After two back to back losses Ireland picked up their maiden win at the T20 World Cup 2026, getting on the board against Oman and also keeping an outside chance alive to make the Super Eights. Ireland next face Zimbabwe, fresh off their big win over Australia and looking to continue on their winning ways.
Here, we present our preview and predictions for the 32nd game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Ireland and Zimbabwe.
Despite losing their captain Paul Stirling, who has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026, Ireland stepped up with stand-in captain Lorcan’s Tucker’s 94* powering them to a big 235. Stirling’s absence at the top of the order will be felt and the Irish camp will hope the likes of Ross Adair, Harry Tector and Tucker continue to step up. Ireland bat deep with Gareth Delany and George Dockrell at no.6 and no.7 respectively both being more than handy and had a strong outing against Oman.
The Irish opening bowling duo of Matt Humphreys and Mark Adair have been leaking runs at the top, an issue which has led them to be overly dependant on their spinners. The spin trio of Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Harry Tector have been pulling things back for the Irish and Tucker and the management will hope the spinners continue to thrive in spin-friendly conditions.
Zimbabwe meanwhile have put themselves in pole position to make the Super Eights after their stunning win over Australia as they sit with two wins from as many games. The key part of Zimbabwe’s success has been their bowling with the bowlers doing a stellar job to keep their opponents restricted to low scores. The seam attack of Richard Nharava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans have been the chief wreckers while they also boast of a handy spin attack consisting of the likes of Sikandar Raza, Gareme Cremer and Wellington Masakadza.
With the bat, they have been clinical and despite losing their veteran star Brendan Taylor, the Zimbabwean batting unit seems in fine tune. Brian Bennett at the top of the order has been solid and the remainder of the top order and middle order have all gotten runs under their belt. The only worry they might have is that lower middle order is yet to be tested and they would hope that it doesn’t come down to them but if it does, its best if it happens in the group stages.
The Kandy ground has been one that has provided runs to those who have applied themselves while also being supportive to the spinners. Ireland’s win over Oman along with a handy spin attack will give them confidence coming into this encounter but it’s the high-flying Zimbabwe team as the favourites to take the win due to the red-hot form they are in.
Fantasy XI: Harry Tector, Brian Bennett, Ross Adair, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Mark Adair, Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, George Dockrell
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, Kandy
Winners Prediction: Zimbabwe
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