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Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE SCORE, T20 WC 2026: Rain delays toss; Cut-off time for 5-over game- 6:15 PM

Another victory would guarantee Zimbabwe's progression and, notably, eliminate Australia at the group stage for the first time since 2009.

Shashwat Nishant New Delhi

2 min read Last Updated : Feb 17 2026 | 4:54 PM IST

4:54 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Still no update!

There is still no update from Pallekele as the wait contnues for both fans and the players at the ground.

4:44 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: An hour or so to call it off?

Despite of the cut-off time for a 5-over game being 6:10 PM local time, the ground staff need at least an hour or soto get the outfield ready and for that the rain has to sto first. Which practically means that if the rain persists for another hour, the umpires would have to call it off on the day.

4:25 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Washout on the cards!

The rain is well and truly back in Pallekele as the possibility of a washout is very much likely now. Not a good news for the Australians who are on the brink of exit now.

4:13 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Cut off time for 5-over game!

The groundstaff have begun some activity as the light drizzle eases slightly. Reports suggest overs could start in about five minutes. The deadline for a minimum five-over match is 6:10 pm local. While some covers had been taken off earlier, the drizzle has returned, and all covers are back in place.

4:01 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Covers coming off!

The visuals are positive from Pallekele as the covers are now being taken off with the hopes of a reduced over match very much on now if the weather allows.

4:00 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Both teams waiting for a resumption!

1 point each would not benefit even one of the sides as the Irish side need a win to stay alive while Zimbabwe too would have to wait to ensure they get a Super 8 spot.

3:42 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: No time for a 20-over game now!

Still no positive update as the overs will start to reduce as the rain further delays the proceedings on the day.

3:29 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Slight drizzle continues to delay proceedings!

Ironically, the rain is so slight that a T20 match could probably go ahead in these conditions. The ball would gradually become damp and harder to grip, but at least play would be possible. It seems the authorities may be trying to safeguard the pitch at Pallekele for upcoming fixtures. Still, it feels a little strange not to see any cricket when the weather appears manageable. For the moment, the light drizzle persists, with water collecting on the bright blue covers spread across the ground.

3:21 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Frustation continues

Ground staff is not able to start clearing the waters on the cover as slight drizzle continues to frustate fans, players and mostly the Aussies.

Here's what will happen if Zimbabwe vs Ireland match is washed out? Tap here to know

3:10 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Still time for a full game!

There is a one-hour window available before overs begin to be reduced, so time is still on our side. However, the weather needs to settle first, and once that happens, the groundstaff will require some time to remove the covers and prepare the field for play.

2:54 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Rain stops in Pallekele!

A positive sign as the visuals show that the rain has stopped for now in Pallekele with the ground staff now getting to work to get the outfield ready for play.

2:46 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Covers on the entire ground!

The covers have been put on the entire ground as the visuals not looks positive for a match to take place for now. 1 point isn't enough for qualification for Zimbabwe while it knock Australia out of contention though

2:35 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Toss delayed due to rain!

The toss has been delayed due to a little bit of drizzle at the Pallekele Stadium.

2:19 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE TOSS UPDATES T20 WC: Toss to take place soon!

We are less than 15 minutes away from the toss in Pallekele as the anticipation builds up among the fans who have gathered in the stadium.

2:06 PM

Ireland vs Zimbabwe LIVE SCORE UPDATES T20 WC: Zimbabwe one win away from Super 8!

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the T20 World Cup encounter between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele. A win today would put Zimbabwe into the Super 8 and eliminate heavyweights Australia on the day as well. Toss at 2:30 PM IST

Zimbabwe national cricket team take on Ireland cricket team with a coveted Super Eights berth in sight today, their chances boosted after Australia national cricket team suffered a defeat to Sri Lanka national cricket team earlier. The toss has been delayed due to rain in Pallekele at the moment. That result reshaped Group B, confirming Sri Lanka’s qualification and leaving the remaining teams battling for the final spot.

Zimbabwe sit second in the standings with two wins from two matches, trailing only the co-hosts. Another victory would guarantee their progression and, notably, eliminate Australia at the group stage for the first time since 2009. They enter the clash with momentum, having stunned Australia by 23 runs after comfortably dispatching Oman earlier in the tournament.

Despite their strong position, Zimbabwe cannot afford complacency. The head-to-head record between the two sides in T20Is is evenly balanced at eight wins each, underlining how closely matched they are. Captain Sikandar Raza has stressed the need to stay focused, warning that previous successes will count for little if they falter now.

Ireland, meanwhile, remain in contention. Following losses to Sri Lanka and Australia, they revived their campaign with a commanding win over Oman that boosted their net run rate. Another triumph here could keep their Super Eights hopes alive.

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2026: IRE vs ZIM pitch report and Pallekele stadium key stats

Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026: Playing 11

Ireland playing 11 (probable): Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (w), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys

Zimbabwe playing 11 (probable): Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 LIVE TOSS TIME: The coin toss for the T20 WC match between Ireland and Zimbabwe will take place at 2:30 PM IST

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 live telecast: Star Sports Network will telecast the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 live streaming: The JioHotstar app and website will live-stream the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India.

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Topics :Cricket News ICC T20 World Cup

First Published: Feb 17 2026 | 1:57 PM IST