Skipper Muhammad Waseem of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed a feeling of falling slightly short despite a commendable batting display, citing the middle overs as crucial after the team posted 173 runs. Waseem, along with Alishan Sharafu, contributed significantly to the UAE’s highest T20 World Cup total of 173/6 against New Zealand in the 2026 edition’s Group C match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
The skipper highlighted the positive efforts from the batting unit, including himself, Alishan, and Mayank, while acknowledging the potential for adding more runs to the total. However, he noted a lapse in batting performance during the middle overs as a key factor.
Waseem and Alishan Sharfu’s partnership of 107 runs marked the UAE’s second-highest second-wicket stand in T20Is, with the team achieving their highest Power-play score in T20 World Cups by finishing at 50/1. Sharafu’s impressive half-century, capped with a six off his 39th delivery, was a standout performance against New Zealand.
The UAE skipper’s all-around display, culminating in a fifty off 37 deliveries and a late cameo, played a pivotal role in the team’s highest T20 World Cup total. Despite the strong batting performance, Waseem felt that the team fell short by 15–20 runs on a favorable batting surface.
Describing the pitch as conducive to batting, Waseem emphasized the need to capitalize on scoring opportunities, expressing a belief that the team could have posted a higher total. Looking ahead to the chase, he maintained a measured approach, expressing confidence in the team’s efforts and strategy for the upcoming match.
