Important players from both the sides have been named in the New Zealand Playing XI vs UAE Playing XI as both the teams face off against each other. Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand for the first time in the World Cup and he will be hoping to perform as well in this tournament as New Zealand did in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
These two teams have played against each other many times and New Zealand has emerged as the better team. However, they will be looking for an early advantage in the series.
This article provides the probable playing XI of New Zealand vs UAE for the match eleven of the World Cup clash in 2026. This article covers possible player combinations and important players to watch on the spin-friendly track of the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
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New Zealand Playing XI vs UAE Playing XI – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand Playing XI vs UAE – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Finn Allen and Tim Seifert
Blackcaps have got their two opening batsmen for the ICC T20 World Cup. Finn Allen has been in great form for the Blackcaps as he performed brilliantly for the winning team Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League. On the other hand, Tim Seifert is another explosive batsman who will make the most of the fielding restrictions in the powerplay overs.
Middle-order batsmen: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman.
New Zealand’s middle-order will feature a clutch of batsmen, including left-hander Rachin Ravindra, who has an impressive record in the country where he has his roots. Glenn Phillips is their most reliable batsman in the middle order. He often takes advantage of the bowlers on the field with his muscle strength and his tremendous agility. Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell make up New Zealand’s lower order; However, these players play a stabilizing role in the batting order rather than acting as finishers. Experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell is likely to return
Bowlers: Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson
Spinner Mitchell Santner is not only their most trusted spinner or the team captain but also an additional batsman in the playing eleven. They will be followed by New Zealand’s experienced bowling deck as they have players like Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson and finally Matt Henry, who has been the best strike bowler for the Blackcaps.
New Zealand Playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson.
UAE Playing XI vs New Zealand – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Aryansh Sharma and Muhammad Wasim
Arnaish Sharma is the new find of the UAE team along with his captain Muhammad Wasim, who is often cited as one of the greatest white-ball players in the shortest format of the game. Wasim is their most experienced batsman and is also playing in franchise leagues around the world.
Middle-order batsmen: Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, Harshit Kaushik, Sohaib Khan, Dhruv Parashar
Muhammad Zohaib has now been placed ahead of other batsmen in an important role at number. 3, while experienced Alishan Sharafu has been removed from the opening position and moved to the middle order. However, the credibility increases with middle-order batsman Harshit Kaushik, who has done most of the scoring for the team, as well as Sohaib Khan, one of the local talents and a big-hitting lower-order batsman.
Bowlers: Haider Ali, Muhammad Arfan, Junaid Siddiqui and Muhammad Jawadullah
While Dhruv Parashar remains one of the central spinners of the team, he will be followed by some of the most experienced fast bowlers. Haider Ali, Junaid Siddiqui and Jawadullah will be among the most experienced fast bowlers of the team. Siddiqui is one of the most successful Asian bowlers in the shortest format of the game and is often considered very economical.
UAE playing eleven: Aryansh Sharma, Muhammad Wasim (captain), Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, Harshit Kaushik, Sohaib Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Muhammad Arfan, Junaid Siddiqui and Muhammad Jawadullah.
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