Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
The T20I head to head record between Zimbabwe and Ireland is level ahead of their Group B clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka tomorrow.
In 18 meetings, both teams have eight wins each while two matches ended without a result.
Ireland are among Zimbabwe’s most frequent opponents in the format, behind Bangladesh and Pakistan, in a rivalry that has grown over the past decade.
The match at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy carries more than pride. It could shape the race for a Super Eight place.
Zimbabwe strengthened their chances with a win over tournament favourites Australia while Ireland kept their hopes alive with a big victory against Oman in their third game on Saturday.
The Irish had opened their campaign with defeats to Sri Lanka and Australia but picked up two points at the weekend to stay in the hunt. They need a win against Zimbabwe and favourable results elsewhere.
Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett said the Chevrons must stay grounded despite a strong start. The team has beaten Oman and Australia to sit second in the group midway through the fixtures.
The standings remain tight and another win from the remaining two matches could be enough to secure progress. Bennett urged caution.
“Yeah, definitely,” he said.
“It’s a great start with two wins from two. We still have two pool games left.
“We need to stay grounded and not get ahead of ourselves.”
Zimbabwe, along with Sri Lanka, Australia and Ireland, are still chasing the two Super Eight places after Oman’s elimination.
“We’ve got two big games to play and hopefully we can come out on top. It won’t be easy.
“We have Sri Lanka and Ireland next. We will stick to our plans. T20 can go either way,” Bennett said.
Zimbabwe will remember their first meeting with Ireland at the 2014 World T20 when the Chevrons lost by three wickets and failed to reach the second round despite winning their other two preliminary matches.
The teams have faced each other regularly in recent years and have met 15 times since Covid-19 restrictions eased in 2021.
Captain Sikandar Raza and injured wicketkeeper batter Brendan Taylor were part of the side that lost in 2014 and remain important voices for the younger players.
Taylor will take no further part on the field after suffering a right hamstring injury in the opening match against Oman in Colombo. He remains with the squad for support after Ben Curran was called into the playing group.
Zimbabwe’s win over Australia has left the group wide open and lifted the Chevrons to four points alongside leaders Sri Lanka.
Ireland and Australia have two points each and attention will also be on the match between Sri Lanka and Australia today.
Ireland remain firmly in contention after their first win against Oman.
The 96-run victory revived their campaign after defeats in their opening two games.
With two points, the Irish still have a chance of progressing if results fall their way.
Both teams come into the contest on the back of confidence boosting wins and Ireland have shown they can post big totals.
They recorded the highest score of the tournament when they made 235 for five against Oman on Saturday, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 225 for five against the same opposition.
Ireland scored 86 runs in the last four overs, led by stand in captain Lorcan Tucker whose 94 from 51 balls set up the win.
Tucker is expected to lead again after regular captain Paul Stirling was ruled out through injury.
Zimbabwe are also monitoring the fitness of Richard Ngarava, who missed the win over Australia. Captain Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani and Graeme Cremer have also been managing minor injuries.
