As the sun sets over the Ring of Fire tonight, the United Arab Emirates and Ireland kick off a vital two-match T20I series at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With the T20 World Cup 2026 just around the corner in February, this isn’t just a bilateral clash, it’s the final dress rehearsal. Ireland enters the fray fresh from a 2-1 series victory over Italy, while the UAE looks to leverage their formidable home record and historical dominance over the Irish side.

UAE enter this series as a well-drilled unit, perfectly acclimated to the dry, slow surfaces of the Dubai International Stadium. Their strategy centres on a powerful top order that dictates the tempo and a bowling attack designed to squeeze opponents during the middle overs.

Muhammad Waseem remains the absolute linchpin of this batting lineup; as the only player to have scored two centuries in this head-to-head, his ability to survive the powerplay often translates into match-winning totals. Supporting him is Alishan Sharafu, who had a stellar 2025 and provides the necessary stability to bridge the gap between the power hitters and the lower order. On the bowling front, Junaid Siddique will be the primary threat. His knack for extracting bounce and subtle swing under the lights will be crucial in testing Ireland’s aggressive opening pair early on.

Paul Stirling’s men are looking to build momentum after a 2-1 series win over Italy. While the victory was essential for morale, the team is acutely aware that the UAE represents a significant step up in quality and a tactical hurdle they haven’t cleared in nearly four years.

The visitors’ hopes rest largely on Harry Tector, who was the standout performer against Italy with 150 runs across three innings. Tector’s ability to manipulate spin makes him Ireland’s most vital asset on a surface that traditionally aids slower bowlers as the game progresses. To counter the UAE’s middle-order squeeze, Ireland will look to young spinner Matthew Humphreys, who impressed with six wickets in the previous series and possesses the control needed for these conditions. Meanwhile, Josh Little will lead the pace attack, likely using his left-arm angle to target Waseem and disrupt the UAE’s rhythm from the first ball.

UAE vs Ireland 2026, T20I series: Complete schedule

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Squads:

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young, 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 & Live Streaming Details:

• Pakistan: ARY (TV and digital)
• India: Fancode
• USA: WillowTV [Sign up here]
• Rest of the World: Styx Sports
• MENA Countries: Cricbuzz

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Updated fixtures released as Scotland replaces Bangladesh

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