Zimbabwe one win away from Super 8s, Ireland chase survival

Zimbabwe one win away from Super 8s, Ireland chase survival

Zimbabwe face Ireland with an eye on a Super Eights spot, their path clearer with Australia's loss to Sri Lanka.

With two wins in two games, Zimbabwe are second on the Group B points table, just below co-hosts Sri Lanka, who have sealed their place. The result has also opened up the table for Ireland: on level points with Australia, they could go third with a win, despite currently trailing on net run-rate.

For Zimbabwe, a win would be enough to advance. It would also mark the first group-stage exit for Australia since 2009.

Zimbabwe come into the match on the back of a 23-run win over Australia, having beaten Oman in their opener. While this makes them favourites, the two teams are level in head-to-head T20Is, with eight wins each.

Ranked one place ahead of Ireland (11th), Zimbabwe are wary of complacency. Captain Sikandar Raza said: "Those victories that we have had so far will count for nothing, especially if there is a slip-up now."

Ireland will take confidence from an NRR-boosting win over Oman and aim to finish their group campaign with a victory to stay in contention.

When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 3 PM Local Time
Where: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

What to expect: Both teams are playing their first match at this venue, which has seen high scores. Another high-scoring game is possible.

Ireland are unlikely to change their winning XI from the Oman match, where skipper Lorcan Tucker hit 94 off 51.

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 will bank on their pace attack, with Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans leading their wicket tally. Richard Ngarava could be included if fit.

Probable XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava

Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe captain: "Fine, we've had two results. Fine, the world is talking about Zimbabwe. It is great. But let them do all the talking for us. The next game becomes the most important game."

Mark Adair, Ireland: "I think they're probably as good of a bowling lineup as you'll find in this comp. It's definitely a challenge for our batters… We've played a lot against them. We've seen a lot of these guys. There should be no surprises for us."