🏏 ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Zim vs Ireland 32nd match 🏏 - Page 5

We have a one-hour buffer before we start to lose overs. So there's still plenty of time on our hands. But first, the conditions need to improve and the groundstaff will need some time to clear the covers and get the ground match-ready

"Nothing new to report - it's still raining in Pallekele. No movement from the groundstaff at all and we're reached a stage where we'll start to lose overs."

Good news from Pallekele. Rain has stopped and they're slowly peeling off the covers. Most of the centre square except the pitch has been uncovered now. Or have they? Looks like the drizzle is back and the wait continues. The entire ground is back under covers. This is a long process - they are removing the excess water from the covers and placing it back. The head of the groundstaff remains busy overseeing the operation

Some activity from the groundstaff as the thin drizzle somewhat recedes. We're hearing that we'll start to lose overs in around 5 minutes time. The cut-off time for a 5-over game is around 6:10 pm local. Some of the sheets had been removed, but the drizzle is back now and so are all the covers.

If they get 1 point each, Australia will qualify?

Ansar: "I might be missing something but if today we have a washout, would not it be certain that Zimbabwe will qualify while Australia will be knocked out?" -- If today is a washout, Zimbabwe go through. Australia and Ireland go out.

Harry : "Is 6:15 PM a cut off time for 5 over match ? If so, how much time ground staff need to work so that we can see a five over match at least!!" -- An hour is the assumption. So if the rain continues to fall by, say, 5:15-30pm local time, it might be curtains for this game (and Australia and Ireland).

Some more activity around the covers, although this too seems like the covers-drying exercise Fidel had mentioned earlier. Looks overcast in the distance, for whatever it is worth.

Originally posted by: Rosyme

If they get 1 point each, Australia will qualify?

Nope. Zim will have 5 points, Australia even if they win the match against Oman, will have only 4 points. Ireland will have 3 points, so both of them will be eliminated.

Ambrish nallasanampalli: Imagine telling a Zimbabwe fan in 2024 they’d be one rainstorm away from the Super 8s and automatic 2028 qualification. The drama of the cut-off time is peaking. Whether it's a 5-over shootout or a washout, Zimbabwe have earned this spotlight. Heartbreak for some, history for others

Saswat Meher: The way in which Sikandar Raza has shown confidence in himself and his team is commendable. Getting beaten by Uganda, a lesser cricket team is hard, but by making a comeback from that and defeating Australia in this World Cup and getting into the Super 8s, they have proved their brilliance.

Fidel with another update, although spoiler alert, it is not of the promising kind: Drizzling still. They rolled the water off the covers, but it's starting to pool again.

Sourabh Gite: "Are covers being removed or water on the covers are being cleared?" -- Zero activity or movement, as of 4:42pm local time.

A look at mother nature - It is a great view. The hills just behind the ground make it a compelling watch. Plenty of trees around the ground, so it is a pretty green scenario. Then you look at the ground, and ahhh.... it feels like you have come to a reptile park. Rattle snakes, snails and even the Thalagoya, more commonly known as the Bengal Monitor Lizard are known to make every Lankan ground their home. However, that's all the people at the ground can see. Up at the heavens, the skies are grey and precipitating. Down, on the ground, it is a sea of blue, with the covers swarming the entire area. In short, the drizzle continues and we have nothing else to update.