Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: New Zealand’s openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen produced a stunning batting display to chase down UAE’s 174-run target with ease as they sealed a dominant 10-wicket victory in the T20 World Cup on Tuesday. The pair unleashed a relentless assault on the UAE bowling attack, putting together an unbeaten 175-run partnership in just 92 balls, the highest partnership for any wicket in the tournament’s history.
New Zealand reached the target in just 15.2 overs, underlining their superiority.Earlier, UAE had posted a competitive 173 for six, their highest-ever T20 World Cup total, thanks to half-centuries from captain Muhammad Waseem (66 not out off 45 balls) and Alishan Sharafu (55 off 47). After Aryansh Sharma fell early, Waseem and Sharafu steadied the innings with a strong partnership, scoring regularly in the powerplay. Waseem played aggressively, using innovative shots like the ramp and stepping down the track for big hits, while Sharafu brought up his fifty with a slog off Matt Henry.New Zealand broke their stand with a brilliant relay catch involving Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell. After Sharafu’s dismissal, UAE struggled to maintain momentum, though Waseem and Mayank Kumar provided a late flourish, especially in an expensive over from Glenn Phillips.UAE added 51 runs in the final five overs but lost four wickets in that phase.In the chase, Seifert (89 not out) and Allen (84 not out) were unstoppable, scoring freely against both pace and spin. Allen attacked early, scooping Junaid Siddique for six, while Seifert impressed with inventive reverse sweeps against left-arm spinner Haider Ali. Allen also reached the milestone of 100 sixes in T20 internationals during his innings. UAE’s bowlers, apart from Haider, failed to contain the duo, who raced to 119 without loss in 10 overs, effectively ending the contest.The emphatic win marked New Zealand’s second victory in the tournament and sent a strong message to their rivals, while UAE were left with lessons to learn after a tough tournament debut.Brief scores: UAE: 173/6 in 20 overs (Alishan Sharafu 55, Muhammad Waseem not out 66; Matt Henry 2/37) lost to New Zealand
