NZ vs UAE Dream11 Prediction for 11th Match, ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Get verified team, captain picks, pitch report, weather, and winning strategies for New Zealand vs United Arab Emirates.
Introduction
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D action continues as New Zealand face the United Arab Emirates in the 11th match at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The Black Caps enter this encounter with winning momentum after a convincing five-wicket victory over Afghanistan, successfully chasing down 183 runs thanks to Tim Seifert’s brilliant 65 and Glenn Phillips’ explosive 42. For UAE, this marks their tournament opener and a chance to cause an upset, having previously defeated New Zealand in their three-match T20I series in August 2023. The spin-friendly Chepauk surface suits both teams’ bowling arsenals, making this afternoon clash a fascinating tactical battle. For Dream11 enthusiasts, New Zealand’s in-form players offer safe options while UAE’s explosive batters present high-ceiling differential picks.
Match Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | New Zealand vs UAE, 11th Match, Group D |
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| Date | February 10, 2026 (Today) |
| Time | 3:00 PM LOCAL (9:30 AM GMT) |
| Format | T20 International |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network, JioHotstar (India) |
| Toss | To be updated |
| Stadium Capacity | 50,000 |
Pitch Report: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Batting-friendly with spin assistance |
| Pace vs Spin | Spin-dominant (60% effectiveness) |
| Recent Match | NZ beat Afghanistan – 183/5 chasing 182/6 |
| Highest T20I Total | 182/6 by Afghanistan (Feb 8, 2026) |
| Average 1st Innings | 165-180 |
| Bounce | Good early bounce, slows down later |
| Dew Factor | Minimal (afternoon match) |
Fantasy Impact Analysis: The MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch showed excellent batting conditions in the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match, with 365 runs scored. The surface offered early bounce for pacers before assisting spinners in middle overs. Afghanistan scored 182/6 and New Zealand chased it down with 183/5, demonstrating the pitch favors batting with quality application. Day matches reduce dew impact, making spinners crucial throughout both innings. For Dream11, prioritize top-order batters who can exploit powerplay conditions, quality spinners for middle-over control, and death-over specialists. The 183-run successful chase confirms chasing teams have advantage with scoreboard pressure clarity.
Weather Update
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 28-32°C |
| Rain Probability | 5% (Clear afternoon) |
| Humidity | 55-65% |
| Wind | Light sea breeze |
| Conditions | Sunny, ideal for cricket |
Impact: Perfect cricket weather expected with negligible rain threat. Warm afternoon conditions should ensure a full 40-over contest with minimal interruptions.
Recent Form
New Zealand – Recent Performance
Last Match: Beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets (T20 World Cup 2026, Feb 8)
- Scorecard: Chased 183 successfully, scoring 183/5 in 17.5 overs
- Star Performers:
- Tim Seifert: 65 off 42 balls (Player of the Match)
- Glenn Phillips: 42 off 25 balls
- Daryl Mitchell: 25* off 13 balls
- Mitchell Santner: 17* off 8 balls
- Lockie Ferguson: 2/40 in 4 overs
- Jacob Duffy: 2/33 in 4 overs
Key Stats from Afghanistan Match:
- Successfully chased highest-ever target in T20 World Cups
- Tim Seifert hit 6 sixes and 2 fours
- Recovered from 14/2 to win comfortably
- 74-run partnership between Seifert and Phillips was match-defining
Recent T20I Form: W-L-L-W-L (2 wins in last 5)
- Lost 4-1 series to India before World Cup
- Beat Afghanistan in World Cup opener (crucial win)
UAE – Recent Performance
Tournament Status: Playing their first match of T20 World Cup 2026
- Third T20 World Cup appearance (missed 2024 edition)
- Coming off three consecutive T20I losses
- Historic win vs South Africa (October 11, 2025) – First-ever victory
Warm-up Match:
- Lost to India A by 130 runs (February 6, 2026)
- Positive: Louren Steenkamp scored 51 in warm-up
Recent T20I Form: L-L-L-W-W (2 wins in last 5)
- Beat South Africa by 3 wickets (historic win)
- Inconsistent performances against top teams
Head-to-Head (NZ vs UAE)
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 3 (August 2023 series) |
| NZ Wins | 2 |
| UAE Wins | 1 |
| Last Meeting | NZ won by 32 runs (3rd T20I, August 2023) |
| Series Result | NZ won 2-1 (August 2023) |
Recent Series Breakdown (August 2023):
1st T20I: New Zealand won by 19 runs
- NZ: 155/6 (Tim Seifert 55, Cole McConchie 31)
- UAE: 136 all out (Aryansh Sharma 60; Tim Southee 5/25)
2nd T20I: UAE won by 7 wickets (Leveling series)
- NZ: 142/8 (Mark Chapman 63; Aayan Afzal Khan 3/20)
- UAE: 144/3 in 15.4 overs (Muhammad Waseem 55, Asif Khan 48*)
3rd T20I: New Zealand won by 32 runs (Clinching series)
- NZ: 166/5 (Will Young 56, Mark Chapman 51)
- UAE: 134 all out
H2H Summary: New Zealand hold 2-1 advantage, but UAE proved competitive by winning the second match convincingly. The series was closely contested, showing UAE can challenge the Black Caps on their day.
Ground Statistics: MA Chidambaram Stadium
| Parameter | Stats |
|---|---|
| T20I Matches Played | 4 (as of Feb 2026) |
| Bat First Wins | 1 |
| Chase Wins | 3 (75% success rate) |
| Most Recent Match | NZ beat AFG by 5 wkts (Feb 8, 2026) |
| Highest T20I Total | 182/6 by Afghanistan (Feb 8, 2026) |
| Successful Chases | NZ 183/5, IND 166/8, BAN won |
Chasing Record: Strong preference for chasing at this venue with 3 out of 4 matches won by teams batting second, including New Zealand’s recent successful chase of 183.
Team News & Injury Updates
New Zealand
| Status | Player | Update |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed Available | Tim Seifert | In excellent form (65 vs AFG) |
| Fitness Watch | Finn Allen | Cleared to bat, shoulder niggle limits throwing |
| Injury Doubt | Michael Bracewell | Calf injury, likely to miss out |
| Probable Replacement | James Neesham | Seam-bowling all-rounder (played vs AFG) |
| In-Form | Glenn Phillips | Scored 42 off 25 vs AFG |
| In-Form | Lockie Ferguson | 2/40 vs AFG, managed workload |
UAE
| Status | Player | Update |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Squad | All players | First match of tournament |
| Key Player | Muhammad Waseem | Captain, 16 sixes away from Rohit Sharma’s T20I record (190 sixes) |
| Form Watch | Louren Steenkamp | Scored 51 in warm-up vs India A |
| Confirmed Available | Full squad | No injury concerns reported |
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand Probable XI
Based on Afghanistan match and fitness updates:
- Finn Allen (Batter) – Scored 1 vs AFG, shoulder restricts fielding
- Tim Seifert (WK) – 65 vs AFG, Player of the Match
- Rachin Ravindra (All-rounder) – Golden duck vs AFG, will bounce back
- Glenn Phillips (Batter) – 42 off 25 vs AFG, in excellent form
- Mark Chapman (Batter) – Scored 28 vs AFG
- Daryl Mitchell (All-rounder) – 25* off 13 vs AFG, strong finisher
- Mitchell Santner (Captain/All-rounder) – 17* off 8 vs AFG, key spinner
- James Neesham (All-rounder) – Conceded 33 in 3 overs vs AFG
- Matt Henry (Bowler) – Experienced pacer
- Lockie Ferguson (Bowler) – 2/40 vs AFG, express pace
- Jacob Duffy (Bowler) – 2/33 vs AFG, powerplay specialist
Note: Michael Bracewell (calf injury) unlikely to play
UAE Probable XI
Based on squad announcement and recent form:
- Aryansh Sharma (WK) – Scored 60 in H2H match (Aug 2023)
- Muhammad Waseem (Captain/Batter) – 190 T20I sixes, explosive opener
- Muhammad Zohaib (Batter)
- Alishan Sharafu (Batter) – Key middle-order player
- Harshit Kaushik (Batter)
- Mayank Kumar (All-rounder)
- Dhruv Parashar (All-rounder)
- Muhammad Arfan (Bowler)
- Haider Ali (Bowler) – Left-arm spinner, powerplay specialist
- Junaid Siddique (Bowler) – Death-over yorker specialist
- Muhammad Jawadullah (Bowler) – Pace bowler
Alternative: Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh also available
Dream11 Prediction Section
Small League Strategy (Safe Approach)
Best Combination: 1 WK, 4 Batters, 2 All-rounders, 4 Bowlers
Safe Players:
- Tim Seifert (65 vs AFG, confirmed form)
- Glenn Phillips (42 off 25 vs AFG, explosive)
- Mitchell Santner (captain, all-rounder, took 0/23 vs AFG)
- Daryl Mitchell (25* vs AFG, finisher)
- Lockie Ferguson (2/40 vs AFG, wicket-taker)
- Muhammad Waseem (UAE captain, explosive opener)
Captain/Vice-Captain:
- Captain: Tim Seifert (Player of the Match vs AFG, in red-hot form)
- Vice-Captain: Glenn Phillips (explosive batter, consistent performer)
Grand League Strategy (Differential Picks)
High-Ceiling Picks:
- Rachin Ravindra (due for runs after golden duck, quality player)
- Mark Chapman (familiar with UAE from Hong Kong days)
- Muhammad Waseem (low ownership, explosive potential)
- Alishan Sharafu (UAE’s key batter, can score big)
- Haider Ali (left-arm spinner on spin-friendly pitch)
Risky Differentials:
- Finn Allen (can explode if he gets going, low score vs AFG means low ownership)
- Aryansh Sharma (scored 60 in H2H, WK option)
- Dhruv Parashar (all-rounder, low ownership)
- Junaid Siddique (death-over specialist)
- Jacob Duffy (2/33 vs AFG, powerplay wicket-taker)
Match-Up Based Options:
- Mitchell Santner (spin-friendly conditions, UAE struggles vs quality spin)
- Haider Ali (powerplay spinner, can contain NZ openers)
- Matt Henry (experience vs associate nations)
Player Categories Breakdown
Must-Have (Essential Picks):
- Tim Seifert (confirmed form, 65 vs AFG)
- Glenn Phillips (explosive, scored 42 vs AFG)
- Mitchell Santner (captain, spinner, all-rounder)
- Muhammad Waseem (UAE captain, explosive opener)
Safe Picks (70-85% selection):
- Lockie Ferguson (wicket-taker, 2 wickets vs AFG)
- Daryl Mitchell (finisher, 25* vs AFG)
- Jacob Duffy (powerplay specialist, 2/33 vs AFG)
- Alishan Sharafu (UAE’s key batter)
Risky (30-50% selection):
- Rachin Ravindra (quality player, due for runs)
- Finn Allen (explosive but failed vs AFG)
- Mark Chapman (experienced vs UAE)
- Aryansh Sharma (WK differential)
- Haider Ali (spinner)
Budget Picks:
- Muhammad Zohaib (opener, budget option)
- Harshit Kaushik (middle-order, budget)
- Matt Henry (experienced bowler)
- Muhammad Arfan (bowler)
Key Player Analysis
New Zealand – Key Players
Tim Seifert (WK): In scintillating form after scoring 65 off 42 balls against Afghanistan with 6 sixes and 2 fours. Just three sixes away from 100 T20I sixes milestone. Attacking wicket-keeper who sets the tone at the top. Must-have Dream11 pick after Player of the Match performance.
Glenn Phillips: Explosive middle-order batter scored 42 off 25 balls vs Afghanistan. Known for handling spin exceptionally well on turning tracks. His 74-run partnership with Seifert was match-defining. Excellent fielder providing bonus points potential.
Finn Allen: Cleared to bat despite shoulder niggle but fielding limited. Can explode in powerplay – hit 80 off 38 in BBL showing destructive form. Failed for 1 vs Afghanistan but one innings away from big score. Five sixes away from 100 T20I sixes.
Rachin Ravindra: Quality all-rounder suffered golden duck vs Afghanistan and conceded 14 runs in one over. Due for big performance after poor outing. Left-handed batter who can anchor innings and provides part-time spin option.
Mark Chapman: Experienced vs UAE from Hong Kong days, scored 28 vs Afghanistan. Solid middle-order contributor who understands UAE players well having faced them multiple times.
Daryl Mitchell: Excellent finisher scored crucial 25* off 13 vs Afghanistan. Accelerates in death overs and provides middle-over stability. Underrated Dream11 pick with consistent contributions.
Mitchell Santner (Captain/Spinner): New Zealand captain bowled economically (0/23 in 3 overs) vs Afghanistan. Left-arm spinner perfect for Chennai conditions with 135 T20I wickets at 7.25 economy. Leadership qualities and all-round skills make him essential pick.
Lockie Ferguson: Express pacer took 2/40 vs Afghanistan including wickets of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Speeds over 140 km/h make him point-of-difference bowler. Wicket-taking threat in powerplay and death overs.
Jacob Duffy: Powerplay specialist claimed 2/33 vs Afghanistan. Since previous T20 World Cup, has taken 23 wickets in powerplay in 29 innings – excellent record. Wicket-taking option in first six overs.
Matt Henry: Experienced pacer brings control and variations. Effective against associate nations with quality line and length bowling.
James Neesham: Seam-bowling all-rounder conceded 33 in 3 wicketless overs vs Afghanistan. Can contribute with bat down the order and provides extra bowling option.
UAE – Key Players
Muhammad Waseem (Captain): UAE’s most explosive batter with 190 T20I sixes in 93 innings, just 16 away from toppling Rohit Sharma’s all-time record. Serial six-hitter who scored 55 in H2H series. ILT20 experience keeps him match-ready. Dangerous differential captain pick.
Aryansh Sharma (WK): Scored impressive 60 in first H2H match against New Zealand (August 2023). Wicket-keeper who can provide solid starts and bonus points through dismissals.
Alishan Sharafu: UAE’s key middle-order batter capable of explosive innings. Floats in batting order providing flexibility. Recent stats show 349 runs in 10 matches at 38.78 average with 136.86 strike rate.
Louren Steenkamp: Opening batter in good touch, scored 51 in warm-up match vs India A. Can set platform for UAE innings with solid technique.
Muhammad Zohaib: Opening partner who provides stability at top of order. Budget-friendly option for Dream11 teams.
Harshit Kaushik: Middle-order batter who can accelerate innings. Provides depth to UAE batting.
Mayank Kumar: All-rounder adding balance to team with batting and bowling contributions.
Dhruv Parashar: All-rounder who can contribute in both departments. Differential pick for Grand Leagues.
Haider Ali: Left-arm spinner who stifles batters with accuracy in powerplay. Ideal for Chennai’s spin-friendly conditions. Can bowl crucial middle-over spells.
Junaid Siddique: Fast bowler who nails yorkers in death overs. Death-over specialist with deceptive slower balls.
Muhammad Jawadullah: Pace bowler providing wicket-taking threat with new ball.
Muhammad Arfan: Bowling option adding depth to UAE’s attack.
Expert’s Verdict: Captain/Vice-Captain Picks
Captain Choice – Tim Seifert: The New Zealand wicket-keeper is the standout captain choice after his Player of the Match performance (65 off 42) against Afghanistan. His attacking approach suits the Chennai pitch perfectly, and he’s just three sixes away from the 100 T20I sixes milestone, showing motivation for aggressive batting. Against UAE’s bowling attack, expect another substantial score given his confidence and form. Wicket-keeping duties provide bonus points potential. His 74-run partnership with Phillips demonstrated ability to build and accelerate – perfect for fantasy points accumulation.
Vice-Captain Choice – Glenn Phillips: The explosive middle-order batter is in excellent touch after scoring 42 off 25 vs Afghanistan. His ability to handle spin brilliantly on turning Chennai track makes him invaluable. Phillips’ strike rate and boundary-hitting prowess combined with reliable fielding (bonus catches) make him safer VC option than riskier alternatives. His recent form and consistency in big matches provide high floor with explosive ceiling.
Alternative Captain (Grand League): Mitchell Santner offers differential captain option with lower ownership. As captain and key spinner on spin-friendly pitch, he’ll bowl full quota of 4 overs plus contribute with bat. His all-round involvement and leadership qualities provide multiple points avenues. Against UAE, expect economical bowling and potentially crucial wickets.
Risky Captain (Grand League High-Risk/High-Reward): Muhammad Waseem presents explosive captain differential. The UAE skipper with 190 T20I sixes can single-handedly change match dynamics. If he fires, massive fantasy points guaranteed. However, inconsistency and facing quality NZ bowling makes this very risky. Only for Grand Leagues seeking major differentiation.
Match Prediction
Win Probability
| Team | Winning Chances |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | 85-90% |
| UAE | 10-15% |
Strength Comparison
New Zealand Strengths:
- Excellent recent form (beat Afghanistan convincingly)
- Balanced team with explosive batters (Seifert, Phillips, Allen)
- Quality spin option in Santner for Chennai conditions
- Express pace from Ferguson (140+ km/h)
- H2H advantage (2-1 series win in 2023)
- Experience in pressure situations
- Highest successful T20 World Cup chase (183 vs AFG)
New Zealand Weaknesses:
- Finn Allen’s shoulder limits fielding mobility
- Michael Bracewell’s injury reduces all-rounder depth
- Rachin Ravindra needs to bounce back from golden duck
- James Neesham went wicketless and expensive vs Afghanistan
UAE Strengths:
- Won previous encounter in Aug 2023 series (7-wicket victory)
- Explosive batting led by Muhammad Waseem (190 T20I sixes)
- Fresh team for tournament opener
- ILT20 experience keeps players match-ready
- Historic South Africa win shows capability for upsets
- Spin options (Haider Ali) suit Chennai conditions
UAE Weaknesses:
- Three consecutive T20I losses before tournament
- Lost to India A by 130 runs in warm-up
- Facing in-form New Zealand who just chased 183
- Lack recent competitive match practice
- H2H disadvantage (lost series 2-1)
- Pressure of tournament opener vs strong opponent
Final Prediction
New Zealand are overwhelming favorites with 85-90% win probability. Their convincing victory over Afghanistan, chasing 183 successfully, demonstrates excellent form and confidence. Tim Seifert’s brilliance, Glenn Phillips’ explosiveness, and quality bowling attack make them formidable opponents for UAE’s tournament opener.
However, UAE shouldn’t be written off completely. They proved in August 2023 that they can beat New Zealand, winning one match in that series by 7 wickets. Muhammad Waseem’s explosive capabilities and the team’s ILT20 experience mean they possess match-winners who can trouble any opposition on their day.
The MA Chidambaram Stadium’s recent chase-friendly record (3 out of 4 matches won by teams batting second) suggests toss-winning captain may opt to bowl first. Expect total scores between 160-180.
Predicted Winner: New Zealand by 30-40 runs or 5-6 wickets
New Zealand’s superior quality, form, and experience should prevail comfortably, though UAE may provide moments of resistance through Waseem or Sharafu if they get going.
Final Dream11 Team (Balanced – Small League)
Dream11 Team Composition
Wicket-Keeper (1):
- Tim Seifert (WK) – 65 vs AFG, Player of the Match
Batters (4):
- Glenn Phillips – 42 off 25 vs AFG
- Muhammad Waseem – UAE captain, explosive opener
- Daryl Mitchell – 25* off 13 vs AFG
- Alishan Sharafu – UAE’s key batter
All-Rounders (2):
- Mitchell Santner (VC) – Captain, spinner, all-rounder
- Rachin Ravindra – Quality player due for runs
Bowlers (4):
- Lockie Ferguson – 2/40 vs AFG
- Jacob Duffy – 2/33 vs AFG
- Haider Ali – Left-arm spinner for Chennai
- Junaid Siddique – Death-over specialist
Captain: Tim Seifert
Vice-Captain: Mitchell Santner
Team Credits: 100 (within budget)
Team Balance: Mix of proven performers and differentials
Alternative Dream11 Team (Grand League – High Risk)
Grand League Team
Wicket-Keeper (1):
- Aryansh Sharma (differential WK, scored 60 in H2H)
Batters (3):
- Glenn Phillips (consistent performer)
- Finn Allen (explosive potential, low ownership after failure)
- Muhammad Waseem (explosive differential)
All-Rounders (3):
- Mitchell Santner (C) – Safe captain with all-round value
- Mark Chapman – Familiar vs UAE
- Dhruv Parashar – UAE all-rounder differential
Bowlers (4):
- Lockie Ferguson
- Jacob Duffy
- Haider Ali (spinner differential)
- Muhammad Jawadullah
Captain: Mitchell Santner (safe differential)
Vice-Captain: Glenn Phillips
Strategy: Higher UAE representation for differentiation, Finn Allen redemption pick, Haider Ali spinner differential on spin-friendly pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who will win NZ vs UAE match today?
New Zealand are strong favorites with 85-90% win probability based on superior form, quality, and recent performance. The Black Caps convincingly beat Afghanistan by chasing 183 successfully, with Tim Seifert’s 65 and Glenn Phillips’ 42 showcasing their batting firepower. UAE, playing their first tournament match after three consecutive losses, face tough challenge. However, UAE beat NZ in August 2023 series (one match), proving they can cause upsets. Expect New Zealand to win comfortably by 30-40 runs or 5-6 wickets.
2. Who are the best Dream11 picks for NZ vs UAE?
Must-have picks include Tim Seifert (65 vs AFG, confirmed form), Glenn Phillips (42 off 25 vs AFG), Mitchell Santner (captain, spinner, all-rounder), Lockie Ferguson (2/40 vs AFG), and Muhammad Waseem (UAE captain, explosive with 190 T20I sixes). These players offer high floor with excellent ceiling potential. Jacob Duffy (2/33 vs AFG) and Daryl Mitchell (25* vs AFG) provide additional reliable options.
3. Who should be Captain and Vice-Captain in Dream11?
Captain: Tim Seifert is the safest choice with confirmed red-hot form (65 vs AFG), Player of the Match performance, and attacking approach perfect for Chennai pitch. Three sixes away from 100 T20I sixes milestone provides extra motivation.
Vice-Captain: Glenn Phillips offers explosive potential (42 off 25 vs AFG), excellent spin-handling, and consistent performance record.
Differential Captain (Grand League): Mitchell Santner for lower ownership with all-round contributions, or Muhammad Waseem for massive upside if he fires.
4. What happened in New Zealand vs Afghanistan match?
New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by 5 wickets, successfully chasing 183 – their highest-ever chase in T20 World Cups. Afghanistan scored 182/6 (Gulbadin Naib 63, Sediqullah Atal 29; Lockie Ferguson 2/40, Jacob Duffy 2/33). In reply, New Zealand reached 183/5 in 17.5 overs (Tim Seifert 65, Glenn Phillips 42, Daryl Mitchell 25*, Mitchell Santner 17*; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/31). After losing two early wickets to Mujeeb (14/2), Seifert and Phillips’ 74-run partnership turned the match in New Zealand’s favor.
5. What is the pitch report for NZ vs UAE match?
MA Chidambaram Stadium offers batting-friendly surface with significant spin assistance. The recent NZ vs AFG match saw 365 runs scored (highest aggregate), with Afghanistan posting 182/6 and New Zealand chasing successfully with 183/5. Pitch provides early bounce for pacers before helping spinners in middle overs. Afternoon match reduces dew factor compared to evening games. Chasing record is strong (3 out of 4 T20Is won by teams batting second). Average first innings score: 165-180. Spinners become increasingly important as match progresses.
6. What is New Zealand’s and UAE’s recent form?
New Zealand: Won against Afghanistan (T20 WC opener) after losing 4-1 T20I series to India. Key players in form: Tim Seifert (65 vs AFG), Glenn Phillips (42 vs AFG), Lockie Ferguson (2/40), Jacob Duffy (2/33). Recent record: W-L-L-W-L (2 wins in last 5).
UAE: Playing first tournament match after three consecutive T20I losses. However, they famously beat South Africa by 3 wickets in October 2025 (historic first win vs Proteas). Louren Steenkamp scored 51 in warm-up vs India A. Recent record: L-L-L-W-W (2 wins in last 5, but momentum lost recently).
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Key Takeaways
New Zealand:
- Excellent form: Beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets in tournament opener
- Highest successful T20 WC chase (183) shows strong batting
- In-form players: Tim Seifert (65), Glenn Phillips (42), Lockie Ferguson (2/40)
- Quality spin option in Santner for Chennai conditions
- H2H advantage: Won 2-1 series vs UAE (Aug 2023)
- Minor concerns: Finn Allen shoulder, Bracewell injury
UAE:
- First tournament match, fresh team
- Beat NZ once in Aug 2023 series (won by 7 wickets)
- Historic South Africa win (Oct 2025) shows upset capability
- Key players: Muhammad Waseem (190 T20I sixes), Alishan Sharafu
- Recent form concerning: Lost last 3 T20Is
- Warm-up loss vs India A by 130 runs
Venue:
- Strong chasing record (3 out of 4 T20Is won by teams batting second)
- Spin-friendly surface (Santner, Haider Ali crucial)
- High-scoring (365 runs in NZ vs AFG match)
- Average score: 165-180
- Afternoon match reduces dew factor
Dream11 Strategy:
- Must-haves: Tim Seifert, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Muhammad Waseem
- Safe picks: Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell
- Differentials: Finn Allen (risky), Rachin Ravindra, Haider Ali
- Captain: Tim Seifert (form) or Glenn Phillips (consistency)
- VC: Mitchell Santner (all-rounder) or Muhammad Waseem (differential)
Final Word: This NZ vs UAE match heavily favors New Zealand based on recent form and quality. Tim Seifert’s confirmed batting brilliance and New Zealand’s successful 183-run chase prove their firepower. However, UAE’s ability to beat NZ in August 2023 and Muhammad Waseem’s explosive potential means they shouldn’t be completely discounted. Focus Dream11 teams on in-form New Zealand players while adding 2-3 UAE differentials for Grand Leagues. Monitor toss decision – expect team winning toss to bowl first given Chennai’s chasing advantage. Good luck with your Dream11 contests!
Match Prediction: New Zealand to win by 30-40 runs, total scores likely between 160-180.
