Stand-in skipper Lorcan Tucker produced a sensational unbeaten 94 to guide Ireland to a massive total of 235 for five against Oman at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, delivering one of the most dominant batting displays of the tournament so far.
Playing without injured captain Paul Stirling, Ireland faced early trouble after slipping to 45 for three inside five overs. Tucker stabilized the innings with composure and calculated aggression, striking ten boundaries and four towering sixes to anchor the recovery and keep the scoreboard moving at a steady pace.
He found strong support from Gareth Delany, who smashed 56 off just 30 balls. Their partnership added 100 runs for the fifth wicket, shifting momentum decisively and laying a foundation for a late surge that completely changed the complexion of the innings.
The final overs belonged to George Dockrell, whose explosive 35 not out came from only nine deliveries. His blistering cameo included five sixes and propelled Ireland past the 200 mark in the nineteenth over, setting the highest total recorded in the competition so far and leaving the opposition bowlers stunned.
For Oman, Shakeel Ahmed stood out with three wickets for 33 runs, while Aamir Kaleem and Shah Faisal picked up one wicket each. Despite their efforts, the bowlers struggled to contain Ireland’s relentless acceleration during the death overs.
Chasing a daunting 236, Oman began confidently, reaching 63 for two during the Powerplay with Kaleem leading the charge through an aggressive half-century. However, frequent wickets halted progress as Ireland’s bowlers tightened control and steadily dismantled the chase.
Left-arm pacer Josh Little spearheaded the bowling attack with three wickets for just 16 runs. Barry McCarthy and Matthew Humphreys claimed two scalps each as Oman were bowled out for 139 in 18 overs, sealing a commanding 96-run victory that significantly strengthened Ireland’s standing in the group stage.
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