High on confidence after a stunning victory over former champions Australia, Zimbabwe will aim to carry that momentum into their crucial T20 World Cup Group B clash against Ireland on Tuesday, with a maiden Super Eight berth within touching distance.

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A win would take Zimbabwe to six points and extend their unbeaten run, though qualification would still depend on other results. Australia (two points from two matches) and Sri Lanka (four points from two games) remain in contention to reach six points. Zimbabwe’s final group fixture is against hosts Sri Lanka on February 19 in Colombo, meaning net run rate could ultimately decide the standings.

If Zimbabwe advance, it would mark their first Super Eight appearance in seven attempts.

Zimbabwe riding high

The African side has been clinical so far. In their tournament opener, pace trio Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans dismantled Oman, claiming three wickets each to bowl them out for 103. Zimbabwe chased down the target in just 13.3 overs, led by Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 48.

They followed it up with a statement win over Australia, posting 169 for 2 before restricting the five-time champions to 146 to seal a 23-run triumph. Bennett struck an unbeaten 64, while Muzarabani and Evans claimed four and three wickets respectively.

Though Australia are depleted by injuries, defeating a heavyweight opponent has provided Zimbabwe with a significant psychological boost heading into the Ireland clash.

Bennett has been the standout performer with the bat, while Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ryan Burl and captain Sikandar Raza also showed encouraging form against Australia. With seven and six wickets respectively in two matches, Muzarabani and Evans have spearheaded the bowling attack with authority.

Ireland seek strong finish

Ireland come into the match after a comfortable win over Oman but have little margin for error after defeats to Sri Lanka and Australia earlier in the tournament.

Their campaign suffered a setback when captain Paul Stirling was ruled out of the remainder of the competition with ligament damage to his right knee. Stand-in skipper Lorcan Tucker responded in style, smashing a 51-ball 94 to propel Ireland to 235 for 5 — the highest total of this edition — and set up a 96-run win over Oman.

While Ireland have less at stake, a victory would significantly dent Zimbabwe’s hopes of progressing.

The match begins at 3pm.