Tucker’s 94 fuels Ireland’s 235/5, a 96-run win over Oman in Colombo
Tucker’s 94 fuels Ireland’s 235/5, a 96-run win over Oman in Colombo
Lorcan Tucker’s 94 off 51 propels Ireland to 235/5—the edition’s highest total—before Oman are bowled out for 139, sealing a 96-run victory in Colombo.
Ireland set the tone with a monumental 235 for five after opting to bat first in Colombo. Lorcan Tucker stole the show with a blistering 94 off 51 balls, lacing 10 fours and four sixes as Ireland rebounded from 47 for three to post the highest total of the tournament so far.
Oman had chosen to bowl first, throwing a surprise twist by deploying spin from the outset. Shakeel Ahmed led the way with a three-wicket burst, removing Tim Tector in the opener and then Ross Adair as Ireland slipped to 52 for two and later 74 for three. Harry Tector fell to Shakeel in the next over, but Tucker steadied the ship, building key partnerships to turn the innings around.
The turning point came when Tucker combined in a 101-run stand off 56 balls with Gareth Delany, who contributed 56 himself, laying a foundation for Ireland’s late assault. Tucker then stitched together a brutal 70 runs off just 19 deliveries with George Dockrell, whose nine-ball cameo featured five towering sixes. The late onslaught left Oman chasing a daunting target and eight batsmen among Ireland’s lineup reached single digits but Tucker’s onslaught carried the innings to a formidable total.
On the chase, Oman’s progress was halted early in the Powerplay as Shakeel Ahmed’s spin continued to bite. Aamir Kaleem (50) and Hammad Mirza (46) offered brief resistance, but once those two fell, the chase collapsed. Ireland’s bowlers ran through the lineup as eight batters failed to reach double figures, and Oman were bowled out for 139 in 18 overs. Josh Little spearheaded the attack with 3 for 16, supported by Matthew Humphreys (2/27), Barry McCarthy (2/32) and George Dockrell (1/6).
The result keeps Ireland in the hunt in Group B, sitting fourth behind Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Australia, with a lot to play for in the remainder of the group stage.
