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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is reaching a fever pitch, and the 32nd match of the tournament is a high-stakes showdown between two evenly matched teams. On Tuesday, 17th February 2026, Ireland will lock horns with Zimbabwe at the picturesque Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. This is more than just a group stage encounter; it is a virtual knockout for Ireland and a golden opportunity for Zimbabwe to seal their place in the Super 8s.
As we analyze this IRE vs ZIM 32nd T20 match prediction, the context couldn’t be clearer. Zimbabwe have been the surprise package of the tournament so far, sitting proudly in second place on the Group B points table with two emphatic wins from two matches. Their historic 23-run victory over Australia sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, proving they are a force to be reckoned with. Leading the charge is the pace sensation Blessing Muzarabani, who has been unplayable at times, picking up 7 wickets and dismantling the Australian top order.
On the other hand, Ireland’s campaign has been a rollercoaster. Placed fourth after losses to top-tier sides Sri Lanka and Australia, they finally found their mojo in their previous match against Oman. In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Ireland amassed a mammoth 235 runs, with Lorcan Tucker smashing a sublime 94 and Gareth Delany playing a blistering knock.
This Ireland vs Zimbabwe clash promises to be a fascinating contest between Ireland’s explosive batting lineup, which just found its rhythm, and Zimbabwe’s red-hot bowling attack, which is brimming with confidence. With a spot in the next round potentially on the line, expect a tense, high-quality, and emotionally charged battle at Pallekele.
Match Details
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | IRE vs ZIM, 32nd T20 Match, Group B |
| Date | Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM Local Time |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
Team Preview
Ireland Team Preview
The Irish side enters this must-win contest with a renewed sense of belief, largely thanks to their record-breaking performance against Oman. After suffering defeats at the hands of Sri Lanka and a strong Australian side, Ireland looked down and out. However, they responded in the best possible way, posting a colossal 235/5—their highest total in T20 World Cup history .
This innings was a perfect example of their “all-out attack” philosophy. While the top order of Ross Adair, Tim Tector, and Harry Tector failed, the middle order fired in spectacular fashion. Lorcan Tucker has been the linchpin of the lineup, and his knock of 94* off just 51 balls was a masterclass in pacing an innings . He found the perfect partner in Gareth Delany, whose 56 off 30 balls provided the early impetus. The finishing abilities of George Dockrell, who smashed 35 off a mere 9 balls, gives Ireland the kind of lower-order firepower that can win games single-handedly. This depth means Ireland can bat all the way down to number nine.
The concern for Ireland, however, remains their bowling attack, particularly against a confident Zimbabwean batting lineup. While Josh Little picked up 3 wickets in the last game, their death bowling has been identified as a potential weakness . On the pace-friendly Pallekele track, Mark Adair and Little will need to be at their best with the new ball.
The spin department, led by George Dockrell and Gareth Delany, will be crucial in the middle overs. Captain Paul Stirling’s absence due to injury has been a blow, but Lorcan Tucker has stepped up magnificently as a leader . Ireland knows that a win here is non-negotiable, and they will rely on their deep batting lineup to post another imposing total and put the Zimbabwean attack under pressure.
Zimbabwe Team Preview
Zimbabwe enters this fixture as the form team of Group B, riding an incredible wave of confidence. Their back-to-back victories against Oman and, most notably, a 23-run win over Australia have announced their return to the global stage in emphatic style . What makes this Zimbabwean side dangerous is their balance and the sheer belief they are playing with. Leading from the front is their captain, Sikandar Raza, whose all-round abilities are the heartbeat of the team .
He provides stability in the middle order with the bat and offers crucial off-spin options with the ball. However, the star of the show has been the pace duo. Blessing Muzarabani is currently the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, with 7 wickets at an astonishing average . His height, bounce, and accuracy make him a handful on any surface, and his spell against Australia effectively won the game for his side.
With the bat, young Brian Bennett has been a revelation. His composed 64* against Australia, where he anchored the innings, showed maturity beyond his years . He forms a solid opening partnership with Tadiwanashe Marumani, who provides the aggressive flair. The return of veteran Brendan Taylor adds immense experience to the middle order, alongside the big-hitting Ryan Burl .
This Zimbabwean team is no longer just about fighting hard; they are winning games of cricket against top-tier opposition. They will be wary, however, of a potential slip-up. Historically, Zimbabwe has been known to follow statement victories with flat performances . They will be desperate to avoid that tag and secure qualification with a game to spare. The clash between their world-class pace attack and Ireland’s deep batting lineup will be the defining battle of this match.
Team Squad
Ireland Squad:
Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
Zimbabwe Squad:
Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.
Probable Playing XI
Ireland Probable Playing XI:
Ross Adair, Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (c & wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Matthew Humphreys.
Zimbabwe Probable Playing XI:
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.
Fantasy Team XI
| Role | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Wicket-Keeper | Lorcan Tucker | Ireland |
| Wicket-Keeper | Tadiwanashe Marumani | Zimbabwe |
| Batter | Brian Bennett | Zimbabwe |
| Batter | Harry Tector | Ireland |
| Batter | Gareth Delany | Ireland |
| All-Rounder | Sikandar Raza | Zimbabwe |
| All-Rounder | George Dockrell | Ireland |
| All-Rounder | Curtis Campher | Ireland |
| Bowler | Blessing Muzarabani | Zimbabwe |
| Bowler | Josh Little | Ireland |
| Bowler | Mark Adair | Ireland |
Crafting the perfect fantasy XI for this IRE vs ZIM clash requires balancing Ireland’s explosive middle order with Zimbabwe’s in-form bowling attack. We start with Lorcan Tucker behind the stumps, who is not only Ireland’s highest run-scorer but also in the form of his life after a match-winning 94* . Partnering him is Zimbabwe’s aggressive opener Tadiwanashe Marumani, who provides a powerplay punch.
The batting lineup is headlined by Zimbabwe’s young sensation Brian Bennett, the team’s top scorer, who has looked solid at the crease . Harry Tector is a reliable accumulator for Ireland, while Gareth Delany is a must-have after his explosive 56-run cameo, making him a genuine differential pick .
The all-rounder department is stacked with value. Captain Sikandar Raza is the ultimate utility player, contributing with bat, ball, and in the field . George Dockrell is another Irish gem, fresh off a stunning 35-run cameo in just 9 balls, and he will bowl his full quota of left-arm spin . Curtis Campher offers medium pace and middle-order stability, adding to the team’s depth .
The bowling attack is spearheaded by Zimbabwe’s wrecker-in-chief, Blessing Muzarabani, who has 7 wickets and is a captaincy contender . He is ably supported by Ireland’s pace duo of Josh Little and Mark Adair, both wicket-takers with the new ball and at the death . This combination of in-form batsmen and wicket-taking bowlers provides a solid balance for this crucial encounter.
Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:
- Captain: Blessing Muzarabani (In devastating form with 7 wickets, capable of destroying any top order).
- Vice-Captain: Lorcan Tucker (In sublime touch with the bat and will be crucial in setting or chasing a total).
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team:
- Tim Tector (IRE): Has failed in his last two outings, scoring low against Australia and getting out cheaply against Oman. He looks vulnerable at the top of the order.
- Clive Madande (ZIM): With Brendan Taylor likely to take the wicket-keeping gloves and bat in the top order, Madande is unlikely to find a place in the playing XI, making him a wasted pick .
Pitch Report
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium offers a balanced surface. It is generally considered good for batting, with true bounce and a fast outfield allowing for free stroke play . The average first innings score is around 164-170 . Pacers get some early assistance with the new ball, but spinners become effective as the game progresses and the surface slows down . Batting first is statistically more successful here.
Weather Report
The weather in Kandy is expected to be cloudy with a high of 26°C. There is only a 10% chance of rain during the match time, making a full game very likely .
Toss Prediction
Given the pitch report that favors batting first and the high stakes of the match, the captain winning the toss will likely want to bat first and put a score on the board. We predict Ireland will win the toss and bat first.
Probable Best Batter & Bowler
Probable Best Batter: Lorcan Tucker (Ireland)
Lorcan Tucker is the linchpin of the Irish batting lineup. Coming off a sensational 94* against Oman, he is brimming with confidence . His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate at will makes him the most dangerous batter in this contest. Against a quality Zimbabwean pace attack, his role will be vital, and he is our pick to be the standout performer with the bat.
Probable Best Bowler: Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe)
Blessing Muzarabani has been the best bowler in the tournament so far. With 7 wickets in just two games, his combination of height, bounce, and accuracy has been too hot to handle . On a Pallekele pitch that offers pace and bounce, he is a nightmare matchup for any batter. Expect him to be right on the money with the new ball and trouble the Irish top order.
Match Prediction
This is a tough match to call between two evenly matched sides. Ireland has the batting firepower to post huge totals, while Zimbabwe has the bowling attack to defend any score. However, Zimbabwe’s current momentum, having just beaten Australia, gives them a slight psychological edge. If Muzarabani strikes early, Ireland could be in trouble. Expect a close contest, but Zimbabwe’s confidence might just see them through.
Our Winner: Zimbabwe Will Win
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