Ireland defeat Oman by 96 runs, secure tournament win first

Ireland – (Web Desk) – Ireland registered their first victory of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a dominant 96-run win over Oman at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Saturday, knocking Oman out of contention.

Chasing a big target of 236, Oman were bowled out for 139 in 18 overs as Ireland’s bowlers stayed accurate and in control. Aamir Kaleem fought hard with an aggressive 50 from 29 balls, while Hammad Mirza contributed 46, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to build partnerships.

Ireland’s bowling was led brilliantly by Josh Little, who took 3 wickets for just 16 runs. Matthew Humphreys and Barry McCarthy picked up two wickets each, and George Dockrell added one to keep Oman under pressure.

Earlier, Ireland did not start well after losing Tim Tector in the opening over. Ross Adair and Harry Tector also fell cheaply, leaving the team struggling at 45-3. Curtis Campher played a quick knock but could not stay long.

The innings turned around when Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany launched a strong counter-attack, scoring freely and pushing Ireland to a powerful total that Oman never looked capable of chasing.

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.

An unbeaten 94 from Lorcan Tucker, the second-highest score for a captain at the #T20WorldCup 👏

Tournament broadcast details 👉 https://t.co/NPykWM7qqY pic.twitter.com/rJmjllolIk

— ICC (@ICC) February 14, 2026

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.

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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.