Why trust VPN Guider
If you’re looking for where to watch Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup live, this guide covers official broadcasters, free streaming options, and how to use a VPN to stream the match from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re watching on your TV, laptop, or mobile device, here’s everything you need to ensure you don’t miss a single ball.
Ireland faces Zimbabwe in an important afternoon match, as both teams strive for progress in Group B. Taking place at the beautiful Pallekele Stadium, this game has significant implications for the final group standings. Both sides are eager to secure a top-two finish to advance to the Super 8 stage.
This evenly matched contest features some of the most consistent performers in T20 cricket. Ireland’s captain, Paul Stirling, is a key player in their batting order, supported by the explosive Harry Tector and the versatile Curtis Campher. On the other hand, Zimbabwe’s star all-rounder Sikandar Raza is a significant threat; his ability to influence the game with both bat and ball makes him a key player to watch. Pay close attention to the bowling battle between Ireland’s Josh Little, who bowls with high velocity, and Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani, whose height and bounce could pose a challenge on the Pallekele track.
Match: Ireland vs Zimbabwe (Match 32)
Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Start Time: 3:00 PM IST
| Region | Time |
| India / Sri Lanka (Local) | 3:00 PM IST / SLST |
| Zimbabwe (CAT) | 11:30 AM CAT |
| Ireland / UK (GMT) | 9:30 AM GMT |
| United States (ET) | 4:30 AM ET |
| Canada (ET) | 4:30 AM ET |
Follow the action live through these verified regional partners:
In Ireland & the UK: Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event are the primary TV broadcasters for the tournament. Existing Sky subscribers can use the Sky Go app, while non-subscribers can purchase a contract-free NOW Sports pass for day or monthly access.
In Zimbabwe & Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport holds the exclusive rights for the region. Viewers can tune in via a DStv access package, which offers streaming-only plans starting at approximately R99 per month for mobile access.
In Canada & the USA: Willow TV is the official home for the entire tournament in North America. Fans can stream through the Willow by Cricbuzz app or via Sling TV, which offers Willow as part of its Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex packages starting at $10 per month.
In India: Star Sports Network provides the television coverage, while the JioHotstar app is the official digital streaming destination. JioHotstar offers premium features like vertical “Max View” and a 360-degree multi-cam experience for mobile users.
Worldwide (Rest of the World): For regions without a primary broadcaster, ICC.tv will stream all 55 matches live. This free service is available in territories like Continental Europe, South East Asia, and parts of South America.
ICC.tv: Provides free live streaming in select “non-broadcast” territories (e.g., Italy, Japan, or Brazil).
JioHotstar (India): Typically offers free mobile-only streaming for major tournament matches within the Indian territory.
Official Highlights: Catch post-match analysis and the best wickets on the ICC website and the official T20 World Cup YouTube channel shortly after the game.
If you’re away from home, you don’t have to miss a single wicket. Because streaming services use “geo-blocking” to restrict content to specific countries, you may lose access to your local account when you cross borders. A VPN acts as a digital bridge, allowing you to virtually place your device back in your home country so your streaming app works as usual.
Secure a High-Speed VPN: Subscribe to a service like NordVPN, which is specifically optimized for high-bandwidth sports streaming and bypassing tough blocks on platforms like Sky or Willow.
Toggle Your Location: Open the VPN app and choose a server in your home country—for example, a Dublin server for Sky Go or a Toronto server for Willow.
Launch and Enjoy: Once the connection is established, simply open your usual streaming platform; it will now recognize you as being “at home,” letting you watch Ireland vs Zimbabwe without restrictions.
NordVPN: Our top recommendation for its “SmartPlay” technology and blazing-fast NordLynx protocol.
ExpressVPN: Exceptionally reliable with a vast server network across 105 countries.
Surfshark: The ultimate value choice, offering unlimited simultaneous device connections for the whole family.
No, because Sky Sports holds exclusive rights in the UK. ICC.tv free streams are only available in regions without a local broadcaster.
Streaming platforms are legally bound to “geo-fence” their content. You need a VPN to virtually return to your home country to unlock the stream.
Using a VPN is legal in most countries. It serves as a privacy tool that also helps you access the legal streaming subscriptions you already pay for while traveling.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN both offer highly rated, user-friendly apps for Android and iOS that are perfect for watching cricket on the go.
With both Ireland and Zimbabwe in desperate need of a win to keep their Super 8 dreams alive, this Pallekele clash is a critical turning point in the tournament. The afternoon heat will test the fitness of the players, making the tactical use of spin and pace even more crucial.
To avoid any last-minute connection issues, we recommend firing up your VPN and testing your stream at least 15 minutes before the first ball. With the right setup, you can enjoy every moment of this high-stakes fixture—no matter where you are in the world
