T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand vs UAE, Match 11 – Full Highlights, Top Moments & Winner Details

New Zealand’s Group D clash against the United Arab Emirates in Chennai began with a spirited batting effort from the associate side. Put in to bat, the UAE posted a competitive 173 for 6 in their 20 overs, built around a composed knock from captain Muhammad Waseem and valuable support from Alishan Sharafu. The New Zealand bowlers stayed disciplined throughout, keeping things tight and ensuring the total, while challenging, never completely ran away from them.

What followed in the second innings was pure dominance. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert came out with aggressive intent, dismantling the UAE attack right from the powerplay. The pair put on a record-breaking opening partnership, the highest in Men’s T20 World Cup history, with Seifert smashing 89 off just 42 deliveries and Allen anchoring the chase with a fluent 84 off 50 balls. Their blistering start saw New Zealand surge to 78 without loss inside the first six overs, effectively sealing the contest early, as they cruised to a thumping 10-wicket win in just 15.2 overs.

Top batting performance: Tim Seifert

Tim Seifert continued his red-hot form with back-to-back fifties, producing a brutal knock against the UAE that left the bowlers with no answers. Batting with a strike rate of 212, Seifert went on a full-blown assault, finding gaps at will and clearing the ropes with ease. He punished the attack all around the ground, hammering 12 fours and three sixes on his way to a scintillating 89 off just 42 deliveries, an innings that set the tone and sucked the life out of the contest early.

Top bowling performance: Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin played a crucial role in putting the brakes on the UAE innings, as he masterfully controlled and suffocated the middle overs. The New Zealand captain used his experience well, cleverly varying his pace and lengths to keep the batters guessing. Santner finished with tidy figures of 1 for 23 from his four overs, conceding runs at an impressive economy of just 5.8, an effort that ensured the UAE never quite found momentum when it mattered most.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• The 107-run partnership between Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu was the first century stand by an associate nation against a full-member side in Men’s T20 World Cup history.
• UAE’s total of 173/6 was their highest-ever score in T20 World Cups.
• It also stands as the highest total by an associate team against New Zealand in T20 internationals.
• Glenn Phillips conceded 27 runs in a single over, making it the most expensive over by a full-member team against an associate side in Men’s T20 World Cup history.
• The same over also became the most expensive conceded by New Zealand in T20 World Cup matches.
• Finn Allen reached the landmark of 100 sixes in T20Is during the chase.
• The opening stand between Allen and Seifert is now the highest partnership for any wicket in Men’s T20 World Cup history.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Tim Seifert was named Player of the Match for his sensational hitting that powered New Zealand to a dominant victory. Displaying ruthless intent throughout the chase, Seifert scored a blistering 89 off 42 deliveries at a strike rate of 211, dismantling the UAE attack and ensuring there were no hiccups in the pursuit. His back-to-back fifties underline his rich form, with the wicketkeeper-batter currently leading the run charts of the tournament, an encouraging sign for the Kiwis as the competition gathers momentum.

When is the next match?

The action continues thick and fast in the tournament, with several key fixtures lined up over the coming days. The USA are set to take on Pakistan in Colombo on February 10, with the match scheduled for a 7:00 pm start, a contest that could have significant implications in their group. New Zealand will return to action on February 14, when they face a strong South Africa side in Ahmedabad, a clash expected to test their momentum after a dominant win. Meanwhile, the UAE will look to build on their batting positives when they meet Canada in Delhi on February 13, as they aim to stay competitive in the group stage.