Tim Seifert scored 55 off 34 in the Black Caps opening T20 in the UAE. Photo: Photosport
A blistering fifty by Tim Seifert and a five-wicket haul for skipper Tim Southee got the Black Caps home in their T20I series opener against UAE in Dubai.
Seifert's rapid fire innings helped New Zealand to 155 for 6 with Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie ensuring a decent total after some middle order jitters.
It was the worst possible start to the innings for the visitors with Chad Bowes caught behind off the first ball of the game.
UAE's offspinners Basil Hameed and Mohammed Faraazuddin troubled the Black Caps middle order who were at one stage reduced to 85-5.
Jimmy Neesham steadied the ship with 25 before Ravindra and McConchie combined for an unbeaten 46.
New Zealand returned the favour with their first ball as skipper Muhammad Waseem was also dismissed for a royal duck courtesy of Southees first strike.
Debutant and opener Aryansh Sharma kicked off his career in style with a well paced 60 to keep his side in the chase.
Neesham dismissed the keeper in the 15th over leaving the hosts needing a further 40 runs which proved too tall a task as the UAE were dismissed for 136, Southee finishing with 5/25.
The second game on the three match series is on Sunday.
