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Zimbabwe target Super 8 spot in crucial Ireland clash
17 Feb 2026 at 13:15hrs |
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The Zimbabwe senior men's cricket team will be aiming to extend its unbeaten run at the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup when they take on Ireland at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
A victory for the Chevrons would secure their place in the Super 8 stage of the tournament alongside the hosts, marking a significant milestone in what has already been an impressive campaign.
Zimbabwe head into the decisive encounter brimming with confidence after registering back-to-back wins over Oman and Australia. The results have left them second in Group B with four points, two behind pool leaders Sri Lanka.
Despite the strong start, captain Sikandar Raza has urged his teammates to remain grounded and fully focused on the task at hand.
"We are no longer banking on our last games' performances; if we lose, it will all count for nothing.
"I am not overlooking our good start, but all I am saying is we need to do more.
"A win for us against them (Ireland) will take us to the next round, and we have to focus and fight for it," he said.
Ireland, meanwhile, will be determined to keep their qualification hopes alive following their emphatic 96-run victory over Oman on Saturday — their first win of the tournament.
A triumph against Zimbabwe would significantly boost Ireland's chances of progressing to the Super 8, although their fate could still hinge on other results within the group.
The two sides have built a competitive rivalry over the past decade. In 18 meetings during that period, both teams have claimed eight wins apiece, with two matches ending without a result — a record that underlines just how evenly matched they have been.
Tuesday's showdown promises to be a high-stakes affair, with Zimbabwe seeking to seal qualification and Ireland battling to keep their World Cup dream alive.
A victory for the Chevrons would secure their place in the Super 8 stage of the tournament alongside the hosts, marking a significant milestone in what has already been an impressive campaign.
Zimbabwe head into the decisive encounter brimming with confidence after registering back-to-back wins over Oman and Australia. The results have left them second in Group B with four points, two behind pool leaders Sri Lanka.
Despite the strong start, captain Sikandar Raza has urged his teammates to remain grounded and fully focused on the task at hand.
"We are no longer banking on our last games' performances; if we lose, it will all count for nothing.
"I am not overlooking our good start, but all I am saying is we need to do more.
"A win for us against them (Ireland) will take us to the next round, and we have to focus and fight for it," he said.
Ireland, meanwhile, will be determined to keep their qualification hopes alive following their emphatic 96-run victory over Oman on Saturday — their first win of the tournament.
A triumph against Zimbabwe would significantly boost Ireland's chances of progressing to the Super 8, although their fate could still hinge on other results within the group.
The two sides have built a competitive rivalry over the past decade. In 18 meetings during that period, both teams have claimed eight wins apiece, with two matches ending without a result — a record that underlines just how evenly matched they have been.
Tuesday's showdown promises to be a high-stakes affair, with Zimbabwe seeking to seal qualification and Ireland battling to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Source - newzimbabwe
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