Paul Stirling becomes fourth batter to breach 3,000 T20I-run milestone

Paul Stirling has most T20I runs for Ireland

Ireland opener Paul Stirling crossed 3,000 T20Is runs during his knock against Afghanistan in the final match of the five-T20I series between the two nations.

The right-handed batter managed 16 runs off 10 balls, which included one four and a six, before Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked his wicket. 

Stirling has joined an elite group of cricketers who have breached this milestone — Martin Guptill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.  He is closely followed by Aaron Finch, Babar Azam and David Warner.

Impact player for Ireland

The hard-hitting batter is also Ireland's leading run-getter in T20Is ahead of former player Kevin O'Brien (1,973) and current skipper Andrew Balbirnie (1,673).

Stirling has represented Ireland in 114 T20Is and has a century and 20 half-centuries to his name. In the 138 One-Day Internationals (ODI), Stirling has amassed 5,172 runs, including 13 tons and 26 fifties.

Stirling in action

In the recently concluded T20I series against Afghanistan, the 31-year-old managed just 71 runs from five games.

T20 records

Overall, in 304 T20 matches, Stirling has accumulated 7,554 runs at an amazing strike rate of 142.55, with three hundred and 48 half-centuries.

He has represented Islamabad United, Southern Brave, Khulna Titans, and Sylhet Royals over the years in franchise cricket.

Interestingly, he is yet to play in the Indian Premier League, but has been picked by the KKR-owned Abu Dhabi franchise for the upcoming season of International League T20 (ILT20).

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