Mohammad Zohaib sent home (Photo: Joe Allison-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Muhammad Zohaib: The UAE team is starting its campaign against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026. This match between the two teams will be played on 10 February. But, before that, Emirates Cricket Board has taken major action against one of its players. He has sent his opener Mohammad Zohaib back home. The reason behind this decision of UAE is said to be related to discipline. On February 9, the Emirates Cricket Board issued a statement saying that more information would be provided in the future.

UAE's first match against New Zealand

The T20 World Cup 2026 match between UAE and New Zealand will be played at Chepauk Stadium, Chennai. This will be the first World Cup match between the two teams after 2022. In such a match, UAE's batting line up may be affected due to star opener Mohammad Zohaib being sent home. However, in his absence, Aryansh Sharma will be seen taking the responsibility of opening for the team along with captain Mohammad Wasim.

Zohaib's T20I career

Zohaib made his debut for UAE in May 2025. He has played 16 T20 International matches so far, in which he has scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 103.76 and an average of 20.20.

Report card of UAE and New Zealand matches

This will be the fourth clash between UAE and New Zealand on the T20 International pitch. In the three previous matches, New Zealand has won twice, while UAE has won once. UAE had defeated New Zealand in the match played in Dubai in 2023.

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UAE captain's statement on the match against New Zealand

Regarding the clash in T20 World Cup 2026, UAE captain Mohammad Wasim said that we have defeated New Zealand in the conditions of Dubai.