The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai witnessed an enterprising batting display from UAE as they set New Zealand a target of 174 in their Group D T20 World Cup match on Sunday. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, UAE overcame a top-order wobble to reach 173 for 6, powered by skipper Muhammad Wasim’s match-defining 66 not out.
Early jitters gripped UAE when opener Aryansh Sharma fell for 8 at 12 for 1. Captain Wasim then took charge, forging a solid 107-run partnership with Alishan Sharafu for the second wicket. Sharafu departed after a stylish 55 from 47 balls, laced with 5 fours and 2 sixes, leaving UAE in a strong position at 119 for 2.
Wasim continued his dominance, adding 40 more runs with Mayank Kumar, who scored a brisk 21 off 12. The tail couldn’t quite fire, with Harshit Kaushik (2) and Shoaib Khan (7) falling cheaply, but Wasim’s knock off 45 balls – including 4 fours and 3 sixes – ensured respectability. Extras added 14 valuable runs to the total.
Matt Henry was the standout for New Zealand, bagging 2 for 37. Support came from Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner, and part-timer Glenn Phillips, all with a wicket apiece. Deploying seven bowlers highlighted New Zealand’s strategy to break partnerships.
For UAE, this is their T20 World Cup debut game, brimming with upset potential. New Zealand, fresh off a big win against Afghanistan, now face a tricky chase under lights.