IRE Vs ZIM Toss Delayed Due To Rain; Pallekele Weather Update For T20 World Cup Match

It's raining in Pallekele, IRE vs ZIM toss delayed [Source: X]

In an unfortunate turn of events, the all-important toss for the Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup match has been delayed due to inclement weather conditions at Pallekele International Stadium. 

Led by Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe are on the verge of a historic Super 8 qualification, having secured two consecutive victories. The Chevrons defeated Australia in their previous game and must've prepared themselves for the Irish clash. 

Although Ireland have lost two out of three matches, they are still alive in the Super 8 race. Lorcan Tucker and his troops have a slim chance to enter the next round, provided they win the final encounter against Zimbabwe. 

However, the Pallekele weather is all set to spoil the crucial face-off which will determine the second team from group-B for the Super 8 stage. 

Pallekele International Stadium Weather Update For IRE Vs ZIM

According to the latest update on CREX, it's raining heavily at Pallekele International Stadium, with inclement weather threatening the Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup match. 

"The toss has been delayed due to rain. The ground is still entirely covered and there is no updated time for the toss yet because everybody is waiting for the rain to stop first," the update on CREX read. 

While both teams eye a win to strengthen their Super 8 qualification chances, Australia, having lost two matches, would be praying for an Irish win to stay alive in the tournament. 

However, as things stand, it's quite gloomy in Pallekele and the toss has officially been delayed due to a persistent downpour. 

"We're in Kandy for our match against Zimbabwe at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Conditions are not great. It has been raining much of the day and the covers are on," Cricket Ireland provided an update on Pallekele weather through a post on X. 

According to AccuWeather, there is a 55 per cent chance of precipitation in Pallekele during the IRE Vs ZIM match. So, there's a slim chance of a full-fledged encounter, and Pallekele weather might indeed lead to a washout. 

What if rain abandons IRE vs ZIM T20 World Cup match?

Currently, Sri Lanka are placed at the top of group-B points table with three consecutive victories. Zimbabwe claim the second position, while Australia are placed third with two points under their belt. 

In fact, Zimbabwe have a better Net Run Rate than Australia, and if they win the contest, they will proceed to the Super 8. On the other hand, if Pallekele weather forces the abandonment of IRE vs ZIM match, Australia will be eliminated from the competition. 

Led by Mitchell Marsh, Australia have been absolutely disappointing in the tournament. Although they kicked off their T20 World Cup journey with a dominant win over Ireland, the defeats against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka put their campaign in jeopardy. 

So, apart from hoping for an Irish win, Australia would be desperate to steamroll Oman by a whopping margin to avoid a humiliating group-stage exit.