United Arab Emirates (UAE) faced a close defeat against New Zealand in the first T20I match in Dubai on Thursday. UAE is 1-0 down in the 3-match T20I series after a 19-run loss.
Invited to bat first, New Zealand were restricted to 155/6 in 20 overs. Following the early dismissal of a wicket on the first ball, the Kiwi’s innings were characterized by a series of fluctuations, including a fifty-run partnership for the second wicket.
They were 85/5 and then 109/6 with 28 balls remaining. Cole McConchie and Rachin Ravindra added 31 and 21 runs, respectively, to guide the visitors towards a fighting total. Earlier, Tim Seifert scored a decent fifty whilst James Neesham contributed 25 runs.
Basil Hameed and Junaid Siddique picked up two wickets each for UAE.
In response, the home side were wrapped up for 136 runs in 19.4 overs after a brilliant bowling display from Tim Southee. He picked up a five-wicket haul conceding just 25 runs. James Neesham and Mitchell Santner also assisted well, with two wickets each.
Debutant Aaryansh Sharma was the standout performer for UAE, scoring a fighting 60 runs. Other batters couldn’t do any special as the home side faced a 19-run loss. Ali Naseer was the next top scorer with 16 runs.
The next two matches will be played at the same venue on 19 and 20 August, respectively.
Four players received a T20I debut cap for UAE, whilst all Kiwi players had an experience of at least one T20I match.
