On a sweltering afternoon at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) on February 14, 2026, Ireland firmly established their credentials as tournament heavyweights. In the 22nd match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Group B witnessed a clinical demolition as Ireland dismantled Oman by 96 runs. The victory was headlined by a career-defining performance from captain Lorcan Tucker, whose batting brilliance effectively ended Oman’s hopes in the competition.
Lorcan Tucker’s captain’s knock propels Ireland to a record total
Opting to assert dominance from the outset, Ireland’s innings was a whirlwind of aggressive intent. Despite losing Tim Tector in the very first over to Shakeel Ahmed, the Irish middle order refused to blink. While the Tector brothers and Ross Adair provided brief cameos, the arrival of Tucker shifted the momentum from competitive to catastrophic for the Omani bowlers.
Tucker played a quintessential captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 94 off just 51 deliveries. His innings was a masterclass in modern T20 batting, peppered with eight boundaries and four towering sixes, striking at a formidable 184.31.
The turning point of the innings came through two vital stands. First, a rapid 101-run partnership with Gareth Delany (56 off 30) demoralized the Oman attack. Once Delany fell in the 17th over, George Dockrell took the baton, smashing 35* off a mere 9 balls. This late-inning surge saw Ireland post a mammoth 235/5, their highest total of the tournament, leaving Oman with a mountain to climb at a required run rate of 11.8 per over. Tucker was awarded Player of the Match for his emphatic knock.
Player of the Match: Lorcan Tucker #cricket #IREvOMA #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/dZHWylUOhs
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 14, 2026
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Relentless Ireland bowling attack seals Oman’s World Cup exit
Faced with a target of 236, Oman started with brave intent, reaching 50 runs in less than five overs. Aamir Kaleem played a lone hand of defiance, scoring a brisk 50 off 29 balls. However, the sheer scoreboard pressure and Ireland’s disciplined bowling soon began to take a toll.
The collapse was triggered by Ireland’s tactical variety. Matthew Humphreys provided the early breakthrough by trapping Jatinder Singh LBW, while two crucial run-outs orchestrated by Harry Tector further stifled Oman’s rhythm. As the required rate climbed toward 15, the Oman batters were forced into risky shots, falling right into Ireland’s trap.
Josh Little was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a lethal spell of 3/16 in his four overs, cleaning up the tail with clinical precision. He was ably supported by Barry McCarthy (2/32) and Humphreys (2/27). From 97/2, Oman suffered a catastrophic middle-order meltdown, losing their final eight wickets for just 42 runs. They were eventually bundled out for 139 in 18 overs.
The 96-run victory not only boosts Ireland’s Net Run Rate significantly but also confirms they are still in fight in Group B, while Oman heads home to reflect on a campaign that ended under the brilliance of Tucker’s blade.
Ireland beat Oman by 96 runs 😊#cricket #T20WorldCup #IREvOMA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/yxsl380N6w
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 14, 2026
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