Ireland will face Zimbabwe in Match No. 32 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday, February 17. The Lorcan Tucker-led team will look to continue their winning momentum and keep their qualification hopes alive in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
After losses to Sri Lanka and Australia, Ireland secured a massive 96-run victory against Oman. Zimbabwe have been the tournament’s “giant-killers.” They stunned Australia in their recent match, and a win in the upcoming game would almost certainly punch their ticket to the Super 8s.
This article covers the IRE vs ZIM Match 32 with details on the match preview, live streaming options, pitch and weather conditions, head-to-head statistics, and key records.
IRE vs ZIM Match Prediction: Who Will Win Match No. 32?
Match Details
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Match: Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Match 32
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Date: February 17, 2026
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Time: 3:00 PM IST
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Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele
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Live streaming: JioHotstar
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Live broadcast: Star Sports Network
IRE vs ZIM Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Record
Ireland and Zimbabwe have faced each other 18 times in T20 Internationals. Both teams have secured eight victories each, while two matches ended in a no result. In T20 World Cups, their head-to-head record stands at 1-1. Zimbabwe secured a 31-run win in the T20 World Cup 2022.
Pitch Report & Conditions
The Pallekele surface generally favours batters. However, the track offers enough “zip” for pacers like Blessing Muzarabani and Joshua Little to cause trouble early on. Spinners typically find some grip as the match progresses.
IRE vs ZIM Weather Report
Rain and overcast skies are predicted for Pallekele during match hours, with precipitation chances hovering around 65% at the start of play. Temperatures will be around 23°C, and a rain-interrupted game or a shortened contest is highly likely.
IRE vs ZIM Match Prediction: Probable XIs
Ireland Playing XI: Ross Adair, Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (w/c), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little.
Zimbabwe Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (w), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.
Toss Impact
The toss will be crucial given the high probability of rain. The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first to gain the advantage of chasing a revised DLS target. Notably, the overcast conditions could provide lateral movement for the new-ball specialists.
Form and Fitness
Ireland are high on confidence after Lorcan Tucker’s unbeaten 94. Zimbabwe are at full strength, with Blessing Muzarabani in lethal form following his four-wicket haul against Australia.
Score Prediction
If a full 20-over game is possible, a score in the range of 175-190 will be competitive. However, on this batting-friendly deck, Ireland have shown they can push well past 200 if their top order gets going.
IRE vs ZIM: Players to Perform Prediction
Ireland: Lorcan Tucker, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Joshua Little, Mark Adair.
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans.
Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for Ireland? Lorcan Tucker or Ross Adair
Who will score the most runs for Zimbabwe? Sikandar Raza or Brian Bennett
Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for Ireland? Joshua Little or Mark Adair
Who will pick the most wickets for Zimbabwe? Blessing Muzarabani or Brad Evans
Conclusion: Who will win the IRE vs ZIM Match?
Zimbabwe will enter the match as slight favourites due to their balanced bowling attack. Ireland’s batting found form in the last game, keeping them competitive. With rain expected, the team batting first must plan carefully.
