Seifert-Allen World-Record Stand Powers New Zealand to 10-Wicket Win

New Zealand secured their second consecutive victory in the T20 World Cup, thrashing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 10 wickets thanks to a record-breaking opening partnership between Tim Seifert and Finn Allen.

The pair set a new record for the highest partnership in T20 World Cup history, surpassing the 170-run stand by Jos Buttler and Alex Hales against India in the 2022 semifinal.

Batting first in Chennai, the UAE posted 173 for 6, powered by half-centuries from captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu. Against the 2021 finalists, the total had given them hope of a competitive contest.

However, that hope quickly faded. Seifert and Allen produced a ruthless batting display from the outset, chasing down the target without losing a wicket and with 28 balls to spare.

Seifert, who had scored 65 off 42 balls against Afghanistan in the previous match, brought up his second consecutive half-century in just 23 balls. He remained unbeaten on 89. Allen, meanwhile, played a brilliant knock of 84 off 50 balls, including five sixes.

Earlier, Waseem and Sharafu had put together a 107-run partnership for the second wicket in the UAE innings. Waseem remained unbeaten on 66 off 45 balls. Sharafu, who was born in the Indian state of Kerala near Chennai, struck elegant shots through the off side on his way to 55 off 47 balls. His dismissal required a superb relay catch from Mark Chapman and Mitchell Santner.

Although the UAE’s scoring rate slowed after Sharafu’s departure, Waseem and Mayank Kumar tried to rebuild momentum by taking 27 runs off the 18th over from Glenn Phillips. Despite registering their highest total in T20 World Cup history, the UAE ultimately failed to challenge New Zealand.

New Zealand will next face South Africa in Ahmedabad on Saturday, while the UAE will take on Canada in Delhi on Friday.