Chevrons ride belief wave into Ireland showdown

ZIMBABWE head into Tuesday's ICC T20 World Cup clash against Ireland carrying something they have not taken into a global tournament match for years - genuine expectation.

Friday's win over Australia did more than add two points to their tally. It lifted the mood inside the camp and among supporters, transforming belief into something tangible.

Qualification for the Super Eight is now a realistic goal, with Zimbabwe level at the top of Group B alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, separated only by net run rate.

The result has turned what might have been another routine group fixture into a contest heavy with consequence.

Ireland stand between the Chevrons and a place in the next phase, with progression still firmly in Zimbabwe's hands.

The squad travelled from Colombo to Balagolla yesterday with confidence high, but fully aware that momentum can evaporate if focus slips.

Head coach Justin Sammons said the win over Australia reflected the work the players have put in, while stressing there is still more to do.

"I'm just super happy for the boys and for them to be able to experience this," said Sammons. "They have worked so hard and really deserve moments like this."

Preparations have been tempered by injury concerns, with former captain Brendan Taylor ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering a hamstring strain in the opening match against Oman.

Taylor scored 31 off 30 balls before retiring hurt and also claimed three catches behind the stumps.

Ben Curran has been called up as cover, adding depth to the batting despite not being a regular in the T20I side.

In 40 T20 innings, he has scored 872 runs at a strike rate of 126.01, with a highest score of 71.

His arrival could prompt a selection decision between him and all-rounder Tony Munyonga, while Tadiwanashe Marumani is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties.

Captain Sikandar Raza is expected to be fit after leaving the field with cramps during the Australia match, easing fears of further disruption to a side that appears to have found rhythm at the right time.

For Ireland, the match represents a fight to keep their campaign alive after a mixed start that leaves them level on two points with Australia, while Oman sit at the bottom without a win.

That urgency will test Zimbabwe's composure.

Sammons said the challenge is to carry confidence without losing focus as the team builds on its strongest display of the tournament.

"That win is very important for us as our goal is to get through to the next round," he said. "Progression is still in our hands, which is what we want. Now we move forward to Ireland."

Inside the dressing room, the message is clear: enjoy the win, then reset.

The margin between success and disappointment at this stage is narrow, and another disciplined performance could push Zimbabwe into territory few predicted when the tournament began.

After shaking the group with a result that reignited belief, the Chevrons now face the task of proving it was not just a moment - but the start of something bigger.

The match could be finely balanced, considering the teams' head-to-head record over the past decade. In the last 10 years, they have met 18 times in T20 cricket, sharing eight wins apiece, with two matches ending without a result.

Ireland, beaten by Sri Lanka and Australia in their opening two fixtures, can still finish in the top two of Group B if they defeat Zimbabwe and other results fall their way.

Oman, meanwhile, have been eliminated from Super Eight contention after a third straight defeat, with their campaign concluding against Australia on Friday in the final first-round fixture.