Source: Radio New Zealand
Daryl Mitchell tries to play a shot during the first ODI between India and New Zealand SHAMMI MEHRA
A stunning Men’s T20 World Cup record 175-run opening stand between Finn Allen and Tim Seifert has led New Zealand to an emphatic 10-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in Chennai.
Set 174 runs to win, the Black Caps took just three runs off the first over but it didn’t take long for the fireworks to begin as Allen and Seifert went blow for blow as they reached 78/0 in the Powerplay.
The drinks break brought very little respite as Allen and Seifert kept the boundaries coming despite a quality four-over stint by Haider Ali that went for just 27 runs. Seifert went past 50 in just 23 balls, before Allen brought his half century up a few overs later off just 27 balls. The ding dong battle between the openers went right to the wire – with Seifert claiming the honours with the match-winning six to finish on 89* off 42.
No matter what the UAE tried, they were unable to restrict the flow of boundaries on a very good batting pitch. Haider showed the way as he rarely strayed from a good length on the stumps that proved hard to get away. Paceman Muhammad Rohid was particularly expensive as he was carted for 51 runs in just 3.2 overs.
The UAE are back in action on Friday afternoon where they will take on Canada in a winnable encounter in Delhi.
New Zealand kicked off their campaign with a clinical five-wicket win over Afghanistan on Sunday. They have a four-day break as they head to Ahmedabad for a crunch match with South Africa on Sunday, before playing their final group game against Canada next Tuesday.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
