Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey

UAE vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | UAE vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction | Dubai Pitch Report

For the first time ever, United Arab Emirates (UAE) will take on New Zealand in a T20 International. There is no doubt the hosts will be as motivated as ever to make an impression against a capable Black Caps side despite the absence of a few first-team stars.

UAE’s quest for an upset win comes off the back of a challenging ODI World Cup Qualifier campaign in Zimbabwe. They lost all their matches before sneaking a one-run win against USA in the ninth-place playoff. But, this is a different format and they return to the familiar conditions of Dubai where the stifling heat can be a challenge for the Black Caps.

Also, although they lost 3-0 in ODIs to West Indies in June, they had their moments. Here is a chance to build on those moments in some quality international exposure for the team.

For New Zealand, a number of players have the chance to make their own impression. Kyle Jamieson finally returns to New Zealand colours, while an opportunity awaits Mark Chapman to showcase his ability ahead of the fast-approaching ODI World Cup. Also, watch out for Dean Foxcroft, who is coming off an excellent Super Smash campaign.

UAE vs NZ 1st T20 Possible Playing XIs

Basil Hameed and Aayan Afzal Khan are the most experienced spin options in the UAE squad. 19-year old left-arm orthodox spinner Jash Giyanani could also find a place in the XI with legspinner Karthik Meiyappan not selected.

United Arab Emirates: 1. Muhammad Waseem (c), 2. Aryansh Sharma (wk), 3. Vriitya Aravind, 4. Ethan D’Souza/Asif Khan, 5. Basil Hameed, 6. Ali Naseer/Mohammed Faraazuddin, 7. Aayan Afzal Khan, 8. Sanchit Sharma/Jash Giyanani, 9. Junaid Siddique, 10. Muhammad Jawadullah, 11. Zahoor Khan

Tim Southee will lead the New Zealand side. Kyle Jamieson is back in the Black Caps’ squad. Legspinner Adithya Ashok and batsman Dean Foxcroft could get a chance.

New Zealand: 1. Tim Seifert (wk), 2. Chad Bowes, 3. Will Young/Dean Foxcroft, 4. Mark Chapman, 5. James Neesham, 6. Mitchell Santner, 7. Rachin Ravindra, 8. Tim Southee (c), 9. Kyle Jamieson, 10. Cole McConchie, 11. Jacob Duffy/Ben Lister

UAE vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction – Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

UAE:

• Muhammad Waseem struggled in the recent Global T20 Canada tournament. He scored just 111 runs in nine matches. However, he remains a crucial player with 942 career T20I runs at an average of 42.81 and strike rate of 144.25.
• Basil Hameed made scores of 30, 39, 29, and 44 in his last four innings of the ODI World Cup Qualifier. He also struck 122* in the warm-up against West Indies.
• Watch out for Aayan Afzal Khan. The left-arm spinner took nine wickets in the Global T20 Canada tournament at an average of 14.77 and economy of 5.54.
• Zahoor Khan will be key at the death. In 41.4 overs between 16-20 in all T20s since the start of 2022, Khan has taken 16 wickets at an economy of 8.67.
• Junaid Siddique is coming off an excellent Global T20 Canada campaign. The right-arm seamer took 15 wickets in eight matches at an average of 14.53, including 4/22 in each of his last two matches.

New Zealand:

• Tim Seifert has struck the second-most runs (231) in the ongoing Lanka Premier League at an average of 38.50 and strike rate of 133.52.
• The last time Mark Chapman, played a T20I, he belted a memorable 57-ball 104* against Pakistan at Rawalpindi.
• Watch out for Dean Foxcroft if he gets an opportunity. He struck the most runs in the last Super Smash season (424) at an average of 47.11 and strike rate of 131.26. He also took nine wickets with his offspin.
• Mitchell Santner will be key in UAE conditions. He was steady without being spectacular in the recent Major League Cricket season, but he will be sure to test UAE with his accuracy.
• Tim Southee has taken eight wickets in ten T20s at Dubai at an average of 37.63 and strike rate of 29.88. He should be a factor especially in the death overs, given he has taken 24 wickets in 221 deliveries between overs 16-20 since the start of 2022 (econ. 8.88).
• The Dubai surface can aid bounce. Kyle Jamieson will be aiming to make a successful return. His last international was in June 2022.

Other Stats and Facts

• This will be the first T20I between the two teams.
• Chad Bowes in the 2022/23 Super Smash: 11 inns, 359 runs, avg. 39.88, SR 157.45.
• Jash Giyanani recently took 4/50 for UAE A against Pakistan A in a 50-over match in Sri Lanka.

Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

A hot and clear evening is forecast, with temperatures around 40 degrees. Typically, Dubai can aid seam bowling early in a series, especially for teams bowling first.

In 11 T20s on this ground in 2022, the average first innings score was 164.37. The chasing team won six times. Expect the captain who wins the toss to choose to chase on a ground where batting second is favourable.

UAE vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today Match 17 August 2023

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

UAE vs NZ 1st T20 Match Prediction – Who will win?

New Zealand should win this match.