Ireland vs United Arab Emirates Prediction: Who Will Win IRE vs UAE 2nd T20 Match on 31st January 2026?
The Ireland vs United Arab Emirates prediction for the 2nd T20I of the 2026 series strongly leans towards Ireland after their emphatic win in the series opener. This clash will be played on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Cricketwebs provide 100% match prediction tips for every cricket match, and this encounter is set to be crucial as Ireland look to seal the series while UAE aim to bounce back and level it.
Ireland dominated the first T20I with a commanding all-round performance, winning by 57 runs to take a 1–0 lead. After a shaky start at the top, the Irish middle order stepped up brilliantly. Ross Adair and Lorcan Tucker stabilized the innings, while Benjamin Calitz’s late hitting powered Ireland to a competitive 178/6. The bowlers then took complete control, with Gareth Delany’s three-wicket burst triggering a UAE collapse and Matthew Humphreys providing vital support.
United Arab Emirates showed promise early in the chase as Aryansh Sharma and captain Muhammad Waseem built a steady opening stand. However, the lack of acceleration and a fragile middle order proved costly. Once wickets fell, UAE struggled to recover, eventually being bowled out for 121.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium traditionally offers a balanced surface, but teams that bat with intent and rotate strike tend to succeed. With Ireland carrying momentum, confidence, and superior depth, they enter this match as clear favourites. Still, UAE’s familiarity with home conditions and a potential improvement in strike rate could make this contest more competitive. Overall, this Ireland vs United Arab Emirates prediction favours Ireland to continue their dominance and clinch the series.
- Ireland won the 1st T20I convincingly by 57 runs
- Ross Adair and Gareth Delany starred in the opener
- UAE need better strike rate and middle-order stability
- Ireland are favourites to seal the series
Match Details
| Match | IRE vs UAE, 2nd T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 31 January 2026 |
| Time | 11:30 AM |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
| Series | Ireland Tour of UAE 2026 |
Team Preview
Ireland Preview
Ireland produced a dominant performance in the first T20I, highlighting their batting depth and bowling discipline. Despite early setbacks with Paul Stirling and Harry Tector dismissed cheaply, the middle order showed composure and intent. Ross Adair anchored the innings with a crucial 39, while Lorcan Tucker added stability. Benjamin Calitz’s explosive 26 off just 12 balls gave Ireland the late surge they needed to post a daunting total.
Ireland’s bowling was even more impressive. Gareth Delany’s figures of 3/26 dismantled UAE’s middle order, while Matthew Humphreys and George Dockrell maintained pressure with economical spells. Josh Little and Barry McCarthy provided pace and control, ensuring UAE never gained momentum during the chase.
Captain Paul Stirling will expect more from the top order in this match, especially from Harry Tector, who remains one of Ireland’s most reliable batters. With confidence high and combinations working well, Ireland look settled and focused. If they replicate the same intensity and discipline, they are well-positioned to secure another comfortable win and wrap up the series in this Ireland vs United Arab Emirates prediction.
United Arab Emirates Preview
United Arab Emirates showed flashes of promise in the first T20I but were ultimately outplayed by a more clinical Irish side. Captain Muhammad Waseem was the standout batter, scoring 40 runs, while Aryansh Sharma provided a steady start. However, the slow scoring rate during the powerplay put pressure on the middle order.
Once the opening partnership was broken, UAE struggled to rebuild. The middle order failed to rotate strike or counter Ireland’s spinners effectively, leading to a collapse. For UAE to challenge Ireland in the second T20I, players like Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, and Haider Ali must step up with meaningful contributions.
Bowling was decent but lacked penetration. Junaid Siddique picked up two wickets and was the most effective bowler, while Muhammad Arfan and Rohid Khan were economical but couldn’t stem the run flow in the death overs. UAE need early wickets and sharper fielding to put Ireland under pressure. Playing at home gives them familiarity with conditions, but they must improve their intent and execution significantly to keep the series alive.
Team Squads
Ireland Squad:
Paul Stirling (C), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young
United Arab Emirates Squad:
Muhammad Waseem (C), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (WK), Basil Hameed, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (WK), Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh
Probable Playing XI
Ireland: Paul Stirling (C), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Benjamin Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy
United Arab Emirates: Muhammad Waseem (C), Aryansh Sharma (WK), Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, Haider Ali, Rahul Chopra, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Arfan, Rohid Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah, Sohaib Khan
Ireland vs United Arab Emirates Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Muhammad Waseem |
| All-rounders | Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell |
| Bowlers | Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Junaid Siddique |
| Wicketkeeper | Lorcan Tucker |
| Flex Pick | Basil Hameed |
This fantasy XI prioritizes in-form Irish players while retaining key UAE contributors. Ross Adair is a must-pick due to his anchoring role and recent form. Harry Tector remains a quality batter capable of big scores. Muhammad Waseem is UAE’s most reliable run-scorer and offers leadership points. Gareth Delany and Curtis Campher provide all-round value, contributing in both departments. George Dockrell adds spin control and late-order runs. Matthew Humphreys and Josh Little are wicket-taking options, while Junaid Siddique is UAE’s best bowling pick. Lorcan Tucker is selected as wicketkeeper for his stability and finishing ability.
Captain Choices: Gareth Delany, Ross Adair
Vice-Captain Choices: Harry Tector, Muhammad Waseem
Players to Avoid: Muhammad Zohaib, Simranjeet Singh
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today – Ireland
Ireland are favourites in this Ireland vs United Arab Emirates prediction primarily due to their strong performance in the first T20I, winning by a commanding 57-run margin. Their batting lineup demonstrated depth and maturity — Ross Adair and Lorcan Tucker forged crucial partnerships after early setbacks, while Benjamin Calitz’s late cameo helped set a challenging total. Bowling was equally effective, with Gareth Delany’s 3-wicket haul demolishing the UAE middle order and Matthew Humphreys providing valuable support. Ireland’s ability to both post a competitive score and defend it highlights their superiority in all departments.
In contrast, United Arab Emirates showed glimpses of promise but lacked sustained momentum, especially in the middle overs where scoring rates dipped and wickets fell regularly. UAE’s challenges in rotating strike and accelerating put pressure on their chase, ultimately leading to a collapse. Given Ireland’s recent form, superior match execution, and depth across batting and bowling, they enter the second T20I with a clear edge over UAE in Dubai. Ireland’s consistency makes them the likely winners today.
Ireland T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 184 | 77 | 97 | 9 | 1 |
Ireland have steadily improved in T20Is with competitive performances against associate and full-member sides.
United Arab Emirates T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 142 | 77 | 64 | 1 | 0 |
UAE have a strong associate-level T20 record, especially at home.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | IRE Won | UAE Won |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 5 | 7 |
At Dubai: Ireland have won both T20Is played here.
While UAE lead overall, Ireland dominate at Dubai International Stadium.
Pitch Report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch is known for its balanced playing surface. Early on, it offers good carry and bounce for batters, rewarding those who play through the line. Pacers can extract movement in the initial overs, but as the match progresses, the track tends to slow slightly, bringing spinners into play during the middle overs. A par score at this venue is typically around 155–165 runs, placing pressure on the chasing side if the total exceeds that mark. Teams that rotate the strike effectively and build partnerships tend to flourish here. Overall, both batters and bowlers have chances to influence the game significantly.
Weather Report
Weather in Dubai on match day is expected to be clear and pleasant, with temperatures around 21–24°C, dry conditions, and very low rain risk — ideal for a full T20 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Broadcast Details
The Ireland vs United Arab Emirates 2nd T20I will be broadcast live on FanCode across India, with complete digital coverage and highlights available on the app and website for viewers.
Toss Prediction
Chasing teams have an advantage under lights at Dubai due to dew late in the game. Toss Winner Prediction: United Arab Emirates, who may choose to bowl first and chase a target under potentially easier conditions.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Batsman: Ross Adair and Muhammad Waseem are the key batters to feature in this match. Ross Adair anchored Ireland’s innings well in the first T20I and is likely to be among the top run-scorers again. Muhammad Waseem was the top scorer for UAE in the series opener and will be crucial in providing impetus at the top. Lorcan Tucker’s finishing ability adds further batting depth for Ireland, while Aryansh Sharma could be a breakout performer for UAE if he finds form early.
Probable Bowler: Gareth Delany is expected to make significant impact with the ball for Ireland, having taken key wickets in the opener. Matthew Humphreys’ control and Goa familiarity give Ireland additional bowling strength. For UAE, Junaid Siddique remains their leading pace threat and could be effective with disciplined lines. Rohid Khan’s variations will also be vital, especially in the middle overs.
Match Prediction
Based on Ireland’s dominant performance in the first T20I and their balanced batting and bowling units, this Ireland vs United Arab Emirates prediction favours Ireland to continue their strong run and clinch the series. UAE must lift both batting tempo and bowling discipline to challenge Ireland effectively.
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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