UAE vs IRE Match Prediction : 1st T20, Ireland tour of United Arab Emirates, 2026
UAE vs IRE Win Probability
9%
United Arab Emirates
91%
Ireland
Ireland To Win, 1.35
Ireland enter this contest on the back of a T20I series win over Italy in the first leg of their tour.
The Irish top and middle order, led by Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, and skipper Paul Stirling, is in good touch and provides stability along with firepower.
Frontline seamers Mark Adair and Craig Young were among the wickets in the previous match and add penetration with the new ball.
UAE vs IRE Betting Tips
Ireland batters to hit more sixes
Ireland boast a powerful and in-form batting lineup featuring Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, and Lorcan Tucker. All three are capable of clearing the ropes consistently, especially against a UAE bowling attack that can struggle at the death. Given Irelandās aggressive approach and superior power-hitting depth, they are well placed to outscore the hosts in terms of sixes.
First over to yield under 7 runs
With both sides likely to begin cautiously while assessing the pitch and conditions at Dubai, the opening over could be a measured one. None of the openers are natural first-over aggressors, making a low-scoring first over a strong betting option.
Team form (Last 5 matches)
United Arab Emirates
N/A
Ireland
N/A
Ireland are currently touring the UAE for a T20I series, having already completed the first leg with three matches against Italy. They now face the hosts in the second leg of the tour. This article provides match prediction, betting tips, and probable playing XIs for the opening T20I, scheduled to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 29, 2026.
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United Arab Emirates vs Ireland Head-to-Head Record
Ireland and the UAE have faced each other 15 times in T20I cricket. Ireland hold a narrow edge in the head-to-head record, leading 8ā7.
United Arab Emirates vs Ireland Live-streaming and Broadcast
- India / South Asia: Live streaming of both T20Is available on FanCode (app & website).
- United Arab Emirates: Streaming accessible via FanCode for all matches.
- Ireland / UK: Live streams likely via Cricket Ireland YouTube/ICC.tv or local platforms (Sky Sports may cover overseas T20Is).
- USA & Canada: Streaming/coverage may be available via Willow TV or online cricket platforms, depending on rights.
- Australia & New Zealand: Coverage may be accessible through major sports streaming services (e.g., Kayo/Prime Video) and online streams where rights permit.
- Other regions: Fans can follow via FanCode or live score services if TV rights arenāt available locally.
You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.
UAE vs IRE Team Previews
United Arab Emirates
The UAE head into this match after a narrow defeat against Oman in their most recent T20I, played in November 2025. It was a tightly contested game that Oman clinched by two runs off the final ball.
The UAE have lost three of their last five T20I matches. Batting first in their previous outing, they posted 154/6, with Syed Haider and Yayon Kiran Rai playing key roles in lifting the total to a competitive score.
Captain Muhammad Waseem will once again be central to the UAE batting effort. He has amassed 669 runs in his last 22 T20Is at an average of 30.40. Alishan Sharafu has been equally impressive, scoring 664 runs in his last 20 innings at a healthy average of 36.88.
Rahul Chopra has contributed 330 runs in his last 20 appearances, providing solidity in the middle order. On the bowling front, left-arm spinner Haider Ali has been outstanding, picking up 29 wickets from his last 21 matches at an average of 15.79. Left-arm pacer Muhammad Rohid has also been effective, claiming 19 wickets from 16 games.
United Arab Emirates Expected Playing 11
Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (c), Mayank Kumar, Rahul Chopra (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Arfan, Zahid Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique.
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Ireland
Ireland approach this match after a defeat to Italy in their final T20I of the previous series. However, it was a dead rubber, with Ireland having already secured the series. Italy chased down 154 with four wickets in hand and three balls to spare.
Batting first, Ireland were bowled out for 154 in 19.4 overs. Skipper Paul Stirling top-scored with 45 runs off 38 deliveries, including three sixes. With the ball, Matthew Humphreys and Mark Adair impressed by picking up two wickets each.
Harry Tector continues to be Irelandās standout batter, scoring 390 runs in his last ten innings at a remarkable average of 55.71. Lorcan Tucker has added 224 runs in the same period, while Stirling has chipped in with 221 runs.
In bowling, left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys will lead the attack after taking 15 wickets in his last ten games at an average of 16.13. He will be supported by experienced seamers Craig Young and Mark Adair.
Ireland Expected Playing 11
Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young.
UAE vs IRE Toss Prediction
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has hosted 107 T20I matches, with teams batting first and second winning 53 games each. With chasing becoming the preferred strategy in modern T20 cricket, the captain winning the toss may opt to bowl first.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The surface at Dubai is expected to be balanced, offering assistance to both batters and bowlers. It is traditionally a medium-scoring venue, with spinners likely to come into play as the match progresses.
Weather conditions will be clear, and the temperature is expected to hover around 21Ā°C.
UAE vs IRE: Who Will Win?
Although the UAE have won their last five T20I encounters against Ireland, their most recent victory dates back to 2022. Since then, Ireland have made significant progress and now possess greater depth and firepower across departments. Despite historical records favouring the hosts, Ireland start this contest as favourites based on current form and squad strength.
Bet on Ireland to win.
