As the sun sets over the Ring of Fire tonight, United Arab Emirates and Ireland Kick off the crucial two-match T20I series at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. with T20 World Cup 2026 Around the corner in February, it’s not just a two-way clash, but a final dress rehearsal. Ireland enter the competition fresh from a 2-1 series win ItalyAnd the UAE are looking to capitalize on their huge home record and historic advantage over the Irish side.
The UAE enter the series as a well-drilled outfit perfectly suited to the dry, slow surfaces of the Dubai International Stadium. Their strategy is based on a strong top order that dictates the pace and a bowling attack designed to squeeze the opposition during the middle innings.
Muhammad Wasim it remains the absolute mainstay of the batting line; As the only player to score two back-to-back centuries, his ability to survive in the power play often translates into match-winning finishes. It is to support him Alishan SharafuA perfect possession through 2025 and providing the necessary stability to bridge the gap between the power hitters and the lower order. On the bowling front, Junayd Siddiq will be the main threat. His ability to bounce and produce fine swing under lights will be crucial to test Ireland’s aggressive opening pair early on.
Paul Stirling‘s men look to build momentum after a 2-1 series win over Italy. While the win is morally important, the team is well aware that the UAE is a significant step up in terms of quality and represents a tactical hurdle they have been unable to clear for nearly four years.
The hopes of the visitors depend mainly on him Harry Tectorwas an outstanding performer against Italy with 150 runs in three innings. Tector’s ability to manipulate spin makes him Ireland’s most important asset, which traditionally helps slow bowlers as the game progresses. Ireland will look to the young spinner to counter UAE’s middle-order squeeze Matthew HumphreysThe one who impressed with six wickets in the previous series and has the control needed for these conditions. Meanwhile, Josh Little Wasim is likely to lead a pace attack using his left-arm angle to target and disrupt UAE’s rhythm from the first ball.
UAE vs Ireland 2026, T20I Series: Full Schedule
| Encounter | History | Local time | IS (India) | GMT |
| 1st T20I | Thursday, January 29 | 18:30 | 20:00 | 14:30 |
| 2nd T20I | Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 a.m | 11:30 a.m | 6:00 a.m |
Also READ: Ireland announce 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Paul Stirling will officiate
Teams:
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young, Benjamin White, Joshua Little, Curtis Campher, Tim Tector
United Arab Emirates: Muhammad Wasim (c), Rahul Chopra (wk), Basil Hameed, Alishan Sharafu, Harshit Kaushik, Sohaib Khan, Muhammad Zohaib, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Aryansh Sharma, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Muhammad Arfan
Streaming and Live Streaming Details:
- Pakistan: ARY (TV & Digital)
- India: Fancode
- USA: WillowTV (Register here)
- Rest of the World: Styx Sports
- MENA countries: cricbuzz
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Updated fixtures released as Scotland replaces Bangladesh
