Ireland are desperate to keep their momentum alive and stay in contention for the Super 8s during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Lorcan Tucker-led team will lock horns with Zimbabwe in a Group B encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, February 17.
However, Zimbabwe arrived in Pallekele after stunning Australia by 23 runs. Both squads have been forced to make changes due to tournament-ending injuries to senior players. They will field their best possible playing XIs to keep their hopes alive for the next stage of the marquee tournament.
This article covers the probable playing XIs for Ireland and Zimbabwe in the upcoming clash, along with key insights into team combinations and possible tactical moves.
Ireland Playing XI vs Zimbabwe
Ireland’s batting clicked in their previous match against Oman, where they posted a mammoth 235/4. Despite the absence of regular skipper Paul Stirling, who has been ruled out with knee ligament damage, the top order delivered strongly.
Openers: Ross Adair and Tim Tector
Ross Adair provides the firepower at the top. He smashed three boundaries in the last game before falling for 14 off 7 balls. Tim Tector provides stability at the other end, allowing Adair to play the aggressor from ball one.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (c/w), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, and Gareth Delany
Lorcan Tucker smashed a blistering 94 off 51 deliveries against Oman. The middle order is packed with all-round depth. Harry Tector offers technical solidity at No. 3, while Curtis Campher and George Dockrell provide crucial overs and middle-order stability.
Gareth Delany’s destructive cameo of 56 off 30 balls in the previous match showcased Ireland’s power-hitting depth. Dockrell smashed 35 runs off just nine balls, including five sixes.
Bowlers: Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, and Joshua Little
Mark Adair has the ability to swing the new ball. Young Matthew Humphreys has been a revelation, taking 15 wickets in his last 10 matches at an impressive economy of 6.92.
Joshua Little’s left-arm pace remains the primary weapon against Zimbabwe’s right-hand-heavy top order. Barry McCarthy provides the necessary “hit-the-deck” option in the middle overs.
Ireland Predicted XI: Ross Adair, Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (c/w), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little.
Zimbabwe Playing XI vs Ireland
Zimbabwe are high on confidence in Group B with four points. Their bowling unit, spearheaded by Blessing Muzarabani, has shown it can dismantle even the most elite batting line-ups.
Openers: Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani (w)
Brian Bennett, who scored an unbeaten 64 against Australia, has amassed 342 runs in his last 10 outings. With Brendan Taylor ruled out due to a hamstring injury, Tadiwanashe Marumani provided solid support to Bennett. The duo added a 61-run partnership for the first wicket.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, and Tashinga Musekiwa
Captain Sikandar Raza is a proven big-match player, offering match-winning ability with both bat and ball. Dion Myers provides stability at No. 3, while Ryan Burl’s leg-spin and explosive finishing make him a key middle-overs option.
Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa add depth to the lower middle order with their clean-hitting abilities.
Bowlers: Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, and Blessing Muzarabani
Blessing Muzarabani produced a match-winning spell of 4/17 against Australia. Brad Evans has picked up 19 wickets in his last 10 games at an impressive strike rate of just 12.
Veteran Graeme Cremer adds vital spin experience to counter Ireland’s aggressive batters, supported by Wellington Masakadza’s accurate left-arm orthodox bowling.
Zimbabwe Predicted 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.
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