Ireland’s cricket sensation, Paul Stirling, etched his name in the annals of cricket history with a remarkable achievement in the T20 International arena. On a breezy day at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Stirling became the first-ever batter to notch up 400 fours in the shortest format of the game, an accolade that eluded stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Babar Azam.

Stirling’s feat unfolded during the first T20I of the series against Afghanistan. Despite a modest innings of 25 runs off 27 balls, Stirling’s legacy was embellished with two boundaries, catapulting his tally to an unprecedented 400 fours in T20Is.

See Also: WPL 2024: TATA gifted ‘broken window’ to Ellyse Perry after eliminator win

The Match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The battleground for this historic feat was none other than the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Set against the backdrop of towering floodlights and enthusiastic spectators, the stage was set for Stirling to etch his name in the record books.

Stirling’s Performance

While Stirling’s innings might not have been a fireworks display, his composure and precision were evident. Batting with a strike rate of around 100, his innings featured two fours and a well-timed six, culminating in the milestone of 400 fours in T20Is.

Following Stirling’s departure, the responsibility of steering Ireland towards a competitive total fell upon the shoulders of Harry Tector. The dynamic batter showcased his mettle with a scintillating half-century, amassing 56 runs off just 34 balls. Ireland concluded their innings with a respectable total of 149 runs.

Afghanistan’s Bowling Performance

Afghanistan’s bowling unit, spearheaded by skipper Rashid Khan, posed a formidable challenge for the Irish batters. Khan’s figures of 4/19 showcased his prowess, supported ably by Nangeyalia Kharote and Azmatullah Omarzai, who chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

Stirling’s Standing in T20 Internationals

Stirling’s monumental achievement not only solidifies his stature as a batting maestro but also underscores his dominance in T20 Internationals. With 401 boundaries to his name, he surpasses illustrious names like Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma in the record books.

Here’s the the full list: