Chennai witnessed batting brilliance of the highest order as New Zealand’s Tim Seifert and Finn Allen powered their team to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over UAE in T20 World Cup 2026 Group D. The duo overhauled a 174-run target with ease, finishing the chase in 15.2 overs at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
UAE bowlers were taken to the cleaners right from ball one. Seifert bludgeoned 89 not out off 42 balls, laced with 12 boundaries and 3 massive sixes. Allen was equally destructive, notching 84* from 50 balls including 5 fours and 5 sixes. This opening stand without a hint of trouble propelled New Zealand to a statement win.
In their innings, UAE won the toss and batted, but early loss of Aryansh Sharma at 12 runs set a precarious tone. Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu countered with a vital 107-run alliance. Sharafu departed for 55 (47 balls, 5×4, 2×6), and Waseem remained not out on 66 (45 balls, 4×4, 3×6), with Mayank Kumar’s 21 off 12 adding gloss. Total: 173/6.
Matt Henry starred with 2/37 for New Zealand, while Duffy, Ferguson, Santner, and Phillips grabbed one each. Seifert’s dominance earned him Player of the Match, boosting New Zealand’s momentum in the tournament.
This result underscores New Zealand’s depth and UAE’s bowling frailties, setting up intriguing group dynamics ahead.