In the first T20 International (T20I) match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held in Dubai, New Zealand secured a win thanks to Tim Seifert’s rapid fifty and Tim Southee’s five-wicket performance. The New Zealand team emerged victorious by 19 runs in the 3 match series.
Despite the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s loss, their spirited effort challenged New Zealand’s dominance on the field, which won many of cricket fans’ heart, including the Indian cricket team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Batting first, New Zealand posted 155 runs on the board for the loss of 6 wickets. Tim Seifert was the big contributor to the total with his 55 runs from 34 balls. There were some decent contributions from other batters around him.
While chasing, at one point it was looking like that UAE may win the match thanks to some brilliant batting display from Aryansh Sharma, who scored 60 runs from 43 balls.
At the beginning of Aryansh Sharma’s energetic inning, their lead was quite noticeable. However, the momentum shifted when James Neesham joined the attack, claiming two wickets including that of Aryansh.
With a quick succession of wickets in just two overs, Tim Southee provided an impressive start for the visitors. Nevertheless, Aryansh countered skillfully, achieving his maiden fifty.
Tim Southee’s remarkable performance continued, concluding with a five-wicket haul and taking down Hameed. Meanwhile, Santner exhibited his skill by dismissing Asif with a remarkable return catch.
In all, UAE lost their first match of the T20I series against New Zealand by just 19 runs and could have even won the match had they not lost wickets in quick succession.
Meanwhile, while watching the match, the Indian cricket team’s offspin Ravichandran Ashwin praised UAE fighting spirit taking to his official Twitter account.
Ashwin posted, “UAE putting in a solid effort against the kiwis. Should be a good game I guess.” This was while the match was going on, however, UAE unfortunately lost the match despite posing a great challenge to the Kiwi team.
UAE putting in a solid effort against the kiwis. Should be a good game I guess #UAEvNZ
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 17, 2023
