A clinical New Zealand outclassed UAE by 10 wickets in their T20 World Cup 2026 Group D opener at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium, thanks to a sensational unbeaten partnership between openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. They romped home chasing 174 with 28 balls remaining, in what was a batting masterclass.
Seifert led the charge with 89* off 42 balls (12 fours, 3 sixes), while Allen’s 84* off 50 (5 fours, 5 sixes) ensured no alarms. The UAE bowlers, unable to find rhythm, conceded runs at will as the Kiwis dominated from start to finish in 15.2 overs.
Opting to bat, UAE lost Aryansh Sharma cheaply at 12/1. Captain Muhammad Waseem’s resolute 66* (45 balls, 4×4, 3×6) and a 107-run stand with Alishan Sharafu (55 off 47, 5×4, 2×6) lifted them to 173/6. Mayank Kumar’s brisk 21 off 12 provided a flourish.
New Zealand’s attack was tidy: Matt Henry (4-0-37-2), with singles from Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips. Seifert scooped Player of the Match for his fireworks.
New Zealand’s flawless performance sends a clear message to rivals, while UAE grapples with lessons from this heavy defeat in the high-stakes tournament.