Overview:
Blessing Muzarabani is expected to play a pivotal role for Zimbabwe with the ball in this match. Having taken seven wickets across two games, he has shown his knack for making crucial breakthroughs.
The 32nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will feature Ireland and Zimbabwe at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, with the match starting at 3:00 PM IST.
Ireland started their campaign with two tough losses against Sri Lanka and Australia. However, they fought back with an important win over Oman, keeping their Super 8s hope intact. Now, in their final group-stage match, they find themselves in a do-or-die scenario, needing a win and a significant Net Run Rate improvement to stay in the hunt for Super 8s qualification.
After a strong start, including key victories over Oman and Australia, Zimbabwe are in second place in the points table. A win will secure their Super Eight berth. With collective performances from both their batter and bowlers, they will look to extend their dominant run against Ireland.
IRE vs ZIM Match Details
| Fixture | IRE vs ZIM: 32nd Match, T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | February 17th, 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Time | 3:00 PM IST |
| Toss time | 2:30 PM IST |
| Ground | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
IRE vs ZIM head-to-head records in T20I
| Matches Played | IRE | ZIM | No Result |
| 18 | 8 | 8 | 2 |
IRE vs ZIM Pitch Report
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is considered a haven for batters, with scores surpassing 150. The pitch offers plenty of pace and carry, allowing batters to play with freedom once they find their rhythm. Bowlers must maintain their lines and lengths, as mistakes are likely to be punished. While pacers may get early movement, the pitch generally favors the batters.
IRE vs ZIM Probable Best Performers
Key batter to watch out for: Lorcan Tucker
Lorcan Tucker could be the player to watch in this vital encounter. His brilliant 94 against Oman guided his team to a crucial win. With 1,730 runs to his name in T20s, Ireland will be counting on Tucker to step up once again and play a match-winning role in their bid for Super 8s progression.
Key bowler to watch out for: Blessing Muzarabani
Blessing Muzarabani is expected to play a pivotal role for Zimbabwe with the ball in this match. Having taken seven wickets across two games, he has shown his knack for making crucial breakthroughs. His four overs will be crucial, with his height and bounce likely to trouble the Irish top order.
IRE vs ZIM Match Prediction ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Ireland will face a tough challenge against Zimbabwe, who have been in solid form. With the match being crucial for both teams, Ireland will need to perform under pressure. Overall, Zimbabwe are likely to come out on top, given their strong all-round game and momentum.
IRE vs ZIM Probable XIs
Ireland
Ross Adair, Lorcan Tucker (c) (wk), Curtis Campher, Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Mark Adair, George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Gareth Delany, Joshua Little
Zimbabwe
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani