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UAE vs Ireland 1st T20I Match Prediction [Source: @EmiratesCricket, @cricketireland/x]
UAE and Ireland will collide in the first T20I of their two-match series at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, January 29. The series will serve as a final dress rehearsal for both sides in their road towards the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka next month.
The UAE cricket team qualified for the showpiece event by finishing third at the 2025 Men's T20 World Cup Asia–EAP Regional Final in Oman late last year. In their previous T20I match overall, Nepal lost to Oman in a last-ball thriller a couple of months ago.
Earlier this week, the Ireland team won its three-match T20I series against Italy. However, a defeat in the dead-rubber might well have dented Ireland’s momentum heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup.
UAE vs Ireland current form (Last 5 T20I matches)
| Team | Form |
| UAE | L, W, W, L, L |
| Ireland | L, W, W, L, L |
UAE vs Ireland: Key player battles
Muhammad Waseem vs Mark Adair
Ireland’s experienced new ball paceman Mark Adair is yet to dismiss UAE opener Muhammad Waseem across all forms of international cricket. In T20 cricket alone, Waseem has scored 41 runs against the Ireland all-rounder.
Muhammad Waseem vs Mark Adair in T20s: 41 runs, 38 balls, 0 dismissal
Paul Stirling vs Junaid Siddique
Ireland captain and vintage opener Paul Stirling has minted 47 runs off 39 balls against UAE fast bowler Junaid Siddique at a strike rate of above 120 across all forms of T20 cricket. The UAE speedster is yet to dismiss the prolific top-order batter in the format.
Paul Stirling vs Junaid Siddique in T20s: 47 runs, 39 balls, 0 dismissal
UAE vs Ireland top performers
Most runs for UAE vs Ireland (among squad members)
UAE captain Muhammad Waseem has tallied 239 runs in just six innings against Ireland in T20I cricket at a prolific average of 47.80 and a strike rate of 155.19.
Most wickets for UAE vs Ireland (among squad members)
Basil Hameed is UAE's leading wicket-taker against Ireland in T20Is among active squad members. He has clipped four wickets in three innings at an impressive average of just 6.75.
Most runs for Ireland vs UAE (among squad members)
Legendary opener Paul Stirling is Ireland’s most proficient run-maker against UAE in T20Is with 288 runs in 11 innings at an average of 28.80.
Most wickets for Ireland vs UAE (among squad members)
Ireland’s experienced fast bowler Craig Young has picked up 12 wickets in just six innings against UAE in T20Is at an average of 14.91.
UAE vs Ireland toss prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely opt to bat first at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Earlier this month during a three-match series between West Indies and Afghanistan at the venue, the team batting first won each of the three games. Moreover, the chasing side has managed to procure just a solitary win here in the last six T20Is.
The surface at the Dubai International Stadium relatively has something on offer for both, batters and bowlers. While fast bowlers can make the new ball talk, batting teams also tend to chart up competitive totals. Spinners, however, will be expected to play a part during the second half of the innings.
UAE vs Ireland 1st innings score prediction
Powerplay – 50/1
End of the innings – 165/6
UAE vs Ireland 2nd innings score prediction
Powerplay – 45/1
End of the innings – 150/8
UAE vs Ireland top players prediction
UAE top players prediction
Muhammad Waseem
Ireland top players prediction
Paul Stirling, Mark Adair
Who will hit the most sixes in the UAE vs Ireland 1st T20I match?
Muhammad Waseem
Who will hit the most fours in the UAE vs Ireland 1st T20I match?
Paul Stirling
UAE vs Ireland Match Winner Prediction: Who will win 1st T20I?
The UAE team will start out as favourites to defeat Ireland and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The hosts will be expected the make the most of their home advantage, and the team is already on a five-match winning streak against Ireland.
