Ireland piled up the highest total of the tournament before routing Oman by 96 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match at Colombo on Saturday.
Stand-in captain Lorcan Tucker struck an unbeaten 94 from 51 balls, while George Dockrell hammered an unbeaten 35 from nine deliveries, lifting Ireland to 235 for five in their allotted 20 overs at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.
Ireland, without regular skipper Paul Stirling owing to injury, recovered from 45 for three in the fifth over. Tucker held the innings together with a measured yet forceful display, striking 10 fours and four sixes. Gareth Delany supported him with 56 off 30 balls as the pair added 100 runs for the fifth wicket.
Dockrell’s late assault, featuring five sixes, carried Ireland past the 200-mark in the 19th over and sealed the tournament’s highest score so far.
Shakeel Ahmed claimed three wickets for 33 runs for Oman, while Aamir Kaleem and Shah Faisal took one apiece.
Chasing 236, Oman began briskly and reached 63 for two in the Powerplay. Aamir Kaleem top-scored with 50 from 29 balls, but regular wickets stalled the pursuit.
Josh Little led the Ireland attack with three wickets for 16 runs in four overs. Barry McCarthy and Matthew Humphreys secured two wickets each as Oman were dismissed for 139 in 18 overs.
Ireland’s 96-run triumph strengthened their position in the group stage.
