 2-0 here at the Boland Park on Sunday.

Set a daunting 202, Ireland could only muster 136-3 in their allotted 20 overs.

Orla Prendergast remained the top scorer with 51* from 43, striking four boundaries and a six, whereas Leah Paul remained the other notable contributor with 41 off 29 with the aid of six boundaries.

With an uphill task to climb, Ireland’s openers started sluggishly, adding 34 in 6.3 overs before their skipper Gaby Lewis fell after making 19 from 22 balls.

The second wicket fell in the same over as wicket-keeper batter Amy Hunter was cleaned up by Chloe Tryon, which reduced them to 35-2.

After two wickets in quick succession, Paul and Prendergast stitched a 76-run partnership, bringing the score to 111 in 16.2 overs. The partnership was broken with the former’s dismissal.

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With a surmountable run-rate, Ireland had already lost the match and ended their innings on 136 runs in 20 overs.

For South Africa, Chloe Tryon remained the standout bowler, who picked up two wickets in her quota of four overs.

Earlier, after winning the toss, South Africa racked up 201-5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Sune Luus and Faye Tunnicliffe forged a 78-run partnership for the opening wicket in 9.2 overs. Luss hit six boundaries in her 37 from 24 balls.

South Africa kept on scoring at a brisk rate despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Faye Tunnicliffe fell in the 13th over, lbw by Aimee Maguire after making 51 from 42, studded with seven fours.

However, it was returning Dane van Niekerk that provided South Africa’s innings with a late flourish with a brisk 41 from only 19, featuring three sixes and three fours.

For Ireland, Aimee Maguire starred with the ball and picked up three wickets.

The third T20I of the series will be played on 10 December in Benoni.

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South Africa thump Ireland in T20I series opener

CAPE TOWN: Laura Wolvaardt’s sublime century powered South Africa women to a big win over Ireland women here at Newlands Cricket Ground on Friday.

Set a daunting 221, Ireland’s batting lineup faltered under pressure and were skittled for 118 in 18 overs.

The Proteas women inflicted a miserable start on the visitors, reducing them to 4-2 at the end of the first over. Sune Luus picked up both of the opening wickets.

After early hiccups, skipper Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul tried to put chase back on track, adding 42 for the second wicket.

Lewis made 30 from 30 with the help of five boundaries, whereas Paul continued until the first ball of the 11th over.

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Paul scored 34 from 23 balls, striking six fours.

The wicket sparked a collapse Ireland could not recover from, and they ended up losing the match by a big margin of 105 runs.

For South Africa, Sune Luus picked up a four-wicket haul in her quota of four overs.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, South Africa piled up a mammoth 220-2 in their allotted 20 overs.

Skipper Laura Wolvaardt starred with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 115 from 56 balls, studded with four sixes and 15 boundaries.

Sune Luus remained the other notable contributor with 81 off 51 balls, which included 11 fours and a six.

For Ireland, Ava Canning and Jane Maguire picked up one wicket each.

The second T20I of the three-match series will be played on Sunday, 7 December at Paarl.

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