T20 World Cup history: Top three run-getters for Ireland

The T20 World Cup 2026 is currently underway from February 7 to March 8, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Ireland, one of the most competitive Full-Member nations outside the traditional powerhouses, have built a reputation for upsetting bigger teams on the global stage. Over the years, they have delivered memorable performances that stunned established sides. However, this edition of the tournament has not started on the best note for them.

Ireland are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Oman, and Zimbabwe. The side was initially set to be led by Paul Stirling, but an untimely injury ruled him out of the tournament. In his absence, Lorcan Tucker has taken over the captaincy. The squad features promising batting talents such as Harry Tector, Ross Adair, Tim Tector, and Curtis Campher, all of whom have the ability to change the course of a game.

Here is a look at the top three run-getters for Ireland in T20 World Cup history:

Paul Stirling

Paul Stirling has long been recognised as one of Ireland’s most destructive batters. With his natural swagger and powerful stroke play, Stirling can dominate bowling attacks with remarkable ease. Despite his bulky build, he generates immense power, particularly when driving straight down the ground or pulling through midwicket. One of his most famous innings came in ODI cricket, when he hammered 177 off 134 balls against Canada, still the highest ODI score by an Irish batter.

Stirling has also displayed his big-match temperament on several occasions, notably producing blistering performances. He first captained Ireland in 2018 at the Hong Kong Sixes and frequently stepped in as stand-in skipper before being confirmed as Ireland’s full-time white-ball captain in October 2023 after Andy Balbirnie stepped down. In T20 Internationals, Stirling has amassed 3,895 runs in 163 matches. In T20 World Cups, he has scored 426 runs in 26 games. 

Lorcan Tucker

Wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker has emerged as one of Ireland’s most dependable performers in recent years. Part of Ireland’s first group of centrally contracted players, Tucker made his international debut in 2016. His maiden international half-century came in 2019 during an ODI home series against Zimbabwe, which Ireland won convincingly.

Tucker gained wider recognition during Ireland’s T20I series against the USA in Lauderhill in 2021, where he scored 57 not out in a tough chase of 189 and followed it up with a match-winning 84 in the decider. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Tucker was Ireland’s top scorer. He produced a superb 71 not out against Australia and an unbeaten 45 in a successful chase against West Indies. Across 91 T20Is, Tucker has scored 1,730 runs, including 365 runs in 13 T20 World Cup matches. 

William Porterfield

William Porterfield has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s rise in international cricket. A left-handed top-order batter and an exceptional close-in fielder, Porterfield captained Ireland at every level from Under-13 onward. He played a key role in Ireland’s historic 2007 World Cup win over Bangladesh, contributing a vital 85, and later scored centuries against Scotland, Bangladesh, and England as Ireland pushed for Full Membership status.

Although his T20 World Cup journey included setbacks, such as being dismissed first ball in both matches during the 2012 edition in Sri Lanka, Porterfield remained a consistent contributor. In 61 T20Is, he scored 1,079 runs, including 253 runs in 15 T20 World Cup games. 

Ireland squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Sam Topping, Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker (Captain), Ben White, Craig Young

Ireland schedule for T20 World Cup 2026:

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!