Match 32
ICC T20 World Cup 2026
February 17, 2026, 3:00 pm
Ireland Logo
Ireland
Odds » 2.32
VS.
Zimbabwe Logo
Zimbabwe
Odds » 1.62
Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele

IRE vs ZIM Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Match 32, February 17

Published on: Feb 16, 2026 5:45 pm IST | Updated on: Feb 16, 2026 5:45 pm IST

Get daily updates from India Fantasy on Telegram

Zimbabwe is on the cusp of entering the Super 8s. After an astonishing win over Australia, Zimbabwe stands at the brink of getting through to the next stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They next face Ireland in match 32 of the competition at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. Both teams are heading into this contest on the back of a win. Zimbabwe pummeled Australia, whereas Ireland thumped Oman, and both teams have a genuine chance of making it to the Super 8s. Expect a pulsating contest between the two sides. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 32nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.

Win Probability: IRE vs ZIM

Both teams are brimming with confidence after a great outing in their respective previous fixtures. However, Zimbabwe should feel in a better state of mind, as they have two wins in two games so far, including a massive victory over the 2021 champions, Australia. The way they have performed in the last two games, Zimbabwe should have the winning probability meter favoring them in this contest. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 32nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.

IRE: 38% win chance
ZIM: 62% win chance

  • Both teams have registered 3 wins and 2 losses in their previous 5 T20I outings.
  • Zimbabwe is still undefeated in this World Cup having defeated Oman and Australia quite comprehensively in their opening two games.
  • In their last 3 complete meetings, Ireland leads the way with 2 wins, whereas Zimbabwe has won the remaining contest.

Cricket Betting Tips for IRE vs ZIM- Match 32

Brian Bennett to score Over 21.5

The hero with the bat from the last game against Australia, Brian will be looking for another impactful knock and help his team post a challenging total.

Lorcan Tucker to score Over 16.5

Fresh off an unbeaten 94 in the last game against Oman, the acting skipper Tucker would be hoping for another impactful knock in this game. Expect him to continue from where he left against Oman.

Tadiwanashe Marumani to score Over 17.5

Tadiwanashe Marumani also played a good hand in the game against Australia along with Bennett. The opening duo of Bennett and Marumani have stitched together eight 100-run partnerships. Expect the duo to work in tandem again.

Ross Adair to score Over 19.5

The opening batter of Ireland has given some crisp starts in this tournament so far but has failed to convert those starts into some meaningful scores. He should back himself to have a good game here.

IRE vs ZIM Today’s Match Prediction

Check out our prediction for the IRE vs ZIM 32nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Palleleke International Stadium, Pallekele.

Zimbabwe should take cue from their performance against Australia and dominate Ireland

 

Zimbabwe’s stunning victory over Australia has injected fresh belief into their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. That performance showcased their ability to rise to the occasion as they dismantled one of the big dogs of the tournament. With momentum firmly on their side, Zimbabwe now face Ireland in Match 32 at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy, knowing that a win will secure their place in the Super 8s.

Ireland, however, are not to be underestimated. They come into this clash after a dominating win over Oman, and their batting depth and fighting spirit have often troubled stronger opponents. Yet, Zimbabwe’s recent triumph against Australia provides the perfect blueprint for the upcoming fixtures in this World Cup. If they replicate that level of intensity, Ireland could find themselves overwhelmed.

This contest is more than just another group fixture, it is a battle for survival and progression. Zimbabwe will aim to carry forward the confidence of their historic win, while Ireland will look to spoil the party. On current form, though, Zimbabwe appear well placed to dominate and continue their fairytale run.

A win for Ireland will keep them in Super 8s hunt

 

Ireland’s campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been a mixed bag so far, with one win and two losses from their three outings. Their solitary victory came in emphatic fashion against Oman, where they registered a thumping 96‑run win, showcasing the depth in their batting and the sharpness of their bowling attack. That performance has kept their hopes alive, but the road ahead remains challenging.

As they prepare for their next fixture, Ireland know that a win is non‑negotiable if they are to stay in contention for a place in the Super 8s. The team will look to build on the confidence gained from their dominant display against Oman, especially the aggressive batting at the top and the disciplined bowling that dismantled the opposition. Consistency, however, has been their biggest concern, and they must ensure that momentum is not lost at crucial stages.

With the group stage tightening and every point proving vital, Ireland’s clash becomes a must‑win scenario. Victory here would not only keep their Super 8s dream alive but also send a strong message that they are capable of competing with higher‑ranked sides when it matters most. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.

IRE vs ZIM Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 18
IRE won: 8
ZIM won: 8
No Result: 2
Tied: 0
RECENT form IRELAND: W W L L W
RECENT form ZIMBABWE: W L L W W

There’s not much to separate these two sides when it comes to the T20Is. Ireland and Zimbabwe have clashed 18 times in T20Is, and both teams have won 8 games a piece. Two matches ended as a no result.

Team Analysis: Ireland and Zimbabwe

How will the two teams, i.e., Ireland and Zimbabwe, fare in the 32nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Let’s take a look.

Ireland (IRE)

  • Regular skipper Paul Stirling has been ruled out from the remainder of the tournament following a knee unjury he sustained during the clash against Australia.
  • After a massive win in the last game, the Irish side should stick with an unchanged eleven.
  • Expect no changes in the eleven.

Expected Starting 11

Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector (C), Lorcan Tucker (WK), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Matthew Humphreys, Barry McCarthy

Zimbabwe (ZIM)

  • Top order batter Ben Curran has joined the squad as an injury replacement for senior batter Brendan Taylor, who has been ruled out of the competition.
  • If Richard Ngarava has fully recovered, he could step in for Graeme Cremer.
  • Also, there is doubt over skipper Sikandar Raza who got a cramp in the last game. However, after 3 days of rest, Raza must have recovered.

Expected Starting 11

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani

Weather Conditions and Pitch Report

Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 32nd Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between Ireland and Zimbabwe at the Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy:

 

Pitch ReportWeather Report
The Pallekele surface generally favors batters, offering good bounce and carry. Stroke-making should be easier compared to slower tracks like Chennai.Conditions in Kandy are expected to be warm and slightly humid, with temperatures around 28–30°C.
Spinners may come into play as the match progresses, but pacers will enjoy early movement with the new ball.Cloud cover is likely, but rain chances remain minimal, so a full game is expected.
A par score here is usually in the range of 170–180 runs, making it a high-scoring venue.Light winds may aid swing bowling in the first few overs.
Teams winning the toss often prefer batting first to capitalize on the true bounce before the pitch slows down.Overall, weather conditions are favorable for cricket, with no major interruptions anticipated.

Toss Prediction

Winning the toss at Pallekele could shape the contest. The pitch generally favors batters early, with true bounce and pace on offer, before slowing down later to assist spinners. Captains may prefer batting first to capitalize on the fresh surface and set a challenging total in the 170–180 range, putting scoreboard pressure on the opposition.

Where to Watch Today’s Match

The online live streaming of the 32nd Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this World Cup will take place on Star Sports Network channels.

IRE vs ZIM: Today’s Match Predictions

It’s going to be a massive game for both sides with a lot at stake. Ireland can’t afford to loose, whereas a win will seal Zimbabwe’s spot in the Super 8s. It’s going to be a thriller of a contest with the pendulum shifting slightly in favor of the Zimbabweans, who haven’t dropped a game yet and are brimming with confidence after dismantling Australia in their previous fixture. Therefore, as per our prediction, Zimbabwe is expected to win the IRE vs ZIM, 32nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Want more Cricket Betting Tips like this for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Click here

Ireland Logo
Odds » 2.32
VS.
Zimbabwe Logo
Odds » 1.62