Chennai: T20 World Cup — New Zealand crush UAE by 10 wickets in record-breaking chase

CHENNAI, February 10, 2026 — New Zealand delivered a dominant performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, thrashing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 10 wickets in Group D’s 11th match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Chasing a competitive target of 174, New Zealand’s openers Tim Seifert (89* off 42 balls, 12 fours, 3 sixes) and Finn Allen (84* off 50 balls, 5 fours, 5 sixes) remained unbeaten, forging a record-breaking 175-run partnership — the highest stand for any wicket in T20 World Cup history. The duo chased down the target in just 15.2 overs with 28 balls to spare.
The victory propelled New Zealand to the top of Group D with two wins from two matches (having earlier beaten Afghanistan) and strengthened their position for Super 8 qualification.
Earlier, UAE posted 173/6 in their 20 overs, powered by half-centuries from captain Muhammad Waseem (66* off 45) and Alishan Sharafu (55 off 47). New Zealand’s Matt Henry claimed 2 wickets.
Player of the Match: Tim Seifert.
New Zealand’s aggressive and flawless chase left UAE shell-shocked, highlighting the gulf in batting firepower between the two sides in this high-stakes tournament encounter.