*UAE VS NEWZEALAND 1st T20I IN A 3 MATCH T20I SERIES 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD-UP:*
New Zealand are all set to lock horns with the United Arab Emirates in the three-match T20I series, starting August 17, at the Dubai International Stadium, in Dubai. Interestingly, this is for the first time when these two sides will face each other, since their match in the 1996 ODI World Cup.
New Zealand has named a second-string squad for the three-match series and will be led by Tim Southee. The series will mark the return of Kyle Jamieson, who underwent a back surgery in February.
The UAE named a 16-member squad, which will be helmed by Muhammad Waseem, who is set to make his T20I captaincy debut. Asif Khan, who struck a blistering 145-ball 151 against the United States in the ODI World Cup Qualifiers, has also been named in the squad.
*UAE PROBABLE XI:*
Waseem Muhammad (c), Asif Khan, Muhammad Jawad Ullah, A Naseer, Rohan Mustafa, Basil Hameed, Sanchit Sharma, V Aravind (wk), Junaid Siddique, K Meiyappan, Zahoor Khan
Mustafa is a quality all-rounder who can win you matches with the bat as well as the ball. He has amassed over 1006 runs and 61 wickets in 58 T20I matches. He brings stability and experience to this side and when these two are combined, the combination does tend to get tricky for the opposition to handle.
The Captain Waseem would be excited to lead his team from the front and make a statement against this Kiwi side. He would be eyeing to bat second and try to bowl NZ out for a cheap score with the help of sone senior pacers in the Emirates team.
*NEWZEALAND PROBABLE XI:*
CJ Bowes, WA Young, MS Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, D Cleaver, Tim Seifert (wk), BG Lister, Tim Southee (c), KA Jamieson
Tim Seifert has represented New Zealand in 43 T20Is, scoring 920 runs in the process. He is known for his power hitting and hence, can prove to be extremely dangerous in the middle. The 28-year-old is also in great form, hitting two half-centuries in four matches in the Lanka Premier League and hence, will back himself to do well.
Veteran pacer Tim Southee is not in great form at the moment and hence, will be desperate to change that against a relatively weak UAE side. He has represented the national team in 107 T20Is, picking up 134 wickets in the process. The swing of Southee upfront will be the key to success and it could trap out some of the UAE batters.
On UAE tracks which tend to offer slower pitches, the role of somebody like a Santner magnifies. He has excelled in conditions like these and has enough experience playing here. His slow left arm spin should come in very handy.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR UAE:*
Highest run getter- Waseem Muhammad/Asif Khan
Highest wicket taker- Zahoor Khan/Meiyappan
*FOR NZ:*
Highest run getter- Tim Seifert/Chapman
Highest wicket taker- Santner/Tim Southee
*FOR THE GAME:*
NZ to win comfortably