In the T20 World Cup 2026 match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), New Zealand emerged victorious by 10 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
While chasing a target of 174 runs, the “Black Caps” posted 175 runs without losing any wickets in 15.2 overs. Opening duo Tim Seifert and Finn Allen showcased exceptional skills with the willow.
Facing 42 deliveries, Seifert smashed an unbeaten knock of 89 runs, which was laced with 12 boundaries and three maximums. Fellow opening batsman Allen accumulated 84 runs in 50 balls, including five boundaries and five maximums.
UAE`s Muhammad Rohid bowled the most expensive spell. Bowling 3.2 overs, he conceded 51 runs. Having bowled four overs each, Haider Ali was smashed for 27 runs, whereas Junaid Siddique gave away 47 runs. Muhammad Arfan, in his spell of three overs, leaked 36 runs. Dhruv Parashar bowled one over and gave away 14 runs.
Earlier, opting to bat first, the UAE posted 173 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Opening batsman Aryansh Sharma managed to score just eight runs in six balls, with the help of two boundaries. Skipper Muhammad Waseem delivered an unbeaten knock of 66 runs off 45 balls, including four boundaries and three maximums.
Alishan Sharafu also scored 55 runs in 47 balls, with the help of five boundaries and two maximums. Harshit Kaushik departed on two runs in six balls. Mayank Kumar accumulated 21 runs after facing 13 balls, and also smashed two boundaries and a maximum.
Sohaib Khan and Muhammad Arfan returned to the pavilion after scoring seven and zero runs, respectively. Sohaib`s knock of three balls included a maximum, whereas Arfan faced just one ball.
New Zealand`s Matt Henry bagged two wickets for 37 runs in four overs. Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, captain Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips claimed one wicket each.
Rachin Ravindra and James Neesham went wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against the UAE.
T20 World Cup 2026: Group D standings
The victory has helped the “Black Caps” to secure four points. They are enjoying the top spot in Group D with a net run rate (NRR) of +1.919 and two victories out of as many matches. The UAE is placed in the fourth position with a net run rate (NRR) of -2.763.
