Tim Seifert and Finn Allen Annihilate UAE In Chennai, New Zealand Break Record For Highest Opening Partnership In T20 World Cup

New Zealand faced the UAE for their group stage match in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While the Kiwis won by 10 wickets against the UAE, New Zealand's Tim Seifert and Finn Allen set a new record in the history of the T20 World Cup.

The Seifert-Allen duo smashed 175 runs for their side and recorded the highest partnership in the history of the T20 World Cup, surpassing the previous record set by England’s Alex Hales and Jos Buttler of 170 runs against India. Notably, the record partnership helped New Zealand chase the 174-run target set by the UAE in the 1st innings.

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Tim Seifert and Finn Allen Set World Record Against UAE In T20 World Cup

New Zealand's opening pair, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, went on a rampage against UAE bowlers as they successfully chased 174 runs without losing a single wicket. While the UAE did well to post a target of 174 runs, their highest total in the tournament history, Finn Allen's unbeaten 84 runs off 50 balls, and Tim Seifert's unbeaten 89 off 42 deliveries ended their hopes of sealing a win in their opening match.

Additionally, the duo's 175 runs off 92 balls was the highest for any wicket in tournament history as New Zealand completed their run chase in 15.2 overs. Notably, was the highest for any wicket in tournament history. Thus, following the win over Afghanistan recently on the same soil, this win against UAE see the Black Caps take a step forward toward the next stage of the tournament.

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Tim Seifert and Finn Allen Stun UAE With Impressive Knocks

Tim Siefert smashed 89 not out from 42 balls, featuring 12 boundaries and three sixes, to move to the tournament's top-scorer list. Whereas, after missing the match against Afghanistan, Finn Allen scored an unbeaten 84 from 50 balls, with five fours and five sixes.