Paul Stirling's Knee Injury "Doesn't Look Great" After T20 World Cup Clash

Ireland captain Paul Stirling suffered a knee injury during his team's T20 World Cup loss to Australia, forcing him to retire hurt after facing just one ball. Batting coach Gary Wilson stated the injury "doesn't look great" and the team is awaiting scan results. Australia posted 182/6, powered by Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis, before their bowlers dismantled Ireland for 115. Ireland faces Oman next as they seek their first win of the tournament.

Key Points: Paul Stirling Knee Injury Update After Ireland Loss to Australia

  • Stirling injured knee during catch
  • Forced to retire hurt while batting
  • Awaiting scan results for severity
  • Ireland lost to Australia by 67 runs
  • Next match is against Oman
2 min read

Paul Stirling's knee injury "doesn't look great," says Ireland batting coach Gary Wilson

Ireland captain Paul Stirling's knee injury "doesn't look great" after T20 World Cup match. Get the latest update from batting coach Gary Wilson.

"It doesn't look great. - Gary Wilson"

Colombo, February 12

Ireland batting coach Gary Wilson provided an update on captain Paul Stirling's knee injury and said "it doesn't look great" after Ireland's 67-run loss to Australia in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, in Colombo on Wednesday.

According to the ICC website, Ireland are awaiting scan results to determine the extent of Stirling's knee injury. Notably, Stirling injured his right knee while completing a catch early in Ireland's 67-run defeat to Australia and worsened it when he tried to bat during the run chase.

Stirling was forced to retire hurt after only facing one delivery as Ireland suffered their second consecutive loss at the T20 World Cup. Gary Wilson confirmed that the experienced captain was sent for scans after the game.

Wilson said Stirling's knee "doesn't look great" and that they are waiting for scan results, but praised him for trying to play despite not being fully fit.

"It doesn't look great. He went for a scan this evening, so we'll have to wait for confirmation. But yeah, I would say it doesn't look ideal. I think credit to him that he knew going out there that he was probably not quite right and he still tried to go out there and get the job done for the team," Wilson said.

Ireland will next be in action against Oman in Colombo on Saturday. In the match against Australia, Oman were put in to bowl first.

Knocks from Marcus Stoinis (45 in 29 balls, with two fours and a six), wicketkeeper Josh Inglis (37 in 17 balls, with six fours and a six), and Matt Renshaw (37 in 33 balls, with two fours) took the Aussies to 182/6 in 20 overs, with Mark Adair (2/44) being the top wicket-taker for Ireland.

In the defence of the total, pacer Nathan Ellis (4/12 in 3.5 overs), Zampa (4/23) delivered sensational spells to rock the Irish batting line-up and skittle them out for 115 in 16.5 overs. George Dockrell (41 in 29 balls, with three fours and two sixes) and Lorcan Tucker (24 in 27 balls, with a four and a six) put up decent scores for Ireland, but other than that, it was a complete surrender against the Aussies.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
Injuries are the worst part of sports. Ireland's campaign is already struggling, and losing their captain is a huge blow. The match against Oman just became a must-win. Wishing Stirling a speedy recovery!
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Vikram M
While the commitment is admirable, maybe he shouldn't have risked it? One ball faced and then retired hurt... sometimes players need to listen to their bodies and the medical staff for the team's long-term good. Just a thought.
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Priya S
Australia's bowling was just too good. Ellis and Zampa were unplayable! Ireland's batting collapsed completely. Even with a fit Stirling, 182 was always going to be tough against that attack. Aussies are looking strong for the title.
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David E
Watching from the UK. Ireland are such a plucky team, always punching above their weight. This injury news is really sad. Hope he's back on the field soon. The World Cup is better with all teams at full strength.
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Siddharth J
Knee injuries can be tricky, yaar. Hope it's just a strain and not something like an ACL. The schedule is so packed, recovery time is limited. All the best to the Irish team for their next match.

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