Ireland Vs Zimbabwe, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Rain Washout Sends ZIM Into Super 8s, AUS Eliminated

Rain completely took over the Group B clash between Zimbabwe and Ireland at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with persistent downpours forcing abandonment without a ball bowled. The washout handed both teams one point apiece but was enough to send Zimbabwe into the Super 8s with five points in the group, marking a historic qualification for the African side. The abandoned contest also sealed the early exit of Australia, the 2021 champions, as they can no longer catch Zimbabwe in the standings, while Ireland’s hopes ended alongside theirs. Zimbabwe will now head into Super 8s action against top teams including India, South Africa and West Indies, buoyed by their spirited campaign so far.

Updated on: 17 February 2026 6:42 pm

Published at: 17 February 2026 4:40 pm

IRE vs ZIM Match delayed by a wet outfield

The ground is covered as rain delayed the start of play during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. | Photo: AP/Eranga Jayawardena

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A support staff member of Ireland team walks on the covered ground as rain delayed the start of play during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. | Photo: AP/Eranga Jayawardena

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An Iris fan watches the covered ground as rain delayed the start of play during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. | Photo: AP/Eranga Jayawardena

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Iris fans walk by the covered ground as rain delayed the start of play during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. | Photo: AP/Eranga Jayawardena

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Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza waves to the supporters as rain delayed the start of play during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. | Photo: AP/Eranga Jayawardena

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Zimbabwe's Tashinga Musekiwa, right, and Tadiwanashe Marumani walk on the covered ground as rain delayed the start of play during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. | Photo: AP/Eranga Jayawardena

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