When you think about modern Irish cricket, one name always stands out—Paul Stirling. Known for his explosive batting and steady off-spin bowling, Stirling has become one of Ireland’s most consistent performers across all formats of the game. Whether he’s smashing sixes in T20s, anchoring an ODI chase, or making a statement in the rare Test opportunities Ireland gets, Stirling’s impact is undeniable.
If you’re curious to know more about his journey, stats, and achievements, this deep dive into Paul Stirling’s cricket career profile will give you everything you need in one place.
Quick Snapshot: Paul Stirling’s Personal Info
-
Full Name: Paul Robert Stirling
-
Born: September 3, 1990 (Age: 34)
-
Birthplace: Belfast, Northern Ireland
-
Role: Batsman (with handy off-spin bowling)
-
Batting Style: Right-handed
-
Bowling Style: Right-arm offbreak
-
Country Represented: Ireland
From a young age, Stirling’s natural talent for timing and power-hitting made him stand out in domestic cricket. Fast forward to today, he’s one of the most recognizable Irish cricketers on the world stage.
Paul Stirling’s Test Career: Small Sample, Big Moments
Ireland hasn’t played too many Test matches since gaining Test status in 2017, but Stirling has made his mark whenever he got the chance.
-
Matches: 8
-
Runs Scored: 382
-
Highest Score: 103
-
Batting Average: 23.88
-
50s/100s: 1 each
His maiden Test century remains a special highlight for Ireland fans, proving that he’s more than just a white-ball specialist. Though his opportunities in Tests are limited, Stirling’s patient yet aggressive style adapts well to the longer format.
Paul Stirling in ODIs: Ireland’s Run Machine
If there’s one format where Stirling truly shines, it’s One-Day Internationals. His numbers are impressive and place him among the top Associate and Full Member nation performers.
-
Matches: 169
-
Runs: 6005
-
Highest Score: 177
-
Batting Average: 37.77
-
Strike Rate: 87.48
-
50s/100s: 32 fifties, 14 centuries
Crossing the 6000-run milestone is no small feat, and Stirling has consistently been Ireland’s go-to player at the top of the order. His ability to provide explosive starts while still playing long innings makes him invaluable.
One of his most memorable knocks came against England, where his fearless batting helped Ireland pull off a historic win.
Stirling in T20Is: A True Entertainer
T20 cricket is where Stirling’s aggressive intent comes to life. He’s a natural boundary-hitter and never shies away from taking risks.
-
Matches: 151
-
Runs: 3669
-
Highest Score: 115
-
Batting Average: 26.59
-
Strike Rate: 134.89
-
50s/100s: 24 fifties, 1 century
His strike rate of over 134 makes him one of Ireland’s most destructive T20 batters. Stirling is also among the very few Associate players to regularly feature in global T20 leagues, bringing Irish cricket to the international spotlight.
Paul Stirling in the IPL: Yet to Make a Mark
Surprisingly, despite his credentials, Stirling hasn’t played a single IPL match so far. His explosive T20 stats suggest he could be a valuable asset for many franchises, especially as a powerplay aggressor. While opportunities have come in leagues like the PSL, BBL, and The Hundred, IPL teams have yet to give him a shot.
Stirling the Bowler: More Than Just a Part-Timer
While Stirling is primarily celebrated for his batting, his right-arm offbreak bowling often provides crucial breakthroughs.
Test Bowling Stats
-
Matches: 8
-
Overs: 2
-
Wickets: 0
Not much to write about in Tests, but his white-ball bowling has been far more impactful.
ODI Bowling Stats
-
Matches: 169
-
Wickets: 43
-
Best Bowling: 6/55
-
Bowling Average: 45.16
That 6/55 performance is proof that Stirling can be a genuine threat when conditions suit him.
T20I Bowling Stats
-
Matches: 151
-
Wickets: 20
-
Best Bowling: 3/21
-
Economy Rate: 7.44
In T20s, his role is usually to break partnerships or provide a low-risk option, and he’s done that well for Ireland.
Major Career Milestones
-
T20I Debut: vs Pakistan, June 15, 2009, at The Oval
-
Last T20I: vs West Indies, June 15, 2025, at Bready Cricket Club
-
Test Debut: vs Pakistan, May 11, 2018, at The Village
-
Last Test: vs Zimbabwe, Feb 6, 2025, at Queens Sports Club
-
ODI Debut: vs New Zealand, July 1, 2008, at Mannofield Park
-
Last ODI: vs West Indies, May 25, 2025, at Castle Avenue
This timeline shows how long Stirling has been around—17 years of international cricket and still going strong.
What Makes Paul Stirling Stand Out?
-
Consistency: Very few Associate nation players maintain such long-term performance across formats.
-
Powerplay Specialist: His ability to dominate the first 10 overs makes him dangerous in ODIs and T20s.
-
Big-Match Player: Whether it’s England in ODIs or Pakistan in T20s, Stirling saves his best for top opposition.
-
Experience: With 300+ international matches under his belt, his leadership and composure are priceless for Ireland’s young squad.
Stirling’s Legacy in Irish Cricket
Paul Stirling isn’t just a cricketer; he’s a symbol of Irish cricket’s rise. From Ireland’s upset wins in World Cups to their progression as a full ICC member, Stirling has been at the heart of it all.
His aggressive batting style inspired a generation of young Irish players, showing that they can compete with the best. Alongside legends like William Porterfield and Kevin O’Brien, Stirling helped Ireland earn global respect.
Also Read : Navdeep Saini Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Stirling?
At 34, Stirling still has plenty of cricket left in him. Given his fitness and current form, he could continue playing at the top level for a few more years. While Test opportunities may remain rare for Ireland, his ODI and T20 presence will likely continue until at least the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
And who knows? Maybe the IPL will finally come calling.
Final Thoughts
Paul Stirling’s cricket journey is nothing short of inspirational. From making his debut as a teenager to becoming one of the most reliable run-scorers in Irish cricket history, he has been the face of Ireland’s fight and resilience in world cricket.
Whether you admire his fearless six-hitting or his calm innings-building, one thing’s for sure—Paul Stirling is a player every cricket fan should know about.
