The Ireland vs United Arab Emirates ODI series finally continues after being rescheduled four times due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, with a UAE player testing positive for the virus. The next match in the series is the 2nd One Day International (ODI) which will take place on Monday January 18th at approximately 1:30am EST. UAE currently has a 1-0 lead in the four match series. Will Ireland even the series or will UAE extend their lead? 

UAE claimed the first match in the series by 6 wickets and will surely be full of confidence after that result. Considered by many to be huge underdogs mainly due to them not playing international cricket for nearly a year, coupled with the fact that Ireland is on the back of a credible performance against England in their recently concluded series. It was their second ODI win against an ICC full-member side and they will be looking to build off that performance. Their bowlers put in a very disciplined performance to restrict a strong Ireland batting line up to just 269/5 before Chundangapoyil Rizwan and Muhammad Usman struck impressive centuries to guide them to victory. 

Ireland was considered the huge favorites heading into that first ODI and perhaps underestimated the UAE team which led to their downfall. They a strong outfit and will no doubt be after revenge here. Their top batsman Paul Stirling struck an impressive unbeaten century (his second consecutive century) which was one positive takeaway from the loss. They will have to bowl much better than they did previously, with most of their bowlers punished by the UAE centurions. Ireland has beaten top sides such as England and the West Indies recently and will be highly motivated to even the series, as a loss here will end their chances of taking the series. 

I expect a much better performance from Ireland here in the second ODI and they should claim the victory. The loss in the first match will serve as a wake up call, and with another important series against Afghanistan immediately after this one they will be keen to come into some good form. They are a very strong batting team so once their bowling is up to par they should even the series at 1-1 here. Ireland to win.