Paul Stirling overtakes Rohit Sharma to create world record in T20Is

Irish cricket wrote a historic chapter on the international stage as a familiar face once again led the team under the floodlights in Dubai. Long time veteran team player, captain of Ireland paul sterling Made a huge record in the shortest format, underlining his longevity and importance to the national set-up. The occasion not only had personal significance but also set the tone for an important task for Ireland.

Paul Sterling beats Rohit Sharma and makes a new record in his name

Notably, in the recently concluded first T20I between the 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. By doing this the Irish opener went ahead of the former Indian captain. Rohit SharmaWho previously made the record with 159 T20I matches.

Sterling’s journey to the top of this elite list reflects remarkable durability and continuity. Since making his T20I debut in 2009, the hard-hitting opener has been a constant presence in Ireland’s white-ball plans for almost two decades. At the World Cup, bilateral series and qualification tournaments, Sterling has been at the heart of Ireland’s progress, developing from an explosive young batsman into an experienced leader. His record is not just about numbers, but about a sustained commitment to Irish cricket during its transitional years on the global stage.

Ireland dominated UAE in the opening match of the series

Talking about the game, after being asked to set the tone, Ireland posted a competitive score of 178 runs. While Stirling’s own contribution with the bat was brief – an entertaining innings of 8 runs off just 3 balls – the batting unit collectively ensured that the visitors had a strong platform to defend.

especially ireland bowlers gareth delaney And Matthew Humphreys Then gave a disciplined performance keeping the UAE batsmen under constant pressure. Regular wickets and tight spells meant that the hosts were never able to chase the target. Ultimately UAE were stopped well short of the target, helping Ireland secure a convincing 57-run win. The result gave the Irish a 1–0 series lead and added to what was already a memorable day for their captain.

Also read: UAE vs IRE, T20I series: Broadcast, live streaming details – when and where to watch in India, Pakistan, USA and other countries

Distinguished Company in T20I History

With this appearance, Sterling now tops an illustrious list of T20I stalwarts, which includes names like George Dockrell, Mohammad Nabi And jos buttler. His record is a reminder of Ireland’s growing footprint in international cricket and the players who have led that journey with consistency and pride.

Most matches in men’s T20I Internationals

Also read: Ireland announces 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Paul Sterling will lead