The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy hosts a Group B showdown with genuine Super 8 implications a sentence few would have written before the tournament. Zimbabwe, written off before a ball was bowled, stands on the cusp of history. Their stunning 23-run victory over Australia arguably the upset of the tournament has transformed their campaign. Two wins from two, second in the group, and a place in the next round tantalizingly close. Ireland, meanwhile, is alive by the thinnest of mathematical threads. Their 96-run demolition of Oman was the response of a proud team refusing to fade quietly, but they remained fourth, needing a miracle. Victory here by a significant margin could, with other results, propel them into contention. The mathematics are brutal but not impossible. History offers no clues the last six meetings between these sides are split 2-2 with two abandonments. On a Pallekele surface offering runs, with two teams in contrasting form, this promises to be a tense, high-stakes battle.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
IRE vs ZIM, Group B T20 World Cup 2026 32nd Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 32nd Match, Group B |
| Date | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
| Time | 03:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
IRE vs ZIM Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Ireland
Ireland’s form is resurgent (W, L, L, W, W), with a record-breaking 96-run victory over Oman. Their key strength is a red-hot middle order. Lorcan Tucker leads with 139 runs in three matches, including a breathtaking 94 off 51. George Dockrell (85 runs) and Gareth Delany (56 off 30 vs Oman) provide explosive depth. The bowling attack has been transformed by Josh Little’s return (3/16), joining Barry McCarthy and Mark Adair as genuine wicket-taking threats. The psychological edge is momentum; they’ve found their rhythm.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe are flying high (W, W, L, L, L), with two tournament wins including the historic defeat of Australia. Their key strength is a composed, intelligent batting approach. Brian Bennett leads with 112 runs, including a match-defining 64 off 56 against Australia. Tadiwanashe Marumani has provided explosive support. The bowling attack is tournament-best, led by Blessing Muzarabani (7 wickets, including 4/17 vs Australia) and Brad Evans (6 wickets). Their psychological edge is immense; they’ve already beaten one giant.
IRE vs ZIM Probable Playing XI
Ireland Probable XI-
Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (C & WK), Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little.
Zimbabwe Probable XI-
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Mayers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Brad Evans, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.
IRE vs ZIM Head-to-Head Record (Last 6 T20I Matches)
| Total Match Played | 06 |
| IRE Won | 02 |
| ZIM Won | 02 |
| Draw/No Result | 02 |
IRE vs ZIM Pitch Report
The Pallekele pitch is a batting-friendly surface with true bounce and a fast outfield. The average first-innings score is 171, with Sri Lanka posting 225 here in this tournament. Pacers find early movement with the new ball, while spinners come into play later. The chasing team has won 3 of the last 5 matches at this venue. A score of 180+ is par, with teams targeting 200 to feel secure.
IRE vs ZIM Weather Report
The forecast is concerning. Light rain is expected from early morning throughout the day, with a 30-40% chance of rain during the match window. Precipitation totals could reach 12mm around midday. Temperatures will be cool, around 21°C. Interruptions are possible.
IRE vs ZIM Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first. The chasing team has won 3 of the last 5 matches at Pallekele, and with rain threatening, bowling first allows the chasing side to know their target under potential DLS adjustments.
IRE vs ZIM Match Prediction
This is the hardest match of the group stage to split two teams in form, with balanced head-to-head records, playing on a neutral surface.
Zimbabwe’s case: Their bowling attack is tournament-best. Blessing Muzarabani (7 wickets, economy 4.25) is in the form of his life, supported by Brad Evans (6 wickets) and a disciplined spin unit. Their batting has been intelligent, not reckless. Bennett’s 64 off 56 against Australia was a masterclass in reading conditions. They have the confidence of beating Australia, and they know a win here likely secures Super 8.
Ireland’s case: Lorcan Tucker is in career-best touch (94 off 51, strike rate 184). Josh Little’s return transforms their bowling, his 3/16 against Oman signals a bowler who can take early wickets. The middle order, with Dockrell and Delany, is explosive. They have momentum, and they know a big win keeps their miracle alive.
The deciding factor will be bowling depth and big-match temperament. Zimbabwe’s attack has performed under pressure against top-tier opposition. Muzarabani has proven he can dismantle world-class lineups. Ireland’s bowling, while improved, is less tested. On a good batting surface, the team that takes wickets in clusters wins.
Expect a high-scoring, tense contest where Zimbabwe’s superior bowling unit and composed batting edge a thriller. Ireland will compete ferociously Tucker may produce another masterclass but Zimbabwe’s firepower and tournament momentum should see them secure a vital victory and move to the brink of Super 8 qualification.
IRE vs ZIM Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Lorcan Tucker, Brian Bennett
- Batters: Harry Tector, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Gareth Delany
- All-rounders: Sikandar Raza, George Dockrell, Ryan Burl
- Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani, Josh Little, Brad Evans
Captain (C) Pick: Lorcan Tucker, Sikandar Raza.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Blessing Muzarabani, George Dockrell.
