IRE vs ZIM: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

• Fixture: Ireland vs Zimbabwe
• Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group B
• Match: 32nd Match, Group B
• Date & Time: 17 February 2026, 3:00 PM IST
• Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Match Preview

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group B concludes with an intriguing clash between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Kandy. Both teams have shown real optimism in the tournament and will be aiming for a win to improve their final group position.

Ireland showed their true batting prowess by beating Oman by six runs after coming from an early deficit. Captain Lorcan Tucker hit an unbeaten four to help Ireland post a huge total. That innings showed what Ireland can do when their best players fire together.

Zimbabwe have been one of the most impressive teams in Group B. They have been unbeaten with wins including a remarkable upset against Australia that shocked the cricketing world. Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabany has been in excellent form throughout the game and Brian Bennett has consistently been at the top of their batting order.

This match is a matter of pride and really plays a role in the final position of the Super Eights. Both teams will look to finish their group campaign strong.

IRE vs ZIM – Head to Head (T20Is)

Note: Prior to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Ireland and Zimbabwe have faced each other 18 times in T20 Internationals. Both teams have won 8 matches each, and 2 matches have ended in no result (either abandoned or abandoned due to rain).

IRE vs ZIM – Squad List

Pitch Report – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy

Team Analysis

Ireland

Led by Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector, Ireland have an explosive batting line-up that can effectively build and pace the innings. Mark Adair and Matthew Humphries can take wickets at key stages when the match needs a breakthrough. Their huge total against Oman proved that their batting depth is true.

Their concern is the inconsistency shown against strong bowling attacks early in the tournament. They must control their rhythm while defending the total against Zimbabwe’s powerful batting lineup.

Key players include Lorcan Tucker who is the captain and an in-form batsman whose unbeaten runs have shown world-class quality. Harry Tector provides reliable top-order scoring at crucial points. Mark Adair is a strike bowler in the middle overs who can break partnerships when needed most.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe have been in strong form recently, picking up important wins against quality opposition, including their famous win over Australia. Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza provide the batting firepower in their side. Blessing Muzaraba leads the bowling with real pace and bounce that will trouble any batting lineup.

Their concern will be to maintain consistency in batting to maintain a competitive total against Ireland’s bowling attack. If wickets fall in clusters early on, their performance could drop significantly.

Key players to watch include Brian Bennett who is a leading run scorer and power hitter who sets Zimbabwe’s tempo. Sikandar Raza captains and provides the top order force when Zimbabwe needs anchoring. Blessing Muzaraba is a strike bowler with pace and bounce who has been exceptional during this World Cup.

Toss Prediction

Scoring conditions are favourable in Pallekele and light fog could have a significant impact on the second innings. The captain may choose to bat first and set a challenging target. In Kandy, applying scoreboard pressure on the chasing team works effectively when fog makes bowling grip difficult.

Cricbites Match Prediction

Cricbites Prediction: Zimbabwe, buoyed by an unbeaten run and important win in the group, are slight favourites, while Ireland’s batting prowess means they are becoming a competitive threat.

Final Thoughts

Ireland and Zimbabwe will clash in a thrilling encounter in Group B, with both teams batting aggressively and the match changing quickly with a wicket-taking bowling attack. Ireland will rely on their top order to put up big scores while keeping Zimbabwe under pressure. Zimbabwe will rely on the control and confidence built from their recent impressive results.

Expect tactical battles in the middle overs where both Raza and Adair will influence the outcome. Expect key performances from both teams’ all-rounders. Expect high-intensity cricket as both teams chase the valuable final group points in Kandy.

Also Read: NZ vs CAN: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

Disclaimer

This preview and prediction is based on verified match information and recent form, team strength and pitch expectations, at the time of writing. Cricket results are unpredictable. Actual results may vary due to match day conditions, toss decisions and individual performances in the candies.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is the captain of Ireland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

Lorcan Tucker was the captain of Ireland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Q2. Who is the captain of Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

Sikandar Raza is the captain of Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Q3. When and at what time will the IRE vs ZIM match be played?

Ireland will face Zimbabwe on 17 February 2026. The match is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM IST.

Q4. Where will the match be played?

The IRE vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Q5. What is the match number of IRE vs ZIM in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

This match is the 32nd match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in the Group B stage.