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Tucker's 94* & Delany's Blitz Power Ireland to Record 96-Run Win Over Oman

Ireland secured their first win of the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant 96-run victory over Oman. Captain Lorcan Tucker led from the front with an unbeaten 94, forming a crucial 101-run partnership with Gareth Delany (56) to power Ireland to a record 235/5. Chasing 236, Oman started well but collapsed after Aamir Kaleem's dismissal, with Josh Little taking 3/16. The win keeps Ireland alive in Group B, while Oman's third straight loss confirms their elimination from the tournament.

Key Points: Ireland Crush Oman by 96 Runs in T20 World Cup 2026

  • Tucker's unbeaten 94 anchors innings
  • Delany's 56 off 30 in 101-run stand
  • Ireland post record 235/5
  • Josh Little takes 3/16 to dismantle Oman
2 min read

Ireland defeat Oman by 96 runs after Tucker, Delany and Little's brilliance

Lorcan Tucker's 94* and Gareth Delany's 56 lead Ireland to a record 235/5 before bowling out Oman for 139 in a crucial T20 World Cup 2026 victory.

"The pair unleashed a relentless counter-attack, sharing a 101-run stand. - Match Report"

Colombo, February 14

Ireland earned their first points in their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a clinical 96-run demolition of Oman at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday.

Captaining the side in the absence of the injured Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker delivered a masterclass with an unbeaten 94, powering Ireland to the tournament's highest total so far 235/5, before the bowlers bundled Oman out for 139.

Oman won the toss and elected to bowl first. Left-arm spinner Shakeel Ahmed (3/33 in four overs) tore through the Irish top order, removing Tim Tector, Ross Adair, and Harry Tector within the Powerplay. At 64/4 in the 8th over, Ireland looked vulnerable.

However, the tide turned when Gareth Delany joined Tucker. The pair unleashed a relentless counter-attack, sharing a 101-run stand. Delany struck a blistering 56 off 30 balls, but it was Tucker who anchored the innings with poise and power. Following Delany's wicket, George Dockrell provided the finishing touch, smashing 35 from just 9 balls--including five sixe--to propel Ireland to a record-breaking total. The total came as Ireland's highest-ever in T20Is and the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history by any team.

Chasing a daunting target of 236, Oman started with intent. Aamir Kaleem kept the required rate within reach early on, racing to a 29-ball 50. Alongside Hammad Mirza (46), he briefly raised hopes of a miraculous chase as Oman reached 100 in the 11th over.

The momentum collapsed the moment Barry McCarthy dismissed Kaleem. Ireland's pace spearhead Josh Little then ripped through the middle order, finishing with figures of 3/16 in four overs. Oman's batting crumbled as the scoreboard pressure mounted, leading to a flurry of wickets and a run-out that effectively ended the contest.

The victory keeps Ireland in the hunt for a top-two spot in Group B after two opening losses. For Oman, a third consecutive defeat confirms their elimination from the tournament, making them the first team to exit the 2026 edition.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Feel a bit for Oman, they fought well initially with Kaleem's fifty. But chasing 236 is a mountain too high for most teams. Ireland's batting depth was just too much. Dockrell's 35 off 9 balls is pure madness! 🤯
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Vikram M
Second-highest total in T20 World Cup history! That's a serious statement from Ireland. Their power-hitting in the middle and death overs was a treat to watch. Hope they can carry this momentum.
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Rohit P
Josh Little with 3/16 in 4 overs was brilliant. Pace and accuracy under pressure. Once the set batter Kaleem was out, the chase fell apart completely. Good bowling wins matches.
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Sarah B
While it was a fantastic win, I have to say Oman's bowling after the powerplay was quite poor. Giving away 101 runs in a partnership and then 35 in 9 balls at the death shows a lack of plans. They need to work on their death bowling strategies.
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Ananya R
Tucker and Delany's partnership changed the game! 101 runs when the team was in trouble. That's the kind of fight you want to see. Ireland is still alive in the tournament, yaar! 🏏

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