Ireland Tour of UAE 2026 kicks off with high stakes as both teams gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. This short but intense two-match T20I series in Dubai promises edge-of-the-seat action, blending Ireland’s full-member experience with UAE’s home-ground savvy. For cricket fans in the UAE, Ireland, and beyond—like those tuning in from Mumbai—this is more than just bilateral cricket; it’s a vital tune-up where every run and wicket counts toward global glory.
Picture this: The floodlit Dubai International Cricket Stadium buzzing with anticipation, Paul Stirling’s explosive batting clashing against Muhammad Waseem’s leadership flair. Ireland arrives fresh from a 2-1 series win over Italy in the same UAE tour, showing their adaptability to Middle Eastern conditions. UAE, as hosts, draws confidence from their recent qualifier performances and a dominant head-to-head streak against the Irish.
Why does this series matter? With the T20 World Cup looming, Ireland aims to refine their spin-handling skills on turning tracks, while UAE seeks to prove they can upset stronger sides. The matches are set for January 29 and 31, 2026, offering a mix of evening and day games that could swing fortunes based on dew and pitch wear.
In this detailed preview, we’ll break down everything you need: schedule, venue insights, squads, star players, form guides, historical rivalries, toss impacts, and our bold predictions. Whether you’re a die-hard Irish supporter or a UAE local cheering from the stands, stick around for insights that make you feel part of the action.
The Build-Up to Ireland Tour of UAE 2026
Cricket Ireland and the Emirates Cricket Board announced this series back in November 2025 as perfect preparation. It’s Ireland’s chance to acclimatize to subcontinental-like conditions before facing tough groups in the World Cup—Ireland with England, Australia, Namibia, and Oman; UAE alongside South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Canada.
Ireland’s recent form shows resilience. After losses to Bangladesh in late 2025, they bounced back against Italy, winning the first two before dropping the third. UAE has had a mixed bag in qualifiers, with wins over Japan and Samoa but narrow defeats to Oman and Nepal.
This isn’t just about points; it’s about momentum. UAE’s home record in Dubai is formidable, and their spin attack could exploit any Irish weaknesses. Yet, Ireland’s pace duo of Josh Little and Mark Adair brings international pedigree.
Fans, get ready for tactical battles: Will UAE’s aggressive openers set big totals, or will Ireland’s all-rounders turn the tide? Let’s dive deeper.
Series Schedule and Match Details
The Ireland Tour of UAE 2026 features two T20Is, both at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Here’s the full breakdown in a clear table for easy reference:
| Match | Date | Time (Local UAE) | Time (GMT) | Time (IST) | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I: UAE vs Ireland | Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 8:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 9:30 PM | Night Game |
| 2nd T20I: UAE vs Ireland | Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 11:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM | Day Game |
These timings cater to global audiences. The first match under lights could see dew playing a role, while the second’s daytime slot minimizes that factor. Both games are crucial, with no room for slip-ups in such a short series.
For ticket info, head to the Emirates Cricket Board site or platforms like BookMyShow for international buyers. Prices start low for general admission, rising for premium seats. If you’re in Dubai, expect a vibrant crowd—UAE’s multicultural fanbase adds electric energy.
Live streaming? In India, catch it on FanCode. Globally, check ICC.tv or local broadcasters. For highlights, ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz are reliable.
This schedule allows teams recovery time, but the quick turnaround tests squad depth.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Venue Guide and Stats
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, often called the “Ring of Fire” for its iconic lights, is a world-class venue hosting IPL, Asia Cup, and T20 World Cups. With a capacity of 25,000, it’s perfect for high-stakes cricket.
Built in 2009, it boasts excellent drainage and facilities. Boundaries are around 60-65 meters straight and 70-80 meters square, allowing big hits but rewarding precise bowling.
Here’s a table of key T20I stats at the venue:
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is Played | Over 100 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 48% |
| Matches Won Chasing | 52% (higher in night games due to dew) |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 144 |
| Highest Team Total | 211/3 (by Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 2011) |
| Lowest Team Total | 55 (by West Indies vs England, 2021) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 184/8 (by Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2022) |
Recent games show balanced contests. In January 2026 Afghanistan-West Indies series here, scores ranged 150-189, with pacers effective early and spinners dominating middle overs.
UAE has a strong record at this ground, winning key qualifiers. Ireland? They’ve played here before, including wins over Italy recently at nearby venues.
The stadium’s atmosphere? Unmatched. Fans from diverse backgrounds create a melting pot, much like UAE itself.
Pitch Report, Surface Analysis, Dew Factor, and Favorable Conditions
The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium is typically batsman-friendly early but assists bowlers as it wears.
Surface breakdown: Made from local clay, it offers good bounce for pacers in the powerplay. As the game progresses, it dries and grips, favoring spinners like UAE’s Muhammad Farooq or Ireland’s Matthew Humphreys.
In night games like the 1st T20I, dew is a game-changer. Humidity rises, making the ball slippery—bowlers struggle with grip, favoring chasers. Expect toss winners to field first.
For the day game (2nd T20I), dew is minimal, so batting first could set imposing totals.
Favorable conditions: Teams with varied bowling attacks thrive. Pacers like Josh Little can exploit early swing, while spinners control the middle. Batters need patience on slowing tracks.
Prediction: Scores around 150-170 viable. Chasing edges night matches; defend in day ones.
Weather Forecast for the Matches
Dubai’s January weather is mild and pleasant—ideal for cricket.
For January 29 (1st T20I): Highs of 24-26°C, lows around 18°C. Clear skies, 10-20% humidity rising at night (dew likely). Wind: Light, 10-15 km/h. Rain chance: Near zero.
For January 31 (2nd T20I): Similar, highs 25°C, but daytime play means warmer field conditions. Low humidity, no dew issues.
Source: AccuWeather via recent reports. No interruptions expected, ensuring full 40 overs.
Squad Analysis and Probable Playing XI
Both squads blend experience and youth, tailored for T20 dynamism.
Ireland Squad Analysis: Led by Paul Stirling, Ireland boasts depth. Batting relies on Stirling’s power and Harry Tector’s consistency. All-rounders like Curtis Campher and George Dockrell add flexibility. Pace attack—Josh Little, Mark Adair—is world-class; spinners Matthew Humphreys and Ben White suit Dubai.
Strengths: Balanced, adaptable. Weaknesses: Spin vulnerability.
UAE Squad Analysis: Muhammad Waseem captains a spin-heavy side. Openers like Alishan Sharafu provide fireworks; middle-order (Basil Hameed) stability. Bowlers: Junaid Siddique’s pace, Muhammad Farooq’s all-round spin.
Strengths: Home knowledge, aggressive start. Weaknesses: Depth against quality pace.
Full squads in tables:
Ireland Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Paul Stirling (c) | Batting Allrounder |
| Ross Adair | Top-order Batter |
| Harry Tector | Middle-order Batter |
| Lorcan Tucker (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Benjamin Calitz | Middle-order Batter |
| George Dockrell | Allrounder |
| Mark Adair | Bowling Allrounder |
| Gareth Delany | Batting Allrounder |
| Barry McCarthy | Bowler |
| Matthew Humphreys | Bowler |
| Craig Young | Bowler |
| Benjamin White | Bowler |
| Joshua Little | Bowler |
| Curtis Campher | Allrounder |
| Tim Tector | Top-order Batter |
UAE Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Muhammad Waseem (c) | Opening Batter |
| Rahul Chopra (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Basil Hameed | Middle-order Batter |
| Alishan Sharafu | Opening Batter |
| Harshit Kaushik | Allrounder |
| Sohaib Khan | Middle-order Batter |
| Muhammad Zohaib | Opening Batter |
| Haider Ali | Bowler |
| Junaid Siddique | Bowler |
| Muhammad Farooq | Allrounder |
| Aryansh Sharma (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Muhammad Jawadullah | Bowler |
| Muhammad Rohid Khan | Bowler |
| Simranjeet Singh | Bowler |
| Muhammad Arfan | Bowler |
Probable Playing XIs (based on form and conditions):
Ireland Probable XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Stirling (c) |
| 2 | Ross Adair |
| 3 | Harry Tector |
| 4 | Lorcan Tucker (wk) |
| 5 | Curtis Campher |
| 6 | George Dockrell |
| 7 | Gareth Delany |
| 8 | Mark Adair |
| 9 | Matthew Humphreys |
| 10 | Joshua Little |
| 11 | Barry McCarthy |
UAE Probable XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Waseem (c) |
| 2 | Alishan Sharafu |
| 3 | Rahul Chopra (wk) |
| 4 | Basil Hameed |
| 5 | Harshit Kaushik |
| 6 | Muhammad Farooq |
| 7 | Sohaib Khan |
| 8 | Junaid Siddique |
| 9 | Muhammad Jawadullah |
| 10 | Muhammad Rohid Khan |
| 11 | Simranjeet Singh |
These lineups prioritize balance for Dubai pitches.
Players to Watch: Key Batters and Bowlers
This series spotlights talents who could swing games.
Batters to Watch
| Player | Team | Recent Stats | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alishan Sharafu | UAE | 10M, 401 Runs, Avg 44.56, SR 139.23 | Explosive opener, thrives at home. |
| Muhammad Waseem | UAE | 9M, 262 Runs, Avg 29.11, SR 118.55 | Captain’s aggression sets tone. |
| Harry Tector | IRE | 10M, 362 Runs, Avg 60.33, SR 141.96 | Reliable middle-order finisher. |
| Paul Stirling | IRE | 10M, 210 Runs, Avg 23.33, SR 133.75 | Power-hitter with big-match temperament. |
Sharafu’s form makes him a UAE standout; Tector’s consistency anchors Ireland.
Bowlers to Watch
| Player | Team | Recent Stats | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junaid Siddique | UAE | 9M, 13 Wkts, Econ 5.97, SR 13.84 | Pace leader, early breakthroughs. |
| Muhammad Rohid Khan | UAE | 8M, 8 Wkts, Econ 8.68, SR 18.5 | Death specialist. |
| Matthew Humphreys | IRE | 10M, 15 Wkts, Econ 6.37, SR 15.2 | Spin threat on turning pitches. |
| Mark Adair | IRE | 7M, 10 Wkts, Econ 8.4, SR 14.5 | Swing and yorkers. |
Simranjeet Singh (UAE) is another to note for his recent 5 wickets in 5 games.
Player profiles: Stirling, 35, has over 3,000 T20I runs; Waseem, UAE’s talisman, led them to qualifiers.
Recent Performances and Form Guides
Both teams enter with momentum but inconsistencies.
UAE Recent Form (Last 5 T20Is): L L W W L
- Lost to Oman (2 wkts), Nepal (1 run); Wins vs Japan (8 wkts), Samoa (77 runs).
Mixed, but home wins boost confidence.
Ireland Recent Form (Last 5 T20Is): L W W L L
- 2-1 over Italy (wins by 3 wkts, 24 runs; loss by 4 wkts); Losses to Bangladesh.
Strong against associates, but top teams expose gaps.
Form table:
| Team | Last 5 Results | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | L L W W L | Strong chasing, spin wins games. |
| IRE | L W W L L | Batting firepower, but bowling leaks runs. |
Ireland’s Italy series: Tector starred with runs; Humphreys wickets.
Head-to-Head Stats and Records
Ireland vs UAE T20I rivalry is tight, with UAE surging lately.
Overall: 15 matches, Ireland 8 wins, UAE 7. (Some sources say 11, UAE 7-4).
Recent: UAE won last 5 (2021-2022 qualifiers).
H2H Table:
| Matches | IRE Wins | UAE Wins | Ties/NR | Highest IRE Score | Highest UAE Score | Lowest IRE Score | Lowest UAE Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 165 | 178 | 103 | 85 |
Last 5 encounters:
- Feb 24, 2022: UAE won by 7 wkts
- Feb 18, 2022: UAE won by 18 runs
- Feb 13, 2022: UAE won by 13 runs
- Oct 10, 2021: UAE won by 7 wkts
- Oct 8, 2021: UAE won by 54 runs
UAE’s Dubai dominance gives them edge; Ireland must break the streak.
Toss Timing Prediction and Impact
Toss around 30 mins pre-match: ~7:30 PM local for 1st; ~11:00 AM for 2nd.
Impact: In 1st (night), field first due to dew—chasing easier. 2nd (day), bat first to set total.
Historical: 52% chase wins at venue.
Winning Prediction and Series Outlook
Ireland enters as favorites—better ranking (11th vs UAE’s 17th), depth. But UAE’s home form and H2H make it close.
1st T20I Prediction: Ireland wins (adapt better to lights, pace edge). Score: 160-170 chase.
2nd T20I: UAE upsets (day suits their spin).
Series: Ireland 2-0 or 1-1. Overall, Ireland triumphs 2-0, but UAE takes one.
Tactics: Ireland target UAE openers early; UAE spin traps Irish middle.
Broader: Boosts associate cricket, preps for World Cup upsets.
Conclusion: Why This Series is a Must-Watch
Ireland Tour of UAE 2026 is cricket at its thrilling best—rivalry, preparation, drama. From Dubai’s iconic venue to stars like Tector and Waseem, it’s packed with moments.
Who will win? We back Ireland, but UAE’s heart could surprise. Share your predictions in comments! For more ESPNcricinfo series page.
Stay tuned IPL Star—cricket never sleeps!
FAQs for Ireland Tour of UAE 2026 T20I Series
1. When is the Ireland tour of UAE 2026 T20I series scheduled? The Ireland tour of UAE 2026 features two T20I matches at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The 1st T20I is on January 29, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time, and the 2nd T20I is on January 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM local time.
2. What is the full schedule and timings for UAE vs Ireland T20I 2026? The series includes:
- 1st T20I: UAE vs Ireland – January 29, 2026 (8:00 PM UAE, 4:00 PM GMT, 9:30 PM IST)
- 2nd T20I: UAE vs Ireland – January 31, 2026 (11:30 AM UAE, 7:30 AM GMT, 1:00 PM IST). Both are night and day games respectively, adding tactical variety.
3. What is the Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch report for Ireland tour of UAE 2026? The Dubai pitch in January 2026 typically offers early pace assistance, slows down later, and becomes spin-friendly. Average first-innings score is around 144, with boundaries 60-80 meters. The surface favors balanced attacks, making it ideal for T20I battles.
4. How does the dew factor affect UAE vs Ireland T20I 2026 matches in Dubai? Ireland tour of UAE 2026 Dew will be significant in the 1st T20I (night game on January 29), making bowling second easier and favoring chasers. The 2nd T20I (day game) will have minimal dew, allowing teams batting first to set competitive totals.
5. Who are the key players to watch in Ireland vs UAE T20 series 2026? Ireland tour of UAE 2026 Standout players include Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem (UAE) for explosive batting, Harry Tector and Paul Stirling (Ireland) for consistency and power, plus bowlers Junaid Siddique (UAE) and Matthew Humphreys (Ireland) who could exploit Dubai conditions.
6. What is the head-to-head record between UAE and Ireland in T20Is? In 15 T20Is, Ireland leads 8-7 overall, but UAE has won the last 5 encounters (2021-2022). Ireland tour of UAE 2026 UAE’s strong Dubai record gives them a psychological edge in the Ireland tour of UAE 2026.
7. What are the probable playing XIs for UAE vs Ireland T20I 2026? Ireland tour of UAE 2026 Ireland probable XI: Stirling (c), Adair, Tector, Tucker (wk), Campher, Dockrell, Delany, Adair, Humphreys, Little, McCarthy. UAE probable XI: Waseem (c), Sharafu, Chopra (wk), Hameed, Kaushik, Farooq, Khan, Siddique, Jawadullah, Rohid Khan, Singh.
8. Who is predicted to win the Ireland tour of UAE 2026 T20I series? Ireland are favorites due to full-member depth and ranking, but UAE’s home advantage could force a 1-1 split. Ireland tour of UAE 2026 Experts lean toward Ireland winning 2-0, especially if they handle spin and dew well.
9. Where can I watch the UAE vs Ireland T20I 2026 series live? Ireland tour of UAE 2026 Streaming is available on FanCode (India), ICC.tv (global), and local broadcasters. Highlights will be on ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz. Tickets are via Emirates Cricket Board or BookMyShow.
10. Why is the Ireland vs UAE T20 series 2026 important for the T20 World Cup? This series is crucial preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India/Sri Lanka. Ireland tests spin-handling skills, while UAE aims to build momentum against a full-member side ahead of their tough group.
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