The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ireland (IRE) kick off their two-match T20I series with the opening encounter scheduled at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, January 29. The two sides last faced each other in the shortest format in early 2022, making this contest an important checkpoint as both teams prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Match Details: UAE vs IRE
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Ireland tour of United Arab Emirates 2026 |
| Match | United Arab Emirates vs Ireland, 1st T20I |
| Date | Thursday, 29 January 2026 |
| Time | 07:30 PM IST |
| Toss Time | 07:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| City | Dubai |
| Live Streaming | FanCode |
Match Preview
The UAE will treat this series as valuable preparation ahead of their upcoming assignment in the subcontinent. Muhammad Waseem, who will lead the side, is expected to play a dual role with bat and leadership. The hosts will be keen to make the most of familiar conditions in Dubai and test their combinations against a competitive associate-plus side like Ireland.
Ireland, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after recently clinching a 2-1 T20I series win against Italy at the same venue. Having already acclimatised to Dubai conditions, the Irish unit looks settled and focused on sharpening their game plans before the global event beginning in February. With experienced campaigners in both batting and bowling, Ireland will aim to start the series strongly.
Head-to-Head Record: UAE vs IRE
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | 7 |
| Ireland (IRE) | 4 |
| No Result / Tied | 0 |
UAE hold a narrow edge in past T20I meetings.
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Weather & Pitch Report: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Weather Report: Clear weather is expected on match day, with temperatures hovering around 21°C, ensuring excellent playing conditions.
- Pitch Report: The Dubai surface generally offers a balanced contest. Batters tend to enjoy the first half of the innings, while the pitch gradually dries out, making stroke-play slightly challenging later on. While chasing is achievable, teams batting first often benefit from better pace on the ball before the surface slows down.
Probable Playing 11
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Playing 11
1. Alishan Sharafu, 2. Muhammad Waseem (c), 3. Rahul Chopra (wk), 4. Aryansh Sharma, 5. Sohaib Khan, 6. Muhammad Farooq, 7. Harshit Kaushik, 8. Haider Ali, 9. Junaid Siddique, 10. Simranjeet Singh, 11. Muhammad Rohid
Ireland (IRE) Playing 11
1. Paul Stirling (c), 2. Ross Adair, 3. Curtis Campher, 4. Harry Tector, 5. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 6. George Dockrell, 7. Josh Little, 8. Barry McCarthy, 9. Gareth Delany, 10. Craig Young, 11. Mark Adair
Who Will Win Today’s Match? (AI Prediction)
Both sides have their strengths, but Ireland’s recent match practice in Dubai and their experienced core give them a slight advantage. UAE, however, are capable of causing an upset if their top order fires and the bowlers exploit home conditions.
AI Match Prediction: Ireland are slight favourites to win the 1st T20I, but UAE could push the contest deep if they start well.
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