New Zealand hammer UAE with record 175-run opening stand
Chasing 174, New Zealand reached 175-0 in just 15.2 overs as Tim Seifert and Finn Allen produced the highest partnership for any wicket in T20 World Cup history.
Seifert remained unbeaten on 89 from 42 balls, registering his second consecutive half-century of the tournament, while Allen struck 84* from 50 deliveries, including five sixes. The pair’s 175-run opening stand surpassed the previous record of 170 set by England’s Jos Buttler and Alex Hales in the 2022 semi-final.
Earlier, UAE posted 173-6 — their highest total in a T20 World Cup — after a 107-run second-wicket partnership between captain Muhammad Waseem (66*) and Alishan Sharafu (55). However, New Zealand’s aggressive chase ensured the target was overhauled with 28 balls to spare.
The result keeps New Zealand unbeaten in Group D as they prepare to face South Africa next, while the UAE will look to regroup against Canada.
