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UAE are all set to take on New Zealand in the first T20I of the three-match series. The clash will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on August 17. It is worth mentioning that this is for the first time that these two sides will face each other in a T20I game.
The Blackcaps will be led by their veteran pacer Tim Southee on the tour, while UAE’s regular skipper Muhammad Waseem has been entrusted for the Kiwi challenge by the host nation.
As far as the squad of the two teams are concerned, New Zealand features many star players, including the likes of Chad Bowes, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert, Jimmy Neesham etc. On the other hand, UAE also have assembled a strong line-up comprising Vriitya Aravind, Asif Khan, Aryansh Sharma, Ansh Tandon, Basil Hameed and other star performers.
Both New Zealand and UAE will look to start the series on a high note. Being the host nation, UAE will definitely look to use the conditions to their advantage at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
T20 stats and records at Dubai International Cricket Stadium:
- Total matches: 85
- Matches won batting first: 39
- Matches won bowling first: 45
- Average first innings score: 144
- Average second innings score: 127
- Highest total: 212/2 (India)
- Lowest total: 55 all-out (West Indies)
- Highest run chase: 184 (Sri Lanka)
- Lowest score defended: 134 (Oman)
Also READ: UAE vs NZ 2023, T20I series – Date, Match Time and Live Streaming details – When & Where to Watch
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report:
This track at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium offers an equal advantage to both batters and bowlers. It provides significant movement to bowlers during the initial phase of the game, and the swing bowlers are expected to exploit the new ball on this playing surface. Meanwhile, spinners struggle to gain a significant grip on this pitch due to its relatively even nature. Except for the opening few overs, the batters are likely to hold sway for the majority of the match on this track. Given the circumstances, the team winning the toss should consider opting to field first on this pitch.
Dubai Weather Report:
The weather at Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to be sunny with no signs of precipitation. The temperature is expected to hover around 36 degrees Celsius with humidity levels to be around 44% and the wind blowing at a speed of 19 Km/hr. The spectators can anticipate a smooth play without any interruptions.
UAE vs NZ 1st T20I, Probable XIs:
UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Vriitya Aravind (wk), Lovepreet Singh, Asif Khan, Rohan Mustafa, Basil Hameed, Mohammed Faraazuddin, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Karthik Meiyappan, Muhammad Jawadullah.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Mark Chapman, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee (c), Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Ben Lister
Also READ: England include two uncapped players in their T20I squad for the home series against New Zealand
