Ireland secured their first win of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a resounding 96-run victory over Oman at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Saturday, a defeat that effectively ended Oman’s campaign.
Set 236 for victory, Oman were bowled out for 139 in 18 overs as Ireland’s attack produced a clinical display.
Aamir Kaleem offered the main resistance with a rapid 50 off 29 balls, laced with five fours and two sixes, while Hammad Mirza struck 46 off 37 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to make an impact.
From Ireland, Josh Little was the pick of the bowlers, registering figures of 3/16 in four overs. Matthew Humphreys and Barry McCarthy notched up two while George Dockrell chipped in with one wicket as well.
Batting first, Ireland got off to a shaky start as they lost opener Tim Tector early in the first over after scoring just five off four deliveries from Shakeel Ahmed.
The team slipped further when Ross Adair and Harry Tector were dismissed for 14 each, leaving Ireland reeling at 45-3 in five overs.
Skipper Harry Tector and Curtis Campher steadied the innings with a decent partnership, but Campher fell for 12 off seven balls, including two fours, to Aamir Kaleem.
The innings gained momentum when Lorcan Tucker joined Gareth Delany, both attacking aggressively against Oman’s bowling.
Runs flowed freely as Ireland crossed the 100-run mark, with Delany in scintillating form. He raised his fifty and shared a crucial 101-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Tucker.
Tucker himself was unstoppable, pushing the team past 150 runs while reaching his 11th T20I half-century. Delany eventually fell for 56 off 30 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes, caught by Shah Faisal.
Ireland finished strongly with late fireworks. George Dockrell remained unbeaten on 35 off just nine balls, smashing five sixes, while Tucker stayed not out with 94 off 51 deliveries, including 10 fours and four sixes, helping Ireland post a commanding total.
