UAE has won the toss and decided to bat against New Zealand in a Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This marks UAE’s first game in the tournament, aiming to kick off their campaign with a victory. Led by Muhammad Waseem, the team earned their spot in the World Cup by finishing third in the T20 World Cup Asia and EAP Qualifier 2025/26 held in Oman.
New Zealand, having started well by defeating Afghanistan in their opening match, will face UAE’s challenge. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem expressed confidence in their batting decision, emphasizing the team’s blend of spinners and fast bowlers. On the other side, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the favorable pitch conditions and highlighted the importance of strategic preparation in facing a competitive opponent like UAE.
Both teams have finalized their playing XIs for the match. UAE’s lineup includes Aryansh Sharma, Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu, and others, while New Zealand will field players like Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and Mitchell Santner.
