Men’s T20 WC 2026 32nd Match: Rain Helps Zimbabwe Qualify

 

On 17 February, the 32nd match of The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 between Zimbabwe and Ireland at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium ended in disappointment when it was called off without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain. Zimbabwe qualify for the Super 8.

Match Summary

Series	ICC Men’s T20 WC 2026
Match	32th match
Seadule	Zimbabwe v Ireland
Venues	Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
Date	17th Febraray
Result	No results due to rain
Toss	No Toss
Player of the Match	-

Before the Super Eight stage, the highly anticipated Group B match was essential for qualifying possibilities. Ireland needed to win to maintain their hopes of making it to the tournament, while Zimbabwe had a good chance of moving on going into the match. However, after numerous inspections by match officials, the ground conditions remained unfit for play, and the constant showers throughout the day prevented even the toss from happening.

Rain Helps Zimbabwe Qualify For The Super 8

Both teams got one point each when the game was officially canceled. Zimbabwe's progress to five points in the Group B rankings, which was sufficient to guarantee their spot in the tournament's Super Eight stage, was made possible by this one point.

Pain for Australia and Ireland

The impact of the washout went beyond these two teams. After the lack of a result, Ireland was eliminated from the tournament, although they still had a remote possibility of qualifying. Following their failure to even qualify for the previous edition in 2024, Zimbabwe made history by making it to the Super Eight stage of a T20 World Cup for the first time.

Australia was also eliminated from the competition as a result of the abandoned match. The shared points guaranteed Zimbabwe's advancement, ending Australia's campaign at the group stage, even though the former champions needed Ireland's victory to remain in the running.

Zimbabwe Will Face India In Super 8 Stage

Zimbabwe, who are in Group 1 of the Super 8, will now move to the next round with momentum from their previous group stage success. On Friday, 26 February, they will play India v Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai.

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