Match 32 of T20 World Cup 2026 will take place from February 17th 2022 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, between Ireland (IRE) and Zimbabwe (ZIM). This match is very important because both teams have something to play for; they’re both trying to qualify for the Super Eights round.
ZIM vs IRE: Match Details
Ireland and Zimbabwe Clash Match 32 – T20 World Cup 2026
Date & Time (Indian Standard Time): Tuesday, 17 February 2023, at 3:00 PM.
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Broadcasting by: JioStar Network Channels
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Live Streamed by: JioHotstar (App/Website)
ZIM vs IRE: Team Performances and How Each Team Made Their Way Through This Tournament
Ireland’s Journey to Date
Ireland started this tournament on a rough note, losing their first two matches to Australia (by 8 wickets) & Sri Lanka (by 112 runs). However, they kept themselves within reach of qualification via a huge win versus Oman.
Headed by Lorcan Tucker, Ireland are now faced with a situation of having to win this match between ZIM and IRE. They not only have to win but also have to better their Net Run Rate.
Zimbabwe’s Strong Run
Zimbabwe have been one of the surprise packages in the tournament so far. With the guidance of Sikandar Raza, they have registered some impressive victories against Oman and Australia.
At present, they are second in the points table and can qualify for the Super Eight stage with a victory in the ZIM vs IRE match. They have been well-balanced in both batting and bowling, which makes them a formidable side.
Pallekele Pitch Report – ZIM vs IRE
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium wicket is generally batting-friendly. A total of over 150 is expected in a T20 match at this venue. The wicket provides good pace and bounce to the ball. The fast bowlers may get some initial movement, but once they get set, the batsmen can play their shots freely.
In the ZIM vs IRE match, the team that wins the toss may decide to bat first and score a good total, especially keeping in mind the batting-friendly conditions.
ZIM vs IRE Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
Matches Played: 18
Ireland Wins: 8
Zimbabwe Wins: 8
No Result/Tied: 2
First Meeting: March 17, 2014
Last Meeting: February 15, 2025
The evenly balanced head-to-head record makes the ZIM vs IRE clash even more intriguing.
ZIM vs IRE Predicted Playing XIs
Ireland Probable XI
Ross Adair, Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (C & WK), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little.
Zimbabwe Probable XI
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.
ZIM vs IRE Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter – Lorcan Tucker
Lorcan Tucker might also have a defining role to play in the ZIM vs IRE match. The wicketkeeper-batter hammered an unbeaten 94 in a match-winning performance against Oman. With more than 1,700 runs in T20 cricket, Tucker’s experience and ability to hold one end are Ireland’s best hope in this crunch match.
Probable Best Bowler – Blessing Muzarabani
Blessing Muzarabani has been sensational. The tall pacer has taken seven wickets in just two matches with an average of 4.71. His ability to extract bounce and strike early could be the turning point in the ZIM vs IRE match. If he puts up another impressive show, Zimbabwe will be favorites to qualify.
ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Although Ireland are on a roll after their victory, Zimbabwe seem more rounded and confident. Zimbabwe’s bowling lineup, spearheaded by Muzarabani, gives them a slight advantage.
Prediction: Zimbabwe are the favorites to win in the ZIM vs IRE match, but if Ireland’s top order performs well, the match could go to the wire.
ALSO READ: IND vs PAK World Cup Results Of All Matches (ODI + T20I): Complete Record And Historic Rivalry
