New Zealand’s match against UAE marked the naming of key players from both sides in the clash between the two teams. New Zealand will be participating in the World Cup for the first time under the leadership of Mitchell Santner and they will hope to achieve the same amazing results in this tournament as they did in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The two teams have met many times before, with the New Zealand team performing better. What they are looking for, however, is an early advantage in the series.

This article provides possible line-ups for New Zealand’s match against the UAE in match 11 of the 2026 World Cup. This article includes the possible player combinations and the key players to watch out for on the spin-friendly track at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

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New Zealand vs UAE – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand vs UAE – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Opening Match: Finn Allen and Tim Seifert

The Black Caps’ two openers are expected to qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup. Finn Allen has been the Blackcaps’ most in-form player, having put in a stunning display for winning side Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League. Tim Seifert, on the other hand, is another explosive hitter who will take maximum advantage of defensive limitations on the power play

Middle-order batsmen: Rajin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman

New Zealand’s middle-order will be made up of a group of batsmen including left-hander Rachin Ravindra, who has a stellar record in a country with which he has roots. Glenn Phillips is their most reliable batsman in the middle order. He often exploited the bowlers using his muscular strength and immense agility on the pitch. Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell make up the New Zealand lower order; however, these players are more of a stabilizing force in the batting order than a finisher. Veteran Michael Bracewell likely to make comeback

Bowlers: Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Locke Ferguson and Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson

Spinner Mitchell Santner is not only their most reliable spinner or team captain but also an extra batsman in the playing lineup. They are followed by New Zealand’s experienced bowlers with the likes of Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson and finally the Blackcaps’ best strike bowler, Matt Henry.

New Zealand starting lineup: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Locke Ferguson and Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson.

UAE vs New Zealand – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Opener: Aryansh Sharma and Muhammad Waseem

Arynash Sharma is new to the Emirates squad and plays alongside captain Muhammad Waseem, who is often regarded as one of the greatest white-ball players in the shortest format. Wasim is their most experienced batsman and has also played in franchise leagues across the world.

Middle-order batsmen: Mohammad Zohab, Alishan Sharaf, Harshit Kaushik, Sohaib Khan, Dhruv Parashar

Muhammad Zohaib is now ahead of the rest of the batsmen and plays a key role at No. 2. 3. The experienced Alishan Sharaf was demoted from the starting position to the mid lane position. However, reliability has improved as Harshit Kaushik contributes most of the runs for the team and Sohaib Khan is another big batsman in the lower order unearthed from local talent.

Bowlers: Haider Ali, Mohammad Alfan, Junaid Siddiq and Mohammad Javadullah

While Dhruv Parashar remains one of the team’s central defenders, he will have some of the most experienced pacers behind him. Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique and Jawadullah will be among the most experienced speedsters in the team. Siddique is one of Asia’s most successful bowlers, has the shortest innings and is generally known to be very economical.

UAE team lineup: Aryansh Sharma, Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, Harshit Kaushik, Sohaib Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Muhammad Arfan, Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah.

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