Finn Allen and Tim Seifert shatter T20 World Cup partnership record as NZ pummel UAE

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert douse UAE [Source: AP]

New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert blew away UAE bowlers with a record partnership in match number 11 of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Reminiscing Alex Hales and Jos Buttler’s similar blitzkrieg against India back in late-2022, the two New Zealand cricketers have now notched up a huge T20 World Cup partnership record in the process.

Both Finn Allen and Tim Seifert slapped scintillating 80s at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, as New Zealand secured a comfortable 10-wicket victory with nearly five overs to spare to remain unbeaten on the Group D points table.

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert shatter Jos Buttler and Alex Hales’ all-time world record

Chasing 174 to win on Tuesday, February 10 against UAE, New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert blazed their side to a 10-wicket victory through their unbroken 175-run partnership. Through the course of their 92-ball blitz at the crease, the two cricketers also shattered a huge T20 World Cup partnership record, previously held by Englishmen Jos Buttler and Alex Hales.

Both Finn Allen and Tim Seifert now hold an elite T20 World Cup milestone of charting the highest partnership ever for any wicket in the history of the tournament. Following New Zealand’s batting mayhem in Chennai, here is a look at five of the highest partnerships ever recorded in T20 World Cup matches for any wicket.

Highest partnership in T20 World Cup history

New Zealand vs UAE: How it happened…

UAE won the toss, batted first, and hauled 173-6 in 20 overs, their highest in any T20 World Cup match. Captain Muhammad Waseem came to the fore with his sizzling 66*-run knock from just 45 deliveries with four fours and three huge sixes. Alishan Sharafu at number three also chipped in with a handy 55 from 47 balls.

In response, New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert raced to 78-0 at the end of the powerplay overs itself. Overall, the two blistering cricketers stormed New Zealand past UAE’s 173 in just 15.2 overs with all their 10 wickets intact.

While Allen clattered 84* from 50 balls with five fours and five sixes, Seifert top-scored in the partnership with an identical 89*, albeit at a much quicker rate. The cricketer launched 12 boundaries and three sixes in his fiery 42-ball unbeaten knock.

New Zealand to face South Africa for Group D’s supremacy

With two wins in two games and holding a formidable NRR of 1.919, New Zealand is fittingly placed at the top of the Group D points table of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Under the leadership of charismatic all-rounder Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand team will now face fellow heavyweights South Africa in a de-facto Group D topper match. The much-awaited contest will be hosted by the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the action will commence from 7:00 PM IST onwards on Saturday, February 14.