United Arab Emirates vs Ireland – 1st T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is United Arab Emirates vs Ireland taking place? Thursday, October 7th, 2021 – 06:00 (UK)
Where is United Arab Emirates vs Ireland taking place? ICC Academy Oval 1, Dubai, UAE
What is the expected weather for United Arab Emirates vs Ireland? 33-36c with sunshine and a gentle breeze.
What channel is United Arab Emirates vs Ireland on? The match will be televised live on Foodxp (Sky channel 712) in the UK
Where can I stream United Arab Emirates vs Ireland? SonyLIV subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the SonyLIV website and app
LAST MEETING
United Arab Emirates beat Ireland by five wickets.
THE TEAM NEWS
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
- United Arab Emirates head into this match on the back of a 17-run defeat at the hands of Namibia this past Tuesday, failing to chase 160 runs to win, as they ended on 142/9.
- There were positives to take from the loss to Namibia, most notably the performance of Zahoor Khan with the ball, who took four wickets from his four overs bowling right-arm medium face pace and UAE will be hoping for a similar performance here.
- Key to the United Arab Emirates’ batting will be how well their top order fares during the powerplay, with the big hitting Waseem Muhammad looking to get them off to a good start opening their innings, whether they be setting or chasing a target.
IRELAND
- Ireland last featured in T20i action back in the beginning of September where they won a five-match series 3-2 against Zimbabwe and will be confident of further success here.
- Key to Ireland in this format of the game is their explosive top three, with the experienced Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien both capable of hitting boundaries at will, as can captain Andrew Balbirnie at number three.
- In 25-year-old Mark Adair, Ireland have a bowler in excellent form with the ability to turn the match his side’s way single handedly and comes into this encounter having picked up 10 wickets across Ireland’s last three T20i games.
THE PREDICTION
Whilst United Arab Emirates boast home advantage and more of a familiarity to the conditions, than Ireland, the tourists contain plenty of experience within their ranks which is likely to serve them well. In Stirling and O’Brien, the expectation is that Ireland will attack the powerplay hard and the United Arab Emirates bowlers and fielders must be prepared for that. The biggest worry from the home side’s perspective is the fragility within their middle order which was ruthlessly exposed by Namibia and with Ireland more secure in that department, this may prove the decisive factor in this one. Despite playing away from home, Ireland’s experience and superior all-round batting unit should see them come out on top.
