UAE Bats First Against New Zealand at T20 World Cup

Chennai, India — United Arab Emirates won the toss and elected to bat first against New Zealand in Tuesday’s Group D clash of the 2026 T20 World Cup at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.

Captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu capitalised on a good batting surface, sharing a 121-run second-wicket stand that carried the UAE to 173 for 6 in their 20 overs. Waseem finished unbeaten on 66 off 45 balls, while Sharafu contributed a run-a-ball 55. The pair rebuilt after early wickets and found the boundary 15 times between them, setting what appeared a competitive target on a ground known for high-scoring encounters.

New Zealand’s chase began ominously for the Emirates. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen tore into the bowling from the outset, racing to 78 without loss inside the power play. Neither batter offered a chance as they flayed 22 fours and eight sixes in an unbroken 175-run stand, eclipsing the previous tournament record of 170 set by England in 2022.

Seifert ended 89 not out off 42 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes, while Allen’s innovative stroke-play yielded 84 not out from 50 balls. The Black Caps knocked off the required runs in just 15.2 overs, sealing a 10-wicket victory that keeps them atop Group D with two wins from two matches.

UAE’s attack struggled for answers: Muhammad Rohid conceded 51 in 3.2 overs, Junaid Siddique went wicketless for 47, and Muhammad Arfan leaked 36 from three. The result leaves the UAE searching for their first points of the tournament, while New Zealand move a step closer to the semi-finals.