NZ vs UAE Prediction Match 11- Who Will Win Today? ICC T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand will face UAE for their second World Cup clash [Source: X]

New Zealand will look to build momentum when they face the United Arab Emirates in the 11th Group D match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Chennai on February 10. The Kiwis began their campaign with a confidence-boosting win against Afghanistan and will aim to strengthen their position at the top of the table. 

With experienced batters like Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips in strong form, New Zealand start as favourites. UAE, however, will be keen to challenge them in their first-ever T20 World Cup 2026 clash against the Black Caps.

New Zealand vs UAE current form (last 5 matches)

NZ vs UAE: Key player battles

Lockie Ferguson vs Muhammad Waseem

This promises to be a classic pace-versus-power showdown. New Zealand's premier fast bowler Lockie Ferguson brings raw speed to his side. Facing him will be UAE captain Muhammad Waseem, the side's most experienced and destructive opener. 

If he survives Ferguson's opening burst or handles him in the powerplay, UAE could post a competitive total or set a solid foundation in a chase.

Ish Sodhi vs Alishan Sharafu

Spin is expected to play a major role at Chennai, and New Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi could exploit that to full effect. UAE's young opener Alishan Sharafu, one of their brightest talents, will be key in countering this challenge. 

With fluent drives and good footwork against spin, if he rotates the strike and builds innings alongside Waseem, UAE can keep the scoreboard ticking. However, a misjudgment against Sodhi's wrong'un could trigger a collapse.

Junaid Siddique vs Finn Allen

UAE's lead pacer Junaid Siddique will shoulder the responsibility of striking early in the powerplay. His primary target will be Finn Allen, the explosive Kiwi opener who loves to dominate from ball one. 

On a pitch that might not offer excessive movement, Siddique needs to nail his lengths and perhaps induce a mistimed shot. If Allen clicks, New Zealand could race to a flying start; if Siddique removes him cheaply, UAE stay firmly in the contest.

NZ vs UAE top performers

Most runs for NZ vs UAE

Mark Chapman (129), Tim Seifert (75)

Most wickets for NZ vs UAE

Mitchell Santner (4), Kyle Jamieson (3)

Most runs for UAE vs NZ

Aryansh Sharma (76), Asif Khan (72)

Most wickets for UAE vs NZ

Junaid Siddique (5), Aayan Afzal Khan (3)

New Zealand vs UAE toss prediction

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is a moderate-scoring ground in T20I cricket where the track usually is slow and favours spinners alongside decent help for pacers as well. 

Traditionally, among the 4 T20I matches played here, teams chasing have won 3 times. Hence, the captain winning here on the day of the clash would likely opt to bowl first.

New Zealand vs UAE 1st innings score prediction

Powerplay: 40/2

Final score: 160

New Zealand vs UAE 2nd innings score prediction

Powerplay: 52/1

Final score: 162

NZ vs UAE top players prediction

NZ's top players

Probable best batters

Tim Seifert, Finn Allen

Probable best bowlers

Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner

UAE’s top players

Probable best batters

Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu

Probable best bowlers

Haider Ali, Simranjeet Singh

Who will hit the most sixes in the New Zealand vs UAE Match 11?

Tim Seifert

Who will hit the most fours in the New Zealand vs UAE Match 11?

Muhammad Waseem

NZ vs UAE Match Winner Prediction: Who Will Win Match 11?

In the head-to-head department in T20Is, New Zealand has won 2 out of the three matches they played against UAE and will be confident before heading for the clash. With heavyweights like Glenn and Daryl Mitchell on their side, the Kiwis are favourites to dominate the UAE in the upcoming clash.