Ireland and Zimbabwe lock horns in Match 32 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Zimbabwe are just one step away from sealing a historic spot in the Super 8s, while Ireland find themselves in must-win territory. One team is chasing qualification glory, the other is fighting to stay alive — setting up a proper high-pressure group-stage clash.
Zimbabwe Eye Super 8 Liftoff After Australia Upset
Zimbabwe arrive in Pallekele with momentum firmly on their side after their stunning win over Australia, a result that has suddenly put them on the brink of making history.
Brian Bennett has been in red-hot form at the top, while the pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans have given Zimbabwe a cutting edge with the ball.
However, the Chevrons will be keeping a close eye on skipper Sikandar Raza’s fitness after he picked up a niggle in the previous match. With qualification so close, Zimbabwe will be desperate to have their captain fully fit for this crucial encounter.
Ireland Still Alive, But No Room for Error
Ireland, meanwhile, come into this match after a confidence-boosting 96-run win over Oman, led brilliantly by Lorcan Tucker’s unbeaten 94.
But the Irish campaign has been dented by the injury to regular captain Paul Stirling, who has been ruled out. Tucker is expected to continue leading the side, and Ireland will once again rely heavily on Harry Tector and Mark Adair to deliver in a must-win contest.
Consistency has been their biggest challenge so far — and against an in-form Zimbabwe, Ireland will need their best performance of the tournament.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe: Probable Playing XI
Ireland Playing XI (Probable)
- Paul Stirling (c)
- Ross Adair
- Harry Tector
- Lorcan Tucker (wk)
- Curtis Campher
- Benjamin Calitz
- George Dockrell
- Gareth Delany
- Mark Adair
- Barry McCarthy
- Matthew Humphreys
Zimbabwe Playing XI (Probable)
- Brian Bennett
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Dion Myers
- Brendan Taylor (wk)
- Sikandar Raza (c)
- Ryan Burl
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Brad Evans
- Wellington Masakadza
- Richard Ngarava
- Blessing Muzarabani
Ireland vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head in T20Is
The rivalry has been evenly poised over the years.
- Total Matches: 18
- Ireland Won: 8
- Zimbabwe Won: 8
- No Result: 2
Expect another tight battle between two sides that know each other well.
Match Details: Toss Time & Start Time
- Match: Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Match 32
- Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Toss Time
⏰ 2:30 PM IST
Match Start Time
⏰ 3:00 PM IST
Ireland vs Zimbabwe Live Streaming & Telecast
Fans in India can watch the match live on TV and online.
Live Telecast
đź“ş Star Sports Network
Live Streaming
📱 JioHotstar app and website
What’s at Stake?
Zimbabwe are on the verge of something special — a Super 8 qualification that has eluded them since the tournament began in 2007.
Ireland, on the other hand, are playing for survival and pride, knowing that one slip-up could end their campaign.
Momentum is with Zimbabwe, but Ireland have shown they can bounce back strongly. With qualification pressure rising, expect a tense, hard-fought contest in Pallekele.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026
When will the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The Ireland vs Zimbabwe match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on Tuesday, February 17.
What will be the venue for the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
The Ireland vs Zimbabwe match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.
What time will the toss for the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The toss for the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match will take place at 2:30 PM IST.
What time will the first ball of the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 be bowled?
The first ball of the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match will be bowled at 3:00 PM IST.
Where to watch the live telecast of the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India?
The live telecast of the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match will be available on the Star Sports Network in India.
Where to watch the live streaming of the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India?
The live streaming of the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
What is at stake for Zimbabwe in the Ireland match?
A victory for Zimbabwe will secure their place in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
What does Ireland need to do to stay alive in the tournament?
Ireland must win this match to keep their qualification hopes alive for the Super 8s.
Who is leading Ireland in Paul Stirling’s absence?
Lorcan Tucker is expected to continue captaining Ireland after Paul Stirling was ruled out injured.
What is the head-to-head record between Ireland and Zimbabwe in T20Is?
Ireland and Zimbabwe have played 18 T20Is so far, with both teams winning 8 matches each, while 2 ended in no result.
