Published on: Jan 28, 2026 12:11 pm IST | Updated on: Jan 28, 2026 12:11 pm IST
Ireland’s trip to the United Arab Emirates kicked off with a 3-match T20I series against Italy, which they won 2-1. The Irish side will now gear up to take on the hosts UAE in a 2-match series starting from 29 January, with both games scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. This is the final assignment for both teams before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st T20I Match, UAE vs IRE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
UAE will start as the favorites heading into this fixture. Whether its the head-to-head record of recent battles, the United Arab Emirates has emerged dominant over the Irish side and once again will be the utmost favorite to win this fixture and the series as well. Ireland, on the other hand, will be looking to take advantage of the conditions that they endured during the series against Italy and produce some good cricket. They have all what it takes to challenge UAE, but the latter will have a slight advantage. Expect the win probability meter to favor the hosts. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st T20I Match, UAE vs IRE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
IRE: 37% win chance UAE: 53% win chance
The middle-order Irish batter was the highest run-getter in the recently concluded series vs Italy in Dubai. Harry accumulated 150 runs from 3 innings, with 91 being his highest score.
The Irish opener and skipper wasn't at his best in the recently concluded series vs Italy. However, he still remains a vital cog at the top for Ireland to give them solid starts.
The UAE skipper is also their best batter in T20Is. He was the second-highest run getter for MI Emirates in the recently concluded ILT20 and will be a crucial cog in the batting order.
The wicket-keeper batter will be batting among the top 5 for Ireland. He scored 61 runs in 3 innings in the series against Italy and will be a key wicket in the middle order.
Check out our prediction for the UAE vs IRE 1st T20I match at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
Ireland will be eager to put up a strong fight as they prepare to face the United Arab Emirates in a two-match T20I series starting on January 29 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Irish side comes into this contest on the back of a confidence-boosting 2-1 series win against Italy, but they know the challenge ahead is far tougher.
UAE have historically held the upper hand in this rivalry, winning seven of the eleven encounters between the two sides, including the last five meetings in succession. This dominance highlights the task awaiting Ireland, who will need to raise their game to break the streak and prove their progress in the shortest format.
For Ireland, the series offers an opportunity to test their skills against a side that has consistently outplayed them in recent years. With momentum from their Italy triumph, they will look to carry forward that winning spirit and challenge UAE’s supremacy. On the other hand, the hosts will aim to extend their winning run and reinforce their reputation as a formidable opponent. Fans can expect competitive cricket as Ireland strive to turn the tide against a team that has dominated them in the past.
The United Arab Emirates will look to capitalize on home advantage as they prepare to face Ireland in the upcoming two-match T20I series at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, starting January 29. Playing in familiar conditions has always been a strength for UAE, and they will aim to use the spin-friendly pitches and the support of local crowds to their benefit.
History also favors the hosts. Out of the 11 meetings between the two sides, UAE have won seven, including the last five encounters in succession. This dominance gives them confidence heading into the series, as they have consistently found ways to outplay Ireland in crucial moments. Their balanced squad, featuring experienced campaigners and emerging talents, will be keen to extend this winning streak and reinforce their reputation as a formidable opponent in home conditions.
For UAE, the series is not just about maintaining their record but also about building momentum for future assignments. With Ireland coming off a 2-1 series win against Italy, the challenge will be tougher, but UAE’s familiarity with the Dubai venue and their past success against the Irish side make them strong favorites to deliver once again. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 11 IRE won: 4 UAE won: 7 No Result: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form IRELAND: L L W W L RECENT form UAE: L L W W L
The two teams have locked horns 11 times in T20Is. The United Arab Emirates have led the way in this head-to-head battle with 7 wins, whereas Ireland has won only 4 games.
How will the two teams, i.e., UAE and Ireland, fare in the first T20I? Let’s take a look.
Paul Stirling (C), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Benjamin Calitz/Tim Tector, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Matthew Humphreys
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st T20I between UAE and Ireland at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai:
At the Dubai International Stadium, the toss could play a crucial role. With conditions favoring batting first, both captains may prefer setting a target. Ireland will want runs on the board to challenge UAE, while the hosts could rely on spin later to defend effectively under lights.
The online live streaming of the 1st T20I match of the UAE vs Ireland 1st T20I will take place live on the Fancode and SonyLIV app. The live TV coverage for this series in India will take place on the Sony Sports Network channels.
Playing at home the United Arab Emirates should start as the utmost favorites. Ireland did won their last series in the UAE against Italy, but their head-to-head record against the UAE is a torrid one. Interestingly, many sportsbooks have tipped Ireland as the favorite in this fixture, but we are backing the hosts to come good and continue their dominance over Ireland in the shortest format of the game. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts UAE is expected to win the UAE vs IRE 1st T20I match.
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