Ireland won the first T20I match of the series against United Arab Emirates by 57 runs. During that game, Ireland captain Paul Stirling broke the record set by Rohit Sharma off playing the most T20I matches.
Paul Stirling become the most capped T20I player and was also the first to play 160 matches in the format. He went past Rohit Sharma had played 159 matches. Stirling made his debut for Ireland and has been an integral part of the side for so many years.
Paul Stirling did not have a memorable match as he was dismissed for 8 runs of three balls. In a few weeks time, Paul Stirling is all set to play in his ninth T20 World Cup. He’s played all editions from 2009 to 2024. Rohit Sharma has played all editions from 2007 to 2024. He retired from the format in 2024 so will not be able to continue that streak but Paul Stirling who is set to lead Ireland in the 2026 WT20 will continue his streak.
Top 5 players with most T20Is played
Paul Stirling (Ireland) - 160
He has topped the list going past Rohit Sharma. In 160 T20Is, Paul Stirling has scored 3874 runs at a strike rate of 134. He is set to add more to his tally in the upcoming years.
Rohit Sharma (India) – 159
He has scored 4231 runs in 159 T20I matches at an average of 32. Rohit has also scored 5 centuries and led India to the 2024 WT20 title as captain. He has won two T20 World Cups in his career.
George Dockrell (Ireland) - 154 Ireland all-rounder George Dockrell is the third in this list with 154 T20Is. He has scored 1303 runs and also picked up 85 wickets.
Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) – 148
A legend of Afghanistan Cricket, Mohammed Nabi has played 148 T20Is and is all set to add more to his tally in the upcoming WT20. He has scored 2430 runs and also picked up 104 wickets.
Jos Buttler (England) – 144
England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler has played 144 T20I matches and has scored 3869 runs.
