New Zealand is set to face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a crucial match in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This encounter is noteworthy as it marks a meeting with an unfamiliar opponent for New Zealand’s squad. Historically, only six players from the 15-man team have played against UAE in international cricket.
New Zealand’s Recent Performances
After a challenging campaign in the 2022 World Cup, where a loss to Afghanistan derailed New Zealand’s chances, they are coming off a strong victory against Afghanistan in their opening game. Despite injuries and illness affecting their squad, their recent form has boosted their chances of advancing further in the tournament.
UAE’s Journey and Opportunities
The UAE team is aiming to showcase their capabilities on an international stage. Despite missing out on qualification for the 2024 T20 World Cup, they have a history of competitive play. They have won only one of six matches in previous T20 World Cups. However, participation in the ILT20 has provided their players with valuable experience in the T20 format.
Key Players to Watch
- New Zealand
- Rachin Ravindra: Struggled recently but looks to rebound.
- Mark Chapman: Familiarity with UAE players from prior experiences.
- UAE
- Muhammad Waseem: Prominent six-hitter, close to breaking the T20I record.
- Alishan Sharafu: Key player in the middle order, known for explosive batting.
- Haider Ali: A left-arm spinner capable of controlling the game.
Expected Line-ups
Both teams have experienced players who can change the course of the match. Here are the probable line-ups:
| New Zealand | UAE |
|---|---|
| Finn Allen | Aryansh Sharma (wk) |
| Tim Seifert | Muhammad Waseem (capt) |
| Glenn Phillips | Alishan Sharafu |
| Daryl Mitchell | Sohaib Khan |
| Mark Chapman | Harshit Kaushik |
| Jimmy Neesham/Michael Bracewell | Mayank Kumar |
| Mitchell Santner (capt) | Dhruv Parashar |
| Matt Henry | Muhammad Arfan |
| Lockie Ferguson | Haider Ali |
| Jacob Duffy | Junaid Siddique |
| Muhammad Jawadullah |
Match Conditions and Outlook
The match will take place at a Chennai venue with favorable conditions for both batters and bowlers. New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips has emphasized the importance of adaptability in the forthcoming match against UAE. Meanwhile, Waseem noted that experience from leagues like the ILT20 has prepared his team for strong competition.
As the 2024 T20 World Cup progresses, this match offers a significant opportunity for both teams to solidify their standings and showcase their skills on the world stage.
