United Arab Emirates’ cricket team receives a timely boost ahead of crucial T20 World Cup 2026 matches with the ICC approving Haider Shah as replacement for Mohammad Zohaib. The decision, announced Wednesday by the Event Technical Committee, stems from Zohaib’s exit over mental health and team welfare matters.
Haider, with his 16 T20I caps, is poised to fill the void. UAE find themselves in dire straits in Group D, fourth on the points table following a humiliating 10-wicket loss to New Zealand at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium on February 10.
Batting first, UAE scripted their best-ever World Cup T20 innings, reaching 173/6. Early trouble struck with Aryansh Sharma out for 8, but Alishan Sharafu and skipper Mohammad Waseem forged a match-defining 107-run partnership in 77 balls.
Sharafu departed after a 47-ball 55 packed with aggression, including five fours and two sixes. Waseem’s unbeaten 66 off 45 balls, laced with four fours and three sixes, alongside Mayank Kumar’s quick 21 off 13, set a challenging target. Matt Henry starred for Kiwis with 2/xx.
New Zealand’s chase was a masterclass. Finn Allen (84 off 50: 5×4, 5×6) and Tim Seifert (89* off 42: 12×4, 3×6) powered home in 15.2 overs, leaving UAE shell-shocked.
Shah’s arrival offers hope for UAE as they regroup. Prioritizing player well-being while chasing tournament progression, this change underscores cricket’s evolving focus on mental health. Fans await how the refreshed lineup performs next.