New Zealand established a new record for the highest partnership in men’s T20 World Cup history as openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen powered their side to a thumping 10-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in Chennai on Tuesday.
According to ICC report today, the unbeaten 175-run stand between Seifert and Allen was the centrepiece of a dominant Kiwi performance, marking their second consecutive win at the 2026 tournament and propelling them to the top of the Group D standings.
Chasing a target of 174, the New Zealand opening pair were in a punishing mood from the outset. Seifert was particularly aggressive, racing to his half-century in just 23 balls, the second-fastest of the World Cup so far. He finished unbeaten on 89 from 42 deliveries, including 12 fours and three sixes.
Allen provided formidable support at the other end, compiling a half-century in 27 balls and remaining not out on 84 from 50 balls. The duo overhauled the target with ease, reaching 175/0 in only 15.2 overs, with Seifert sealing the comprehensive win with a six.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, the UAE put up a spirited total of 173/6. Despite an early setback, captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu steadied the innings with a 107-run stand, the second-highest second-wicket partnership for the UAE in T20Is.
Sharafu contributed an impressive 55 from 47 balls, while Waseem carried his bat for an unbeaten 66. However, New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Matt Henry who claimed two wickets, managed to peg them back in the latter stages of the innings.
In other tournament action, an all-round display from Bas De Leede guided the Netherlands to their first victory of the World Cup, securing a seven-wicket win over tournament debutants Namibia.
After taking two wickets to help restrict Namibia to 156/8, De Leede anchored the Dutch chase with a superb unbeaten 72 from 48 balls on a tricky pitch. He shared a crucial 70-run stand with Colin Ackermann (32) as the Netherlands reached their target of 159/3 in 18 overs.
For Namibia, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton top-scored with a breezy 42, while Jan Frylinck added 30.
Meanwhile, in an evening fixture in Colombo, Sahibzada Farhan”s maiden T20 World Cup half-century was steadying Pakistan against the USA. In a rematch of the epic 2024 Super Over clash, Pakistan were put into bat and reached 137/3 after 15 overs.
USA bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk made early inroads, dismissing Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha to leave Pakistan at 56/2 after the powerplay. Farhan then combined with Babar Azam, who made a well-paced 46, in a vital 81-run partnership to rebuild the innings.