T20 World Cup: Seifert–Allen Blitz Floors UAE as New Zealand Win by 10 Wickets

Chennai

New Zealand registered a dominant 10-wicket victory over the UAE in a Group D match of the T20 World Cup 2026, chasing down a target of 174 runs with ease at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen produced explosive unbeaten half-centuries to seal the win with 28 balls to spare.

Chasing 174, Seifert and Allen launched a blistering assault on the UAE bowlers right from the first over, playing attacking shots all around the ground. The UAE bowling attack looked helpless as the New Zealand openers took complete control of the chase.

Tim Seifert remained unbeaten on 89 runs off 42 balls, hitting three sixes and 12 fours, while Finn Allen stayed not out on 84 runs from 50 balls, including five sixes and five fours. New Zealand reached 175 without losing a wicket in just 15.2 overs to clinch the match emphatically.

Earlier, the UAE won the toss and opted to bat first, posting 173 runs for the loss of six wickets. Their innings got off to a shaky start with Aryansh Sharma departing for 12 runs. Captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu then steadied the innings with a solid 107-run partnership for the second wicket. Sharafu scored 55 runs off 47 balls, hitting two sixes and five fours.

Waseem later added 40 runs for the fourth wicket with Mayank Kumar. Mayank scored 21 runs off 12 balls, including a six and two fours, before getting out. Waseem carried his bat through the innings, remaining unbeaten on 66 runs off 45 balls with three sixes and four fours.

For New Zealand, Matt Henry picked up two wickets for 37 runs in four overs, while Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips claimed one wicket each.

Tim Seifert was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.

About Author

Habib Ki Report

See author's posts