New Zealand delivered a clinical performance to dismantle the UAE by 10 wickets in their T20 World Cup 2026 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 10. Chasing 174, openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen were relentless, reaching the target in just 15.2 overs.
New Zealand thrash UAE by 10 wickets
Seifert led the way with a blistering 89* off 42 balls, while Allen provided equally aggressive support with an unbeaten 84 off 50, ensuring New Zealand maintained their perfect start to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The chase began steadily, with UAE's Haider Ali applying early pressure by conceding only eight runs in his opening two overs. However, the momentum shifted rapidly as the other bowlers struggled to contain the Black Caps. Finn Allen took charge during the Powerplay, reaching a 23-ball half-century and punishing the UAE attack with ease. Tim Seifert followed suit shortly after, bringing up his own fifty in 27 deliveries as the pair continued to find boundaries at will.
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Tim Seifert, Finn Allen's record partnership in Kiwis' win
The duo stitched a historic partnership as they surpassed the long-standing New Zealand record for the highest T20I opening partnership. Their unbeaten 175-run stand eclipsed the previous mark of 171 set by Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson against Pakistan in 2016. Remarkably, Seifert and Allen reached the milestone in significantly fewer deliveries, cementing their place in New Zealand's record books and also setting a new world record for the highest partnership for any wicket in Men's T20 World Cup history.
This crushing victory has propelled New Zealand to the top of Group D, boosting their net run rate to an impressive +1.919. While the UAE had earlier posted a competitive 173/6—their highest-ever total in a T20 World Cup—thanks to fifties from Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu, it proved insufficient against the sheer batting muscle displayed by the Kiwis.
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Earlier batting first, the UAE posted a competitive total of 173/6. The innings was anchored by captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu, who combined for a formidable 107-run partnership for the second wicket. This stand provided the foundation for the UAE to record their highest-ever team total in T20 World Cup history.
Captain Waseem led from the front with a composed, unbeaten 66 off 45 balls, making him the first UAE player to record multiple half-centuries in the tournament's history. He was well-supported by Sharafu, who contributed a vital 55 off 47 deliveries. Despite their efforts putting the team in a strong position at the halfway mark, the total ultimately proved no match for New Zealand's record-breaking opening stand.
New Zealand will next face South Africa on February 14, while UAE will be up against Canada on February 13.