Ireland A cricket team players. Photo: X | Cricket Ireland

A historic chapter in international cricket begins today at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai as European minnows Ireland and Italy face off in the first of a three-match T20I series. It is a vital preparation series for both the teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 next month in India and Sri Lanka. The Irish team, led by Paul Stirling, enters the series to fine-tune their tactics before heading to Sri Lanka for their Group B matches. For the Italians, this series is monumental as it marks their first-ever bilateral series against a full-time ICC member. Fresh off a historic qualification campaign in July 2025, where they famously upset Scotland to secure their maiden World Cup berth, Italy is using this tour to acclimatize to the heat before competing in Group C in India next month. Follow along for all the real-time updates, live scores and more.

LIVE UPDATES

23 Jan 2026, 01:59:15 pm IST

Ireland Vs Italy LIVE Cricket Score, 1st T20I: IRE 46/2 (7)

The powerplay is done and Ireland are 46/2, which is lesser than what Italy scored in the first 6 overs.

23 Jan 2026, 01:40:33 pm IST

Ireland Vs Italy LIVE Cricket Score, 1st T20I: Chase Begins|IRE 22/2 (3.5)

Ireland’s chase has kicked-off but skipper Paul Stirling has got out for a 2-ball duck. Ross Adair and Harry Tector are in the middle

23 Jan 2026, 01:08:52 pm IST

Ireland Vs Italy LIVE Cricket Score, 1st T20I: ITA 118/10 (18.1)

Italy have been bowled out for 118 runs and it has been quite a decent effort from them. Opening batter Anthony Mosca was their best batter, scoring 35 off 22.

23 Jan 2026, 12:33:59 pm IST

Ireland Vs Italy LIVE Cricket Score, 1st T20I: ITA 87/5 (12)

Italian captain Wayne Madsen has gone for 10 off 12 while Harry Manenti is still at the crease for 20 runs. Grant Stewart was the latest to fall for a 5-ball duck.

23 Jan 2026, 12:11:39 pm IST

Ireland Vs Italy LIVE Cricket Score, 1st T20I: ITA 60/3 (7)

It has been a very good start for the Italian batters but it has been equally good for the Irish bowlers who have also picked up three wickets within the first six overs.

Justin Mosca got out for a duck, while Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts smashed quickfire 35 and 18 to conclude the powerplay. Skipper Wayne Madsen and Harry Manenti are currently at the crease.

23 Jan 2026, 11:37:33 am IST

Ireland Vs Italy LIVE Cricket Score, 1st T20I: Playing XIs

Ireland: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (C), Harry Manenti, Marcus Campopiano (WK), Grant Stewart, Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca and Gian-Piero Meade

Italy: Paul Stirling (C), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little and Matthew Humphreys

23 Jan 2026, 11:35:38 am IST

Ireland Vs Italy LIVE Cricket Score, 1st T20I: Toss Update

Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl first.

23 Jan 2026, 11:32:43 am IST

Ireland Vs Italy LIVE Cricket Score, 1st T20I: Welcome

Good Morning Cricket fans. This is the start of our live blog of the 1st T20I match between Ireland and Italy at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai. Stay tuned for the real-time updates, live scores and more.