The United Arab Emirates produced a stunning batting display in their opening match of the ICC Men”s T20 World Cup, taking firm control against New Zealand after captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and elected to bat first in Chennai on Tuesday.
According to ICC information today, spearheaded by an unbeaten half-century from Alishan Sharafu, the UAE put the New Zealand bowling attack to the sword. After the early departure of Aryansh Sharma, Sharafu (53 not out) joined his captain Waseem (41) for a commanding partnership.
The pair compiled a sensational 100-run stand from just 69 deliveries, wresting the initiative away from the Kiwis. Waseem’s aggressive innings included two fours and two sixes, complementing a steady powerplay performance that saw the team reach 50 for the loss of one wicket.
In the day”s earlier fixture, an exceptional all-round performance from Bas De Leede guided the Netherlands to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Namibia in their first win of the tournament.
After claiming two wickets to help restrict Namibia to 156/8, De Leede anchored the Dutch chase with a masterful unbeaten 72 from 48 balls. His innings, which included five fours and four sixes, made batting look straightforward on what was described as a sluggish wicket.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, the Netherlands” bowlers delivered a clinical performance. They limited Namibia to just 40 runs in the opening six overs, with Aryan Dutt providing the initial breakthrough. A 50-run stand between Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (42) and Jan Frylinck (30) steadied the Namibian innings.
Despite a mid-innings acceleration, Netherlands bowlers struck back at crucial moments. Logan van Beek and Bas De Leede were the pick of the bowlers, each securing two wickets.
In their reply, the Netherlands started briskly, reaching 50 inside the powerplay. However, the loss of openers Max O”Dowd and the big-hitting Michael Levitt (28 off 15 balls) required a period of consolidation.
De Leede and Colin Ackermann (32) then took charge, adding a vital 70 runs for the third wicket to guide their side towards the target, which they ultimately reached with two overs to spare.
The day’s action concludes in Colombo with an evening fixture between Pakistan and the USA, a re-match of the epic Super Over clash from the 2024 edition of the tournament.