Because the solar units over the Ring of Hearth tonight, the United Arab Emirates and Eire kick off a significant two-match T20I sequence on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium. With the T20 World Cup 2026 simply across the nook in February, this isn’t only a bilateral conflict, it’s the ultimate costume rehearsal. Eire enters the fray contemporary from a 2-1 sequence victory over Italy, whereas the UAE appears to leverage their formidable dwelling document and historic dominance over the Irish aspect.
UAE enter this sequence as a well-drilled unit, completely acclimated to the dry, gradual surfaces of the Dubai Worldwide Stadium. Their technique centres on a strong prime order that dictates the tempo and a bowling assault designed to squeeze opponents through the center overs.
Muhammad Waseem stays absolutely the linchpin of this batting lineup; as the one participant to have scored two centuries on this head-to-head, his means to outlive the powerplay usually interprets into match-winning totals. Supporting him is Alishan Sharafu, who had a stellar 2025 and offers the mandatory stability to bridge the hole between the facility hitters and the decrease order. On the bowling entrance, Junaid Siddique would be the main menace. His knack for extracting bounce and delicate swing below the lights can be essential in testing Eire’s aggressive opening pair early on.
Paul Stirling’s males wish to construct momentum after a 2-1 sequence win over Italy. Whereas the victory was important for morale, the group is acutely conscious that the UAE represents a big step up in high quality and a tactical hurdle they haven’t cleared in almost 4 years.
The guests’ hopes relaxation largely on Harry Tector, who was the standout performer towards Italy with 150 runs throughout three innings. Tector’s means to govern spin makes him Eire’s most significant asset on a floor that historically aids slower bowlers as the sport progresses. To counter the UAE’s middle-order squeeze, Eire will look to younger spinner Matthew Humphreys, who impressed with six wickets within the earlier sequence and possesses the management wanted for these situations. In the meantime, Josh Little will lead the tempo assault, possible utilizing his left-arm angle to focus on Waseem and disrupt the UAE’s rhythm from the primary ball.
UAE vs Eire 2026, T20I sequence: Full schedule
| Match | Date | Native Time | IST (India) | GMT |
| 1st T20I | Thursday, Jan 29 | 6:30 PM | 8:00 PM | 2:30 PM |
| 2nd T20I | Saturday, Jan 31 | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM | 6:00 AM |
Additionally READ: Ireland announces 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Paul Stirling to lead
Squads:
Eire: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Younger, Benjamin White, Joshua Little, Curtis Campher, Tim Tector
United Arab Emirates: Muhammad Waseem (c), Rahul Chopra (wk), Basil Hameed, Alishan Sharafu, Harshit Kaushik, Sohaib Khan, Muhammad Zohaib, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Aryansh Sharma, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Muhammad Arfan
Broadcast & Dwell Streaming Particulars:
- Pakistan: ARY (TV and digital)
- India: Fancode
- USA: WillowTV [Sign up here]
- Remainder of the World: Styx Sports activities
- MENA International locations: Cricbuzz
Additionally READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Updated fixtures released as Scotland replaces Bangladesh
