Ireland vs Zimbabwe, 32nd Match, Group B – T20 World Cup 2026 | Live Score
Ireland
32nd Match, Group B (D/N) • Pallekele
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Tue, 17 Feb • 3:00 PM
Match yet to begin
Zimbabwe
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 features an important Group B clash as Ireland take on Zimbabwe under lights at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, on February 17, 2026. With both teams aiming to keep their qualification hopes alive, this contest promises intensity and high-quality cricket.
Match Date: Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Time: 3:00 PM LOCAL (Sri Lanka Time) | 9:30 AM GMT (Ireland Time) | 11:30 AM CAT (Zimbabwe Time)
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Match Info – IRE vs ZIM
| Match | Ireland vs Zimbabwe – 32nd Match, Group B |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | Tuesday, 17 February 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM Local • 9:30 AM GMT |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
| Status | Match yet to begin |
Match Overview
Ireland enter this contest after a mixed run of performances. Their batting has shown promise, but consistency will be crucial in this key encounter. Their bowlers, especially the seamers, will look to exploit any early movement under lights.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have been unpredictable but dangerous. With talented all-rounders and aggressive hitters, they have the potential to turn the match around quickly. If their bowlers deliver tight spells, they can challenge Ireland strongly.
This match could prove vital for both teams as Group B remains wide open.
Head-to-Head – Ireland vs Zimbabwe (T20Is)
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 12 | 7 | 5 |
| Zimbabwe | 12 | 5 | 7 |
Last 5 Meetings
| Date | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Feb 2025 | – | No result |
| 23 Feb 2025 | Zimbabwe | Won by 3 wickets |
| 22 Feb 2025 | – | No result |
| 10 Dec 2023 | Ireland | Won by 6 wickets |
| 09 Dec 2023 | Ireland | Won by 4 wickets |
Recent Form
| Team | Last 5 T20 Matches |
|---|---|
| Ireland | A • L • W • L • L |
| Zimbabwe | L • L • W • L • L |
Points Table – Group B
| Team | M | W | L | N/R | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | – | – | – | – | – |
| Zimbabwe | – | – | – | – | – |
Venue – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
One of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque venues, Pallekele offers a balanced pitch with support for both batters and bowlers. Seamers get assistance early, while spinners dominate in the middle overs. The outfield is very quick, rewarding stroke play.
- Capacity: 35,000
- Ends: Hunnasgiriya End, Rikillagaskada End
- Pitch Nature: Balanced, slightly spin-friendly under lights
Ireland vs Zimbabwe – Preview
Ireland have the upper hand historically, but Zimbabwe’s potential to surprise makes this clash evenly matched. Ireland will depend on their top order and disciplined bowling, while Zimbabwe rely heavily on their all-rounders.
This match could swing either way depending on early breakthroughs and powerplay performance.
Match Prediction
- Ireland look stronger on recent consistency and past results.
- Zimbabwe can upset if they control the middle overs.
Prediction: Ireland start as slight favourites.
Live Score Updates
Live score, ball-by-ball commentary, fall of wickets, and complete scorecard will appear here once the match begins.