The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group B continues its action today, February 14, 2026 Ireland to take Oman in the 22nd match of the tournament. Set against the backdrop of the history of the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, this encounter has virtually turned into a battle for survival. Both sides have struggled to find their footing in the Sri Lankan conditions, with both matches winless. And for the Irish, the problem is compounded by a monumental absence at the top of the order.
Ahead of the game in Colombo, one main headline dominated the buzz: the absence of Ireland’s talismanic leader, Paul Stirling. As the teams left for the toss, it was confirmed that the veteran player will not only miss today’s game, but will also be out for the rest of the World Cup.
Why is Paul Stirling not playing in today’s match?
The main reason for Stirling’s absence today is due to a serious knee ligament injury in Ireland’s previous trip. Australia. The injury came when Stirling produced a brilliant effort to chase down Josh English; while completing the catch, he landed awkwardly on the hard Colombo turf, immediately injuring his right knee.
Showing strength, Stirling tried to bat on 183 runs, but the severity of the injury became apparent almost immediately. After facing just one delivery, his knee twisted while attempting a quick single, forcing him to leave the field injured and in visible distress. Subsequent medical tests confirmed ligament damage that required immediate rest and rehabilitation.
Lorcan TuckerAdvancing as the captain of the team, expressing the mood of the team in this shoot, he noted the loss of such a “great figure” in the team as a “great shame”.
“Yes, I think you really need to think positively in these situations. We see this as a good opportunity to come into our club and really get some momentum going into the last game against Zimbabwe. (talking about Paul Stirling) Obviously it’s a big shame in our team and such a big figure, but I think it’s just something that happens. It’s a pity“, Tucker said.
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The 11th of both teams is playing
Oman: Aamir Kaleem, Jatinder Singh (c), Hammad Mirza, Ashish Odedara, Mohammad Nadeem, Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Shah Faisal, Shakeel Ahmed.
Ireland: Ross Adair, Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk/c), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little
