Ireland will need to step up to make World Cup mark

Ireland will need to step up to make World Cup markImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ireland’s white-ball captain Paul Stirling will be playing at his ninth World CupByJonathan BradleyBBC Sport NI senior journalistPublished8 minutes agoWhether it be the unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day against Pakistan in 2007, or Kevin O’Brien thumping a rapid century to beat England four years later, Ireland’s history at World Cups is one built upon giant killings.But if those historic days, and a few more besides against the likes of West Indies, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, all helped to create a reputation for over-performance at global showpieces, it has been a contrasting story at T20 World Cups. Indeed, as Ireland prepare to start their 2026 campaign against co-hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday, the presence of Oman in their group is a reminder that in the shorter format, the shoe has more often been on the other foot.It was 10 years ago in India that defeat by the tournament debutants first up sent Ireland on their way to one of their six early exits from eight attempts, while it was the same old story in the USA last time around when a 12-run loss to Canada, with an assist from the weather, did the damage.With Australia to follow Sri Lanka this time around, before facing Oman and then Zimbabwe in Pool B, if Heinrich Malan’s side are to reverse the trend in the coming 10 days, they must ensure they are again the ones administering the shocks rather than finding themselves on the receiving end.Ireland v Sri LankaMen’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026Saturday, 8 February 2026, 13:30 GMTR. Premadasa Stadium, ColomboListen on Sounds