IRE vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Today: T20 World Cup 2026 Match 32 Pallekele Pitch Report, Playing 11 & Fantasy Cricket Tips
Get the best IRE vs ZIM Dream11 prediction for Match 32 of the T20 World Cup 2026. Expert analysis on Pallekele pitch, weather, and top captain picks for fantasy.
Introduction
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 shifts its focus to a high-stakes Group B clash as Zimbabwe takes on Ireland at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Zimbabwe enters this game on a historic high after stunning Australia, putting them on the verge of a maiden Super 8 qualification. Ireland, meanwhile, kept their tournament alive with a dominant win over Oman, led by Lorcan Tucker’s record-breaking 94*. With both teams neck-and-neck in their T20I head-to-head history, this encounter is a virtual knockout for the Irish and a gateway to history for the Chevrons.
Data Suite: Match Essentials
4.1 Match Info
| Feature | Details |
| Teams | Ireland (IRE) vs Zimbabwe (ZIM) |
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (Match 32) |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka |
| Date & Time | February 17, 2026 |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar App & Website |
Pitch Report
The Pallekele surface is renowned for its batting-friendly nature, typically producing scores north of 150.
- Pace vs Spin: The pitch offers good pace and carry early on, but the high humidity often aids swing in the first few overs. Spinners generally find grip as the game progresses.
- Fantasy Impact: With Sri Lanka recently chasing down 181 here in just 18 overs, expect a high-scoring game where top-order batters hold maximum value.
Weather Update
According to Google Weather for Pallekele:
- Current Temperature: 22°C (Feels like 24°C)
- Condition: Cloudy
- Rain Chance: 31% during the afternoon
- Humidity: 77% (rising to 87% by evening)
- Tactical Effect: Overcast skies could provide an extra Powerplay impact for the swing bowlers like Josh Little and Richard Ngarava.
Last 5 Matches (Recent Form)
| Team | Form (Most Recent First) |
| Ireland | W, L, L, W, W |
| Zimbabwe | W, W, L, W, L |
Head-to-Head (H2H)
| Metric | Stats |
| Total Matches | 18 |
| Ireland Won | 8 |
| Zimbabwe Won | 8 |
| No Result | 2 |
| Top Performer | Sikandar Raza (Highest T20I runs in this matchup) |
Probable Playing XI
Ireland (IRE)
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 (ZIM)
Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
Dream11 Prediction Section
Small League (Safe Combination)
- Wicket-Keeper: Lorcan Tucker (Must-have after his 94* vs Oman).
- Batters: Brian Bennett (In-form), Harry Tector, Ross Adair.
- All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza (VC), George Dockrell, Gareth Delany.
- Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani (C), Mark Adair, Josh Little, Brad Evans.
Grand League (Risky/Differential)
- Differential Pick: Brian Bennett as Captain. He scored an unbeaten 64 vs Australia and is striking the ball beautifully.
- High-Ceiling Option: Gareth Delany. His Boundary clearing ability was on display with a quick-fire fifty in the last game.
Key Player Analysis
- Blessing Muzarabani: A true Death-over specialist. His ability to extract bounce in Pallekele makes him a wicket-taking threat throughout the innings.
- Lorcan Tucker: Currently leads Ireland’s batting charts in the WC. His Boundary clearing ability and sweep shots are perfect for the Pallekele dimensions.
- Sikandar Raza: The heartbeat of Zimbabwe. With his tactical bowling and middle-order stability, he remains the most vital fantasy asset.
Expert’s Verdict (E-E-A-T)
Verdict: Based on the high-humidity forecast (87%), the toss will be crucial. If Ireland chases, George Dockrell becomes a massive threat given his 35* off 9 balls in the last game. However, Zimbabwe’s pace trio (Muzarabani, Ngarava, Evans) is currently the best in Group B, making them favorites to defend any total above 160.
Final Dream11 Team (Balanced)
- WK: Lorcan Tucker
- BAT: Brian Bennett, Harry Tector, Tadiwanashe Marumani
- ALL: Sikandar Raza (VC), George Dockrell (C), Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher
- BOWL: Blessing Muzarabani, Joshua Little, Richard Ngarava
FAQs
1. Who will win today’s IRE vs ZIM match?
Zimbabwe has a 55% win probability after their victory over Australia, but Ireland’s record total against Oman suggests they are dangerous.
2. Is Pallekele a batting or bowling pitch?
It is primarily a batting-friendly pitch with an average T20 score above 150.
3. What is the best C/VC choice for this match?
For Small Leagues, Lorcan Tucker and Sikandar Raza. For Grand Leagues, Blessing Muzarabani or George Dockrell.
4. Will rain affect the IRE vs ZIM game?
There is a 31% to 50% chance of afternoon showers in Pallekele.
5. What is the head-to-head record?
Extremely balanced: Both teams have won 8 matches each out of 18 played.
6. Where can I get live updates?
Follow the Battingfirst channel on WhatsApp for real-time fantasy news: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb1iF1X9hXF4o5HF2V0z
