T20 WC: Could UAE Skipper Waseem Have Increased Their Total?
Synopsis
Can UAE's Waseem reflect on missed opportunities after a strong start? Despite impressive individual performances, the UAE skipper believes they could have increased their total in the T20 World Cup match against New Zealand. Discover how the team's strategies and gameplay unfolded during this high-stakes encounter.
Key Takeaways
UAE achieved their highest T20 WC total of 173 runs.
Waseem and Sharafu's partnership was pivotal in their batting success.
Middle overs proved to be a critical phase for the UAE.
The pitch conditions favored good batting.
Waseem's leadership reflects the team's growth and potential.
Chennai, Feb 10 (NationPress) Captain Muhammad Waseem expressed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) might have come up just short despite a commendable batting performance, acknowledging that the middle overs were critical after the hosts set a score of 173.
Waseem's personal best in T20 and Alishan Sharafu's fifties enabled the UAE to achieve their highest T20 World Cup total of 173/6 against New Zealand in the Group C match of the 2026 edition, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
“Honestly, it was a solid performance from the batting lineup, including myself, Alishan, and Mayank. I believe we could have added a little more to our score, but it remains a respectable total. Our batting through the middle overs could have been better,” Waseem stated post-match.
The partnership between Skipper Waseem and Alishan Sharafu yielded 107 runs, marking it as the second-highest second-wicket pairing for the UAE in T20 internationals. The UAE concluded the Power-play at 50/1, their best Power-play score in T20 World Cups.
Stepping up against a Test-playing nation, Sharafu delivered an impressive half-century, hitting a six on his 39th delivery. New Zealand's captain, Mitchell Santner, made a pivotal play, executing a remarkable tag-fielding move at the midwicket boundary. Mark Chapman kept the ball in play before handing it to Daryl Mitchell, resulting in Sharafu's dismissal at 55.
Following this, the UAE captain showcased his all-around batting skills, reaching his fifty off 37 balls and contributing a late flurry of runs to help the UAE achieve their top T20 WC total.
However, Waseem commented on the pitch being very conducive for batting, indicating that the ball was coming off the bat well, which made him feel they fell short by around 15-20 runs.
“We have faced them previously. Our strategy was to capitalize on the poor deliveries. Yes, the pitch is very good, and the ball is coming onto the bat nicely. That’s why I feel we are about 15-20 runs short,” he added.
Looking towards the chase, Waseem maintained a composed outlook, stating that the UAE would give its utmost effort, adding, “For this match, I will depend on the fielders and bowlers.”
Point of View
I see UAE's performance as a testament to their growth in international cricket. While they acknowledge areas for improvement, the solid batting effort reflects the team's determination. It’s crucial to recognize their achievements and the lessons learned from this match as they aim to compete at higher levels.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score for the UAE in the match against New Zealand?
The UAE posted a total of 173 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.
Who were the key players contributing to UAE's score?
Skipper Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu were the standout performers, with both scoring fifties.
What significant record did UAE set in this match?
UAE's total of 173 runs is their highest in T20 World Cup history.
How did the middle overs impact the UAE's performance?
Waseem admitted that the team did not bat well during the middle overs, which could have allowed them to score more runs.
What is Waseem's perspective on the pitch conditions?
Waseem stated that the pitch was very good for batting, leading him to feel that they were about 15-20 runs short.
