The series serves as something of a white-ball warm-up for New Zealand ahead of the World Cup even if few squad members are likely to be in both groups.
UAE vs New Zealand | First T20I | Thursday 17 August 2023 | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 16:00
UAE 7/1 | Draw 25/1 | New Zealand 1/12
The hosts will have primarily cricketing concerns on their mind as they seek to improve in the gateway format of T20Is.
Associate nations now play full international even when facing one another and a few are becoming threats in their own right.
Large expat communities from India and Pakistan fuel the game in the UAE which is very popular as a participation sport.
UAE’s secret weapon is likely to be Pakistan-born Muhammad Waseem, who already has two T20I hundreds to his name
New Zealand have set out to use this tour for multiple purposes including the return to action for multi-format fast bowler Kyle Jamieson.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Dean Foxcroft and leg-spinner Adi Ashok have earned their maiden Black Caps call-ups for the group.
Foxcroft was New Zealand’s domestic player of the season last term and enjoyed a brilliant term in the T20 Smash.
Tim Southee will lead a reasonably inexperienced group but will have the backing of senior men like Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner.
Verdict: New Zealand
New Zealand would be stunned to lose to the UAE.
