NEW DELHI: Ireland suffered a major setback on Friday as skipper Paul Stirling was ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup after suffering ligament damage to his right knee, just ahead of their Group B clash against Oman.

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Stirling injured his right knee while completing a catch during Ireland’s 67-run defeat to Australia here on Wednesday. The seasoned opener then worsened the issue later in the same match while attempting a quick single after returning to bat.

The T20 World Cup Event Technical Committee has approved a replacement for Stirling, with uncapped youngster Sam Topping added to Ireland’s 15-member squad with immediate effect.

Ireland are scheduled to face Oman in their Group B fixture here on Saturday.

Topping is a left-handed opening batter who featured for Ireland A last year in a four-day match against Afghanistan A in Abu Dhabi.

"Topping was named as a replacement when Stirling was ruled out after sustaining knee ligament damage while fielding during Ireland’s match against Australia on 11 February," the ICC said in a statement.

Management backs replacement

Ireland Director of High Performance Graeme West admitted losing Stirling was a big blow but expressed confidence in Topping’s ability to step up.

“Paul Stirling underwent an assessment and a scan after the Australian match which has subsequently revealed ligament damage – as such, he has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup. Paul will shortly return home for rest and rehabilitation, ahead of the home summer," West said.

“To replace Paul, we have called up Sam Topping, who is able to provide immediate cover as he is a short flight away in Chennai. Sam has been with the Northern Knights training squad and has been playing and training in similar conditions to Sri Lanka.

"The skill set he offers provides cover across a number of areas within the squad, which is important as Ben Calitz is also carrying a knock to his hand after the last match.”

(With PTI Inputs)