Chennai, India – The United Arab Emirates won the toss and elected to bat first in their T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match against New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The UAE are aiming to showcase the form demonstrated by other associate nations in the tournament and challenge the Kiwis.

New Zealand is aiming for their second consecutive win in the tournament, having defeated Afghanistan in their opening match by 5 wickets. They are looking to continue their momentum with a strong performance against the UAE. New Zealand suffered a series loss against India (1-4) and had a tough warm-up match against the USA.

Jacob Duffy, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer, struck early for New Zealand, seizing control with a sharp opening spell. Duffy, who earned his first call-up to a senior World Cup after a breakthrough year, removed Aryansh Sharma for 8 runs.

At the end of the powerplay, UAE were 50/1. Muhammad Waseem, the UAE captain, is leading from the front and has formed a partnership with Alishan Sharafu to rebuild the innings after the early wicket. Waseem has 27 runs from 20 balls, while Sharafu has 22 runs from 22 balls.

The New Zealand squad includes experienced players such as Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner. Mitchell Santner is captaining the side. The spin-heavy squad also includes Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra, indicating a strategy tailored for the Indian and Sri Lankan surfaces.

UAE's lineup features Muhammad Waseem, Aryansh Sharma, Alishan Sharafu, and Junaid Siddique. On the eve of the match, the UAE sent batter Mohammed Zohaib home for disciplinary reasons.

New Zealand's bowling attack includes Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Jacob Duffy, with Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra providing spin options.

Currently, UAE are 74/1 in 9 overs. Waseem and Sharafu are trying to build a robust partnership after the early setback. Santner is using spin to contain the scoring rate and break the partnership.