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NZ vs UAE: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
- Fixture: New Zealand vs United Arab Emirates
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group D
- Match: 11th Match, Group D
- Date & Time: 10 February 2026, 3:00 PM IST
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India
Match Preview
New Zealand will take on the United Arab Emirates in Chennai in a crucial Group D clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. New Zealand will enter the competition as one of the established white-ball teams in world cricket. They have a balanced pace attack and explosive batting options. They will aim to dominate against the UAE early in the group stage.
The UAE qualified as the last team from the East Asia Pacific Regional Qualifiers. They will look to make an impression in their first match of the campaign. The qualification itself is a historic achievement for the UAE. This is their third T20 World Cup appearance after participating in the previous editions and winning the qualifier fixtures competitively. Their batting line-up, led by in-form performers, could be dangerous on their day. They will look to trouble the Kiwi bowlers in a high-stakes World Cup match.
This encounter is crucial for both sides. New Zealand look for pace and confidence in a challenging group featuring South Africa and Afghanistan. The UAE will be keen to pull off an upset against one of the top-ranked nations and prove they can pull off an upset against one of cricket’s strongest nations. Upsets happen in the World Cup. The UAE believe they can pull off an upset.
NZ vs UAE: Head to Head
| Format | Matches | NZ Won | UAE Won | Draw | Tied | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ vs UAE | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
NZ vs UAE – Squad List
| No. | New Zealand Player | Role | United Arab Emirates Player | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Santner (c) | Bowling allrounder | Muhammad Waseem (c) | Opening batter |
| 2 | Finn Allen | Top-order batter | Haider Ali | Bowler |
| 3 | Michael Bracewell | Batting allrounder | Junaid Siddique | Bowler |
| 4 | Mark Chapman | Allrounder | Harshit Kaushik | Allrounder |
| 5 | Devon Conway | Wicketkeeper batter | Mayank Kumar | Opening batter |
| 6 | Jacob Duffy | Bowler | Muhammad Arfan | Bowler |
| 7 | Lockie Ferguson | Bowler | Muhammad Farooq | Allrounder |
| 8 | Matt Henry | Bowler | Muhammad Jawadullah | Bowler |
| 9 | Kyle Jamieson | Bowler | Muhammad Rohid | Bowler |
| 10 | Daryl Mitchell | Batting allrounder | Muhammad Zohaib | Opening batter |
| 11 | James Neesham | Batting allrounder | Dhruv Parashar | Allrounder |
| 12 | Glenn Phillips | Allrounder | Alishan Sharafu | Opening batter |
| 13 | Rachin Ravindra | Batting allrounder | Aryansh Sharma | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 14 | Tim Seifert | Wicketkeeper batter | Simranjeet Singh | Bowler |
| 15 | Ish Sodhi | Bowler | Sohaib Khan | Middle-order batter |
Pitch Report – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| Pitch Nature | Traditionally balanced wicket |
| Batting Support | Helps batsmen settle after the initial overs |
| New Ball Behaviour | Seamers get early pace and movement with the new ball |
| Spin Factor | Spinners become effective during middle overs |
| Match Pattern | Tempo shifts are important as the pitch slows down later |
| Average T20 Score Range | Usually 160 to 180 depending on conditions |
| Fog Impact | Afternoon/evening fog can affect visibility and bowling grip |
| Toss Strategy | Toss decisions depend on fog and how the pitch plays in both innings |
| Safe/Defending Score | Teams scoring around 170 generally feel comfortable |
Team Analysis
New Zealand
New Zealand have a deep batting line-up with several powerful hitters. They have a variety of bowling, strong pace options and capable spin. They have experience in the pressured conditions of ICC tournaments. This experience is important when matches are tough.
Their concern is that if they don’t get success early on, they may stagnate at times in the middle overs. Injuries to pick pace options have affected their preparation. They will miss out on some bowlers.
Key players are Daryl Mitchell who is a dynamic top middle order batsman and a useful option with the ball. Mark Chapman is a consistent big score threat in the middle overs that can change games. Ish Sodhi provides spin control and wicket taking in the middle stages.
United Arab Emirates
UAE have attractive batting options that can pick up the pace. They have efficient bowlers who can strike early and control the runs. They have momentum from a successful qualification campaign. That confidence is important.
Their concern is the lack of exposure to top-level international teams in recent history. The batting depth can be exposed against disciplined bowling. If they lose wickets early, they fall.
Key players to watch include Alishan Sharafoo who is the leading run scorer for UAE with an aggressive batting. Muhammad Wasim is a stylish opener who has the ability to lay the foundation. Junaid Siddique is an effective wicket-taker in T20Is who can trouble any batting lineup.
Toss Prediction
With fog likely to persist in the afternoon session, the captain may choose to bowl first and chase the target with a clear idea of the score and conditions. Chasing with fog in Chennai becomes easier than determining the total. The toss is important.
Cricbites Match Prediction
| Team | Winning Chance (%) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 75% | Strong experience, better depth, proven match-winners |
| UAE | 25% | Can surprise with aggressive batting and early wickets |
Cricbites predict that New Zealand will win
Final Thoughts
Group D promises high-quality cricket. New Zealand vs UAE brings experienced players who are eager to make their mark against the qualifiers. New Zealand has better players and more experience. UAE has nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Expect tactical battles between captains trying to outplay each other. Crucial Powerplay moments will set the tone. Key contributions from impressive players like Mitchell and Sharafoo will decide the outcome. Both teams understand the value of a strong start in the World Cup group stage. This match could set the tone for their campaign ahead.
New Zealand should win this match. They are stronger on paper and have more experience at this level. But UAE will not give up easily. They will fight for every run and every wicket. They qualified for this World Cup through hard work. They deserve to be here. They will make New Zealand work for a win.
Cricket is unpredictable. A good partnership from UAE can change everything. A quick spell from Junaid Siddique can put New Zealand under pressure. If UAE execute their plans properly, the match will be competitive. New Zealand will take them seriously. They know that it is dangerous to underestimate opponents in the World Cup.
Disclaimer
This preview and prediction is based on current teams, historical performance, expected conditions and available data. Cricket is unpredictable. Results can change with matchday dynamics such as the toss, weather and individual talent. If all goes well, UAE can beat New Zealand. New Zealand will remain favourites but nothing is guaranteed in T20 cricket.
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