Last Updated:
Ireland and Zimbabwe face off in Pallekele for T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s, led by Tucker and Raza, with rain expected and each teams in good form.
Pallekele Cricket Stadium will play host to the all-important clash on Tuesday afternoon. (PTI Photo)
Ireland and Zimbabwe come face-to-face in some of the crucial games of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday. The fixture could well seal the deal so far as the 2 teams’ Super 8s qualification is anxious – Ireland have to win to avoid elimination, two points will further bolster Zimbabwe’s probabilities.
A switch in captaincy from the injured Paul Stirling to Lorcan Tucker proved to be lucky for the Irish after they finally got on board within the last game versus Oman. Ireland needed to endure comprehensive defeats to heavyweights Sri Lanka and Australia.
Nevertheless, against Oman, Tucker led from the front and blasted an unbeaten 94 off 51 and pushed Ireland to a big rating of 235/5 in 20 overs, alongside Gareth Delany (56) and George Dockrell (35*).
In a while, superb spells from Joshua Little (3/16) and Matthew Humphreys (2/27) led to Oman’s downfall for just 139.
Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, stunned Australia in a T20 World Cup clash, again.
In a spirited performance, the Zimbabweans posted a rating of 169/2 of their 20 overs, with opener Brian Bennett top-scoring with 64 not out.
Then, the pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani (4/17) and Brad Evans (3/23) bundled out the Aussies for 146.
Zimbabwe had earlier hammered Oman within the tournament and may qualify for the Super 8s stage in the event that they win another of their remaining two games. A victory over Ireland could well seal Zimbabwe’s spot in the subsequent round.
Pallekele Weather Forecast
The competition can be held on the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
The forecast in Pallekele isn’t very promising. Showers are predicted in the course of the match hours. Temperature prone to hover across the 20-26 degrees Celsius, with humidity exceeding 75 per cent.
February 17, 2026, 05:30 IST
Read More