ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand vs UAE - team analysis, strengths and weaknesses
After their impressive win against Afghanistan, led by captain Mitchell Santner, the Black Caps aim to maintain momentum. UAE, under coach Lalchand Rajput, seeks its first victory in the tournament.
Last Updated: 06.18 PM, Feb 08, 2026
As the competition of the "Group of Death" (Group D) looks to intensify, the MA Chidambaram Stadium will host a fascinating fixture between the clinical Black Caps and the burgeoning talent of the United Arab Emirates. Scheduled for February 10, this match will follow New Zealand's hard-fought victory over Afghanistan, while for the UAE, it represents their third appearance on the grandest T20 stage.
How to watch the New Zealand vs UAE, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match online?
Cricket fans in India can watch the New Zealand vs UAE, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 LIVE on Jio Hotstar, accessible via OTTPlay Premium.
Current scenarios of the New Zealand vs UAE
New Zealand are coming into this match after a solid win over the strong Afghan side, where their batting order made a target of 183 look very easy.
Tim Seifert, Glenn Phillips and the whole Kiwi middle order batted superbly to ensure that they finished the game in just 17.5 overs. Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers, giving away 27 runs in his four overs.
So, after overcoming a team like Afghanistan, they will be confident to face the UAE and continue their domination.
On the other hand, this will be UAE’s first game of the tournament as they look to register their first win in the five games.
Although realistically saying it will be tough for them to give a challenge to a team like New Zealand, with the ability and keeping unpredictability of the T20 game in mind, you never know what can happen during a mega event like this.
Squad analysis - New Zealand vs UAE
Captain Mitchell Santner has led the Kiwi side with a dynamic approach that has helped New Zealand outshine some of the biggest opponents in World cricket recently.
Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are regarded as one of the most powerful hitters. And we all know how destructive someone like Glenn Phillips can be in the shortest format of the game.
Daryl Mitchell's current form in white-ball cricket is also a plus point for them. But they would be hoping to see Rachin Ravindra get back in form before the tournament reaches its peak.
With the ball in hand, Jacob Duffy and Adam Milne have been good, while captain Mitchell Santner has started the tournament in an economical manner, as he has always done throughout his entire career.
Under Lalchand Rajput, the man who coached India to the inaugural 2007 title, the UAE has transitioned into a more aggressive, fearless unit.
Muhammad Waseem, Haider Ali, and Muhammad Farooq, along with Junaid Siddique, Alishan Sharafu, and Aryansh Sharma, will remain the key players of their squad.
Squads
UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.