Irish cricket witnessed a remarkable chapter being written on the international stage as a familiar face led the team once again under the lights in Dubai. The side’s long-serving stalwart, Ireland’s captain Paul Stirling underscoring its longevity and importance to the national fabric, he wrote a major record in the shortest format. The occasion was not only of personal significance but also set the tone for Ireland on the main tour.
Paul Stirling moves ahead of Rohit Sharma to reach the record
Notably, in the recently concluded first T20I between UAE and Ireland, Stirling officially became the most capped player in men’s Twenty20 International history when he made his 160th appearance in the format. With this, the Irish player surpassed the former Indian captain Rohit Sharmapreviously held the record with 159 T20I matches.
Stirling’s journey to the top of this elite list reflects remarkable consistency and consistency. Ever since his T20I debut in 2009, the powerful opener has been a constant presence in Ireland’s white-ball plans for nearly two decades. Throughout World Cups, bilateral series and qualifying tournaments, Stirling has been central to Ireland’s progress, transforming from a young explosive to an experienced leader. His record is not just one of numbers, but of enduring commitment to Irish cricket through years of transition on the global stage.
Ireland take on UAE in series opener
Talking about the game, after being asked to set the tone, Ireland posted a total of 178 runs. While Stirling’s contribution with the bat was brief – an entertaining 8 off just 3 deliveries – the batting unit collectively ensured that the visitors had a strong platform to defend.
Especially Ireland’s bowlers Gareth Delaney and Matthew Humphreys then put in a disciplined performance keeping UAE under constant pressure. Permanent doors and dense spells meant that the hosts were never in pursuit. UAE were eventually restricted beyond the target, allowing Ireland to claim a convincing victory by 57 runs. The result gave the Irish side a 1-0 lead in the series and added a team triumph to an already memorable day for their captain.
Elite company in T20I history
With this appearance, Stirling now sits at the top of the illustrious list of T20I veterans. George Dockrell, Muhammad Nabi and If Buttler. His record serves as a reminder of Ireland’s growing footprint in international cricket and the players who have driven that journey forward with consistency and pride.
Most Matches in Men’s T20I Internationals
| Player | country | T20I Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Stirling | Ireland | 160 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 159 |
| George Dockrell | Ireland | 153 |
| Muhammad Nabi | Afghanistan | 148 |
| If Buttler | England | 144 |
Also READ: Ireland announce 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Paul Stirling will officiate
