Finn Allen and Tim Seifert posted a T20 World Cup record partnership as New Zealand thrashed the UAE by 10 wickets in Chennai on Tuesday.

Chasing the UAE’s 173-6, Seifert struck 89* and Allen 84* as they pummelled the bowling to all parts of the ground in an unbroken opening stand of 175.

The opening pair smashed 78 from the first six-over power play and posted their century stand off only 8.3 overs.

Seifert hit one of his three huge sixes to clinch the contest after just 15.2 overs, he also struck 12 fours. Allen had five sixes and five fours.

They beat the previous record for any wicket at a T20 World Cup – an unbroken 170 by England openers Alex Hales and Jos Buttler against India in the semi-final of the 2022 edition at the Adelaide Oval.

AFRICA PICKS: South Africa vs Afghanistan – T20 World Cup betting preview

“The main thing is that we’re playing how we want to play, especially me and Finn putting pressure on the bowlers in the power play,” said Seifert, who was named Man of the Match.

“Every game’s going to be a little bit different, every ground’s going to be different. So in a World Cup, you’ve just got to be able to adapt to the conditions you’re playing in.”

Seifert said he was unaware the pair had posted a new World Cup record partnership for any wicket.

“I’m not much of a stats guy, but look, we’ll take it.”

The UAE’s total was largely thanks to their captain Muhammad Waseem’s 66*.

Choosing to bat first, Waseem and Alishan Sharafu put on 107 for the second wicket.

It took a sensational piece of New Zealand fielding to break the partnership.

Mark Chapman intercepted a Sharafu slog-sweep a whisker inside the boundary and before he stepped over the ropes relayed the ball to Daryl Mitchell to complete the dismissal.

The 31-year-old Waseem, who was one of only three current UAE players to play in their last appearance in a T20 World Cup in 2022, hit four fours and three sixes in facing 45 balls.

Photo: Prakash Singh/Getty Images