Ireland vs United Arab Emirates Prediction: Who Will Win IRE vs UAE 1st T20 Match on 29th January 2026?
The Ireland vs United Arab Emirates prediction for the 1st T20I of the 2026 series suggests a competitive encounter between two improving Associate nations. This opening match will be played on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Cricketwebs provide 100% match prediction tips for every cricket match, and this clash carries importance for both teams as they look to build momentum early in the series.
Ireland arrive with confidence after winning a recent T20I series against Italy, also played in UAE conditions. Their batting has looked settled, and key players such as Harry Tector and Matthew Humphreys have been in excellent form over the last 12 months. UAE, meanwhile, will be returning to T20I cricket after a gap of nearly four months. Despite that, they showed encouraging signs during the Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025–26, winning three out of five matches and proving they can compete at this level.
Historically, UAE have enjoyed success against Ireland, winning seven of the eleven T20I encounters between the sides. However, Ireland’s recent form and squad balance give them a slight edge going into this match. The Dubai surface generally offers even bounce, and a score around 160 could prove decisive. Key battles between Ireland’s disciplined bowling attack and UAE’s top-heavy batting lineup will likely decide the outcome. Overall, this Ireland vs United Arab Emirates prediction leans towards Ireland, but UAE’s familiarity with local conditions makes them a dangerous opponent.
- Ireland enter the match after a recent T20I series win against Italy
- UAE won 3 of 5 games in the recent Asia & EAP Qualifier
- Harry Tector and Matthew Humphreys are key players for Ireland
- Ireland start as favourites, but UAE have a strong head-to-head record
Match Details
| Match | IRE vs UAE, 1st T20I |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, 29 January 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
| Series | Ireland Tour of UAE 2026 |
Team Preview
United Arab Emirates Preview
United Arab Emirates will be eager to make a strong return to T20I cricket after a short break. Captain Muhammad Waseem leads a side that relies heavily on aggressive top-order batting and disciplined spin bowling. Over the last year, Waseem has been UAE’s most consistent batter in the T20 format, scoring 669 runs in 22 matches at an average of 30.4, including five half-centuries. His form at the top will be crucial if UAE are to post or chase competitive totals.
Support in the batting department comes from Alishan Sharafu, Rohan Chopra, Mayank Kumar, and Asif Khan, all capable of playing impactful cameos. However, UAE’s middle order has occasionally struggled to accelerate, which could be tested against Ireland’s varied bowling attack.
Bowling remains UAE’s strength. Left-arm spinner Haider Ali has been outstanding, taking 29 wickets in the last 12 months at an economy of just 5.65. He is well supported by Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid, Dhruv Parashar, and Saghir Khan. If UAE can strike early with the ball and keep Ireland’s top order in check, they have the tools to make this contest very competitive.
Ireland Preview
Ireland come into this series high on confidence after a convincing T20I series victory against Italy in UAE conditions. Captain Paul Stirling provides experience and aggressive intent at the top of the order. Alongside him, Ross Adair and Harry Tector form a reliable batting core. Tector has been Ireland’s standout performer in T20Is over the past year, scoring 390 runs in 12 matches at an exceptional average of 55.71.
Lorcan Tucker adds firepower in the middle order, while Benjamin Calitz offers finishing ability. Ireland’s batting unit appears more settled and balanced compared to UAE, especially in pressure situations.
The bowling attack is led by left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys, who has taken 15 wickets in 10 matches over the last 12 months. Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy provide pace and bounce, while Gareth Delaney and George Dockrell offer control and variation in the middle overs. Ireland’s ability to take wickets regularly has been a key reason for their recent success, and this balanced attack gives them a slight edge heading into the series opener.
Team Squads
United Arab Emirates Squad:
Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu, Harshit Kaushik, Rohan Chopra, Mayank Kumar, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Rohid, Junaid Siddique, Haider Ali, Saghir Khan
Ireland Squad:
Paul Stirling, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Benjamin Calitz, Matthew Humphreys, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell
Probable Playing XI
UAE: Muhammad Waseem (C), Alishan Sharafu, Harshit Kaushik, Rohan Chopra, Mayank Kumar, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Rohid, Junaid Siddique, Haider Ali, Saghir Khan
Ireland: Paul Stirling (C), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Benjamin Calitz, Matthew Humphreys, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell
Ireland vs United Arab Emirates Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Muhammad Waseem |
| All-rounders | Matthew Humphreys, Mark Adair, Asif Khan |
| Bowlers | Haider Ali, Barry McCarthy, Junaid Siddique |
| Wicketkeeper | Lorcan Tucker |
| Flex Pick | Alishan Sharafu |
This fantasy XI focuses on form players and those offering multi-skill value. Harry Tector and Paul Stirling are must-picks due to their consistency and top-order roles. Muhammad Waseem anchors UAE’s batting and remains their most reliable run-scorer. Lorcan Tucker is selected as wicketkeeper for his attacking style in the middle overs.
Among all-rounders, Matthew Humphreys and Mark Adair provide strong wicket-taking potential along with handy batting contributions. Asif Khan is a high-risk, high-reward pick who can score quick runs late in the innings. In the bowling department, Haider Ali’s economical left-arm spin makes him a key fantasy option, while Barry McCarthy and Junaid Siddique can strike with the new ball.
Captain Choices: Harry Tector, Muhammad Waseem
Vice-Captain Choices: Paul Stirling, Matthew Humphreys
Players to Avoid: Harshit Kaushik, Craig Young
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today – Ireland
Ireland are favourites due to their recent form, squad balance, and confidence gained from winning a T20I series in similar conditions. Their batting lineup looks more settled, with multiple players capable of scoring runs consistently. Additionally, Ireland’s bowling attack offers better variety and control compared to UAE. While UAE have a good head-to-head record, Ireland’s recent improvements and momentum give them the edge in this Ireland vs United Arab Emirates prediction.
Ireland T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 183 | 76 | 97 | 9 |
Ireland have steadily grown as a competitive Associate T20 side.
United Arab Emirates T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 141 | 77 | 63 | 1 |
UAE possess a strong T20 record, especially in home conditions.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | IRE Won | UAE Won | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
At Dubai: Ireland won the only T20I played here.
UAE lead overall, but Ireland have momentum.
Pitch Report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium generally offers a balanced surface. Batters can trust the bounce early, but as the game progresses, spinners and slower bowlers become effective. Teams batting first usually aim for scores around 155–165. Dew in the second innings can make chasing slightly easier.
Weather Report
Clear skies are expected in Dubai with temperatures around 22–26°C. No rain interruptions are forecast, ensuring a full match.
Broadcast Details
The Ireland vs United Arab Emirates 1st T20I will be streamed live on FanCode for viewers in India and select regions.
Toss Prediction
Teams may prefer to bowl first due to possible dew. Toss Winner Prediction: Ireland.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Batter: Harry Tector and Muhammad Waseem are expected to play key roles. Tector’s consistency makes him Ireland’s backbone, while Waseem’s aggressive starts are crucial for UAE.
Probable Bowler: Matthew Humphreys could dominate the middle overs for Ireland, while Haider Ali remains UAE’s main wicket-taking threat.
Match Prediction
Considering recent form, squad depth, and bowling strength, Ireland hold a clear edge in this encounter. UAE’s home familiarity may keep the contest close, but Ireland’s balanced unit should prevail.
Our Winner: Ireland Will Win.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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