Ireland claim first World Cup points with comprehensive win over Oman

George Dockrell bats during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup group stage match between Ireland and Oman. Pic: Viraj Kothalawala/Sportsfile

Ireland got their first points at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup when they beat Oman Men by 96 runs with a very comprehensive performance.

Having lost the toss at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Ireland had to consolidate with the bat after the wickets of Tim Tector, Ross Adair and Harry Tector inside the powerplay.

There was the further dismissal of Curtis Campher in the eighth over, but the Irish middle order still managed to maintain a high rate of scoring even while in that rebuilding phase.

A considerable partnership of 101 between Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany for the fifth wicket then put the batting side in a position of strength. 

But it was an explosive partnership of 70 between Tucker and George Dockrell at the backend that eventually brought Ireland Men to 235-5 their highest ever score in T20I cricket.

Tim Tector stops a boundary during the match. Pic: Viraj Kothalawala/Sportsfile

Tucker's innings of 94* from just 54 deliveries was also the highest score from an Ireland player at a Men's T20 World Cup, beating Curtis Campher’s previous record of 72 against Scotland at Hobart in the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Ireland started well in the second innings with Matthew Humphreys striking early and Harry Tector effecting a run out, but the Irish bowlers were then put under pressure with Oman adding 73 in quick time for the third wicket.

Barry McCarthy removed Kaleem in the 11th over after the Omani batter became the oldest player to reach 50 at a Men's T20 World Cup at 43-years-old, and Dockrell struck again soon after. 

However, it was three quick wickets from Josh Little, playing his first game of the tournament, that effectively closed out the game to give this side their first points at the tournament.

Ireland next face Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

Ireland 235-5 (20 overs; L Tucker 91*, G Delany 56; Shakeel 3-33); 

Oman 139 (18 overs; Kaleem 50; J Little 3-16, M Humphreys 2-27). 

Ireland won by 96 runs.