UAE vs Ireland 2nd T20I Match Preview – January 31, 2026

Match Details

• Date: Saturday, 31st January 2026
• Time: 06:00 AM GMT / 11:30 AM IST
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
• Series: Ireland tour of United Arab Emirates 2026

Match Context

The second T20I between the United Arab Emirates and Ireland is set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, following Ireland's emphatic 57-run victory in the opening match of the series. With the series finely balanced at 1-1, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest between two sides eager to gain momentum.

Ireland, buoyed by a strong all-round performance in the first T20I, will be looking to continue their winning form and secure a series victory. On the other hand, the UAE will be determined to bounce back and make amends after a disappointing chase.

Team Form and Strengths

Ireland

Ireland came into the series after a 2-1 series win over Italy and are currently in decent form. Their batting lineup, led by captain Paul Stirling and supported by Lorcan Tucker, Ross Adair, and Harry Tector, has shown consistency and adaptability in the shortest format. The middle and lower order, including George Dockrell and Matthew Humphreys, have also contributed well with the bat and ball.

The Irish bowling attack is one of their strongest suits, with spinners Matthew Humphreys and Gareth Delany providing crucial breakthroughs. Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, and Josh Little add variety and control in the death overs.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE, despite their dominance in the head-to-head record, have had an inconsistent T20I campaign in recent months. Their batting has been a concern, with only Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu delivering consistent performances. However, the UAE's bowling unit, led by Haider Ali and Junaid Siddique, has shown promise, particularly in tight situations.

With the toss being a key factor, the UAE will look to make a positive decision and capitalize on early wickets, especially with their spinners in the mix.

Key Players to Watch

Ireland

• Paul Stirling (Captain): The experienced opener is Ireland’s go-to batter and has the ability to set the tone in the powerplay.
• George Dockrell: A lower-order finisher with a solid record in T20Is, averaging 23.94 with the bat and 24.33 with the ball.
• Matthew Humphreys: Ireland’s premier spinner who has taken 21 wickets in 14 T20Is, averaging 16 runs per wicket.
• Gareth Delany: The leg-spinner was instrumental in the first T20I, picking up 3 for 16 to earn Player of the Match.

United Arab Emirates

• Muhammad Waseem (Captain): The UAE's captain and key batter, who has scored 1450 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 137.05.
• Haider Ali: A left-arm spinner with a consistent economy rate of 5.75 and a wicket-taking average of 15.77.
• Junaid Siddique: A reliable seamer and finisher who has taken 19 wickets since the start of 2025.
• Alishan Sharafu: A consistent performer in the middle order with the bat and a useful off-spinner.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 T20Is)

• UAE: 4 wins
• Ireland: 1 win

The UAE have historically held the edge in this series, but Ireland’s recent victory could be a turning point.

Dubai International Cricket Stadium – Pitch and Weather Report

• Pitch Conditions: The pitch is expected to be balanced, offering assistance to both batters and bowlers. The initial overs may favor fast bowlers with swing, but the middle overs could provide opportunities for spinners.
• Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with a 79% chance of rain. Temperature is around 24°C, humidity at 59%, and a wind speed of 10-15 km/h.

Predicted Playing XIs

United Arab Emirates (UAE):

1. Aryansh Sharma (WK)
2. Muhammad Waseem (C)
3. Sohaib Khan
4. Rahul Chopra
5. Alishan Sharafu
6. Harshit Kaushik
7. Basil Hameed
8. Muhammad Arfan
9. Haider Ali
10. Junaid Siddique
11. Muhammad Jawadullah

Ireland (IRE):

1. Paul Stirling (C)
2. Ross Adair
3. Lorcan Tucker (WK)
4. Harry Tector
5. Curtis Campher
6. George Dockrell
7. Benjamin Calitz
8. Barry McCarthy
9. Mark Adair
10. Gareth Delany
11. Matthew Humphreys

Match Prediction

Ireland, with their strong all-round performance in the first T20I and a balanced lineup, are slight favorites to win this match. However, the UAE's spin-heavy attack and the possibility of rain could turn the game in their favor.

Predicted Winner: Ireland

Fantasy Tips & Live Streaming

• Live Score & Highlights: Available on Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, and FanCode.
• Fantasy Tips: Lorcan Tucker, Muhammad Waseem, Gareth Delany, and Haider Ali are must-picks for fantasy teams.
• Captain & Vice-Captain Choices: Lorcan Tucker (C), Gareth Delany (VC) for Ireland; Muhammad Waseem (C), Haider Ali (VC) for UAE.

Disclaimer

The match prediction and team selection are based on analysis and current form. Actual match outcomes may vary, and it is advisable to consider all factors before finalizing your fantasy team.
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