Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026: Toss Time, Playing 11, Live Streaming & Preview

Ireland are set to take on Zimbabwe in Match 32 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, February 17.

With qualification to the Super 8s at stake, the encounter promises high drama. A win for Zimbabwe will confirm their place in the next round, while Ireland must secure victory to keep their campaign alive.

Match Details

Venue

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

Toss Time

2:30 pm IST

First Ball

3 pm IST

Ireland Team News

Ireland head into the contest boosted by a commanding 96-run victory over Oman. A stunning 94 from Lorcan Tucker and disciplined bowling performances from Joshua Little and Matthew Humphreys have renewed confidence within the camp.

However, regular captain Paul Stirling has been ruled out due to injury. Tucker is expected to continue leading the side, while Sam Topping has been added as cover.

Ireland’s batting unit, including Harry Tector and Mark Adair, will need to deliver consistency in what is effectively a knockout clash.

Zimbabwe Team News

Zimbabwe arrive with momentum after a statement victory over Australia. Brian Bennett impressed with the bat, while Blessing Muzarabani delivered a match-winning bowling spell.

The team, led by experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza, has shown balance across departments.

However, veteran wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, with Ben Curran coming in as replacement.

Zimbabwe will aim to maintain aggressive intent while tightening their bowling discipline against an improving Irish unit.

Ireland vs Zimbabwe: Head-to-Head in T20Is

• Total Matches: 18

• Ireland Won: 8

• Zimbabwe Won: 8

• No Result: 2

The evenly poised record adds further intrigue to this must-win contest.

Probable Playing 11

Ireland (Probable XI)

Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (w), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys

Zimbabwe (Probable XI)

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Full Squads

Ireland Squad

Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (w), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Tim Tector, Joshua Little, Benjamin White, Craig Young

Zimbabwe Squad

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (w), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande, Graeme Cremer

Pitch Report – Pallekele

The Pallekele surface traditionally offers assistance to both batters and seamers early on, with spinners coming into play during the middle overs. Evening conditions may assist chasing teams due to potential dew.

Live Telecast and Streaming Details (India)

TV Telecast

The live telecast of the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match will be available on the Star Sports Network in India.

Live Streaming

The live streaming of the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.

What’s at Stake?

For Zimbabwe, a win seals qualification for the Super 8 stage. For Ireland, it’s a do-or-die situation. Expect tactical battles, pressure moments, and high-intensity cricket as both teams aim to keep their T20 World Cup dreams alive.