The New Zealand Playing XI vs UAE Playing XI marks the crucial players from both sides being named as the two teams clash against each other. New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner for the first time in a World Cup, and they will be hoping for an equally stunning run in this tournament, much like New Zealand had in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
These two teams have played multiple times against each other, and New Zealand have emerged as the better side. However, what they are looking for is an early advantage in the series.
This article provides the probable playing XIs of New Zealand vs UAE for the eleventh match in the World Cup clash in 2026. This article includes the likely player combinations and crucial players to watch out for at the spin-friendly track of the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
New Zealand Playing XI vs UAE Playing XI – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand Playing XI vs UAE – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Finn Allen and Tim Seifert
The Blackcaps got their two openers on track for the ICC T20 World Cup. Finn Allen has been the man in form for the Blackcaps, as he played stunningly in the Big Bash League for the winning side, the Perth Scorchers. Tim Seifert, on the other hand, is another explosive batter who would be making maximum use of the fielding restrictions within the powerplay overs
Middle-Order Batters: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman
New Zealand’s middle-order will be comprised of a set of batters which includes Rachin Ravindra, the left-hander who has a great record in the nation to which he is connected by his roots. Glenn Phillips is their most reliable batter in the middle order. He often exploits the bowlers with his muscle power and his immense agility on the field. Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell form the New Zealand lower-order; however, these players play more of a stabilising role in the batting order rather than acting as finishers. Michael Bracewell, the veteran all-rounder, is likely to make a comeback
Bowlers: Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson
Spinner Mitchell Santner is not just their most reliable spinner or the skipper of the side, but also an additional batter in the playing XI. They will be followed by New Zealand’s experienced bowling deck, as they have the likes of Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, and lastly Matt Henry, who has been the best strike bowler for the Blackcaps.
New Zealand Playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson.
UAE Playing XI vs New Zealand – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Aryansh Sharma and Muhammad Waseem
Arynash Sharma is the new find of the UAE team alongside their skipper Muhammad Waseem, who is often cited as one of the greatest white-ball players in the shortest format of the game. Waseem is their most experienced batter and has been playing in franchise leagues around the world as well.
Middle-Order Batters: Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, Harshit Kaushik, Sohaib Khan, Dhruv Parashar
Muhammad Zohaib is now placed ahead of the other batters in a crucial role at no. 3, while the experienced Alishan Sharafu has been demoted from the opening position to the middle order. However, the reliability increases with Harshit Kaushik, a middle-order batter who has done the majority of the scoring for the team, alongside Sohaib Khan, another lower-order big-hitting batter scouted from among local talents.
Bowlers: Haider Ali, Muhammad Arfan, Junaid Siddique, and Muhammad Jawadullah
While Dhruv Parashar remains one of the central spinners for the side, he will be followed by a few of the most experienced pacemen. Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, and Jawadullah will be among the most experienced speedsters in the side. Siddique is one of the most successful Asian bowlers in the shortest format of the game and is often known to be very economical.
UAE Playing XI: 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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