ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Match starts 3 Pm
Pallekele, Feb 16: On a high after a stunning win over former champions Australia, Zimbabwe would look to continue the momentum against a tricky Ireland side and grab the chance to book a maiden Super Eight berth in the T20 World Cup here on Tuesday.
A win over Ireland will take Zimbabwe to six points and they will continue their unbeaten run, though a Super Eight spot from Group B will still not be guaranteed. Australia — currently on two points from two matches — and Sri Lanka (on four points from two matches) can still reach to six points.
Zimbabwe’s final group match is against hosts Sri Lanka on February 19 in Colombo.
In that scenario, the net run rate (NRR) would be the deciding factor.
If Zimbabwe reach the Super Eight, that will be the first time they will progress to the stage in seven attempts.The African nation has been clinical in the tournament so far.
Their three pacers Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans ripped apart the Oman batting line-up with three wickets each, bowling the opposition out for just 103 in their opening match in Colombo.
Their batters, led by Brian Bennett (48 not out), needed just 13.3 overs to chase down the target for an eight-wicket win.
Zimbabwe then emerged as the giant-killers of the tournament, posting 169 for 2 against Australia before shooting the opposition out for just 146 for a 23-run win.
Opener Bennett led the batting show for Zimbabwe once again with an unbeaten 64 while Muzarabani and Evans were on the money with four and three wickets respectively. (PTI)
