New Zealand Playing XI vs UAE- T20 World Cup 2026, Match 11- Ish Sodhi over Jacob Duffy?

New Zealand Playing XI against UAE [Source: X]

New Zealand are set to face the United Arab Emirates in the 11th match of the T20 World Cup 2026. The contest will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 10 and will go live for fans at 3:00 PM IST.

New Zealand vs UAE Preview

New Zealand will be playing against the UAE for their second group stage encounter after a comfortable win against Afghanistan in their opening game in the T20 World Cup 2026. The clash between the two teams saw the Kiwi top order falter, but the middle order created the resistance to chase a target of 183 with ease.

With almost all players fit and ready, and the UAE eyeing their inaugural clash in the tournament, New Zealand will be aiming for a sincere lineup against the UAE as well to secure another two points to rule on top of the group points table.

Hence, ahead of the clash, let’s take a look at the possible Playing XI, New Zealand can field against the UAE in the upcoming clash.

New Zealand Playing XI vs UAE- Match 11, T20 World Cup 2026

Openers and Top Order: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman

New Zealand’s opening pair is settled with Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. Both openers have shown explosive T20 form in recent times, although Allen managed just one run in the outing against Afghanistan. The Kiwis will back the opening duo to provide fireworks against the UAE.

Rachin Ravindra also registered a golden duck, but he is expected to get the nod ahead of Devon Conway or Michael Bracewell, as New Zealand continues to test the team’s consistency.

Mark Chapman, who batted at No. 5 in the match against Afghanistan, could be promoted to No. 4, provided there is no early setback at the top, with the team needing explosive acceleration from a batter like Glenn Phillips.

Middle Order and All Rounders: Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jimmy Neesham

The middle order of New Zealand’s all-rounder-heavy line-up will feature the ever-reliable Glenn Phillips, who blasted a 25-ball 42 in the previous outing, followed by Daryl Mitchell, who has been in strong T20I form since the India series.

Captain Mitchell Santner will follow and also contributed with a quick 17 off eight balls, including two boundaries and a maximum over a strike rate of 200.

Jimmy Neesham, although he did not bat in the previous match, will be a valuable addition with the bat at number eight, given his reputation as a player who can hit the ball hard during the death overs or in crunch situations.

Bowlers: Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi

At the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, which is known for its slow track and spin-friendly pitch, New Zealand opted for a pace-heavy frontline attack against Afghanistan.

However, Afghanistan handled it well, with pacers like Jacob Duffy coming in for some heavy punishment. Alongside Jimmy Neesham, both bowlers conceded runs at an economy rate of over 10.

With Neesham still offering value with the bat, Jacob Duffy is likely to be benched as Ish Sodhi could be brought in to strengthen New Zealand’s spin attack for the match against the UAE. Ish Sodhi’s recent T20I form with the ball could pose a serious threat on the Chennai pitch.

Ish Sodhi is expected to be supported by Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra in the spin department, while Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson are likely to continue as New Zealand’s frontline pace attackers.

New Zealand Playing XI vs UAE- Match 11, T20 World Cup 2026- Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi