Chennai, Feb 9 (.) Having avenged the 2024 defeat against Afghanistan in its pipe-opener,, New Zealand
will be keen to enhance its chances of a Super 8 spot in this Group of Death as they will take on the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) in its second encounter in the World Cup T20 contest here tomorrow.
Going by the results of the contests over the two days with lower ranked teams giving fancied teams a run for
their money, a greenhorse could well be emerging in this event as the Black Caps could see another tougher
opposition tomorrow.
Though it might be treated as a contest between unequals, the Kiwis will be definitely wary of their Opposition
UAE at the Chepauk Stadium.
As all captains admitted, no teams could be treated lightly in this tournament as any team has the wherewithal
to cause an upset, this mantra i applicable to all.
In the crucial match, the Kiwis, which started its campaign on a winning note, will be eager to strengthen its
chances for which the top order needs to fire.
They will be looking forward once again to Tim Seifert to fire at the top order along with Finn Allen and Rachin
Ravoindra, who fell for a golden duck against the Afghans at the same venue.
There is enough firepower in the team packed with pacers and spinners and clearly start as favourities, but the
execution at the field mattered most.
The Kiwis in all probability will be likely to retain the same team that defeated Afghanistan with a clinical five
wicket win and fancy its chances of making the Super 8.
UAE on the other hand, are a team on the rise, having enjoyed some recent success against full member nations
ahead of this tournament.
Back on the World Cup stage for the third time, they will be hoping to add to their sole previous win in the competition,
beating Namibia back in 2022.
Muhammad Waseem scored a fifty that day and will have the hopes of the nation resting on his shoulders as the team’s
outstanding batter.
He starred in the surprise series win over Bangladesh last May, while Haider Ali was outstanding with the ball. Junaid
Siddique is one of just three survivors from the 2022 squad, and the UAE will hope that they can overcome that relative
lack of experience compared to their group rivals.
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