Zimbabwe Vs Ireland Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Washout Sends ZIM To Super 8s, Australia Eliminated

Hello, we’re back with another live blog for Zimbabwe vs Ireland, T20 World Cup 2026. Stay tuned for live updates.

The Ireland vs Zimbabwe match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India and streamed online on the Jio Hotstar app and website.

Ireland Squad: Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w/c), Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little, Craig Young, Benjamin White, Benjamin Calitz, Sam Topping

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

Rain has taken over Pallekele, with the entire ground under covers, but forecasts suggest conditions will improve as the day goes on, leaving room for some cricket action. Interestingly, a washout could hand Zimbabwe a spot in the next round while knocking Australia out. At the moment, the toss has been delayed.

Zimbabwe have added Ben Curran as a replacement for Brendan Taylor, though no major changes are expected. Ireland, coming off a convincing win against Oman, are likely sticking with the same lineup.

If the Ireland vs Zimbabwe match is washed out, Australia and Ireland will be knocked out of the race for the Super Eight. Only one point at this stage is enough for Zimbabwe to qualify.

There’s about a 30-minute buffer before we start losing overs, so there’s still some time in hand. But the weather needs to clear first, and the groundstaff will need a bit of time to take off the covers and get the field ready for play.

The rain has stopped and covers are being coming off at Pallekele, with most of the square uncovered except the pitch. But the drizzle returned soon after, forcing the groundstaff to put the covers back on. It’s a slow process as they remove excess water and relay the sheets, with the head curator closely supervising the operation.

More rain in Pallekele and a washout now looks increasingly likely, which would send Zimbabwe into the Super 8s. Quite a turnaround for a side that missed the 2024 T20 World Cup after losing to Uganda. If confirmed, they’ll join India, South Africa and West Indies in the next round and also secure automatic qualification for the 2028 edition.

There’s movement behind the scenes as several covers have been taken off. The head curator is in discussion with the umpires, though they remain under an umbrella, suggesting the drizzle hasn’t fully eased yet.

The umpires had an extended discussion with the curator before walking back toward the dressing rooms. After a brief conversation with both captains in the middle, handshakes were exchanged, and the match has officially been abandoned.

Rain has the final say in Pallekele as the match is abandoned, sending Zimbabwe through as the seventh team into the Super 8s. It’s curtains for Australia and Ireland, with persistent showers preventing any play. Super 8 Group G1 is now confirmed, India, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe, all set to play in India. Group G2 will feature Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand and either Pakistan or USA, with games in Colombo and Pallekele. Up next, Nepal and Scotland wrap up their campaign at the Wankhede Stadium.

Zimbabwean supporters gathered outside the dressing room, turning it into a celebration zone. The players have stepped out to join in, applauding the fans and soaking in the moment. Next up, they take on Sri Lanka before heading to India for the Super 8s. Four big matches await, and with this momentum and backing, they’ll believe they can spring a few more surprises.

That it from our side. There was no cricket action but that's not the problem as we've brought you the live action from Nepal vs Scotland match. Follow our live blog and stay updated.