Are Ireland and Italy Set to Clash in 3 T20Is This January?
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Synopsis
Get ready for an exciting cricket showdown as Ireland and Italy prepare to face off in a historic T20 International series in Dubai this January. With both teams gearing up for their World Cup campaigns, this three-match series promises to be a thrilling precursor to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Will Ireland maintain their winning streak against Italy?
Key Takeaways
- Historic Series: This marks Italy's first three-match bilateral series against an ICC Full Member.
- Crucial Preparations: Both teams are using this series to prepare for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
- Hot Conditions: The matches will help Ireland acclimatize to the Dubai climate.
- Competitiveness: Expect a fiercely competitive series between Ireland and Italy.
- Global Recognition: This series aims to enhance the profile of Italian cricket.
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) – Cricket Ireland and the Italian Cricket Federation have officially announced a three-match bilateral T20 International series scheduled to take place in Dubai in late January 2026. This series will be crucial for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Ireland and Italy have faced each other just once in a T20I, during the 2023 qualifiers in Edinburgh, where Ireland secured a narrow victory by seven runs. The teams also competed in a non-T20I Twenty20 match in Abu Dhabi back in 2012, which Ireland won by two wickets.
This announcement follows Ireland’s recent confirmation of two T20Is against the UAE, which are also part of their preparations for the World Cup. After wrapping up their training in Dubai, Ireland will proceed to Sri Lanka for the global tournament, where they are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
On the other hand, Italy will make their way to India for the World Cup, competing in Group C against England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The UAE will also travel to India following their matches against Ireland, joining Group D with South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Canada.
Richard Holdsworth, Director of Cricket at Cricket Ireland, expressed, “We’re thrilled that the Italian Cricket Federation has collaborated with us on this series in Dubai. It’s vital for our squad to engage in competitive cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup, and these three matches will be perfect for us as we adapt to the hot conditions after coming straight from the Irish winter.”
“The Italians performed excellently to defeat Scotland and qualify for their inaugural World Cup, and we anticipate a fiercely contested series. Our thanks to The Sevens Stadium for their support in hosting this series,” he added.
Maria Lorena Haz Paz, President of the Federazione Cricket Italiana, commented, “Ever since Italy Men triumphed over Scotland and advanced through the World Cup Qualifier for the first time in our history, we have focused on developing the best possible preparation program for our players ahead of the tournament in February.”
“We are very pleased that Cricket Ireland was so accommodating in organizing this series – which will be historic as it marks our first three-match bilateral series against an ICC Full Member,” she stated. “We eagerly anticipate these fixtures as we make history and aim to elevate the profile and support for our cricket team across Italy – and perhaps even win some fans globally.”
Details of the Ireland vs Italy T20I series:
23 January 2026: Ireland Men vs Italy Men – 1st T20I (Sevens Stadium, Dubai; starts 10 am)
25 January 2026: Ireland Men vs Italy Men – 2nd T20I (Sevens Stadium, Dubai; starts 10 am)
26 January 2026: Ireland Men vs Italy Men – 3rd T20I (Sevens Stadium, Dubai; starts 6 pm)
Point of View
I believe this T20 series marks a significant moment for both Ireland and Italy, especially for Italy as they embark on their cricket journey at the international level. The collaboration between these two cricketing nations not only highlights the spirit of the game but also serves as an opportunity for Italy to gain valuable experience and recognition in the cricketing world.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Ireland vs Italy T20I series take place?
The series will occur from January 23 to January 26, 2026.
Where will the matches be held?
The matches will be held at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.
What is the significance of this series?
This series is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
How many T20Is will be played in the series?
There will be three T20 International matches played in the series.
Has Italy played T20Is against Ireland before?
Yes, Italy and Ireland have faced each other once in a T20I during the 2023 qualifiers.
