Not so long ago, the arrival of a side from a Test-playing nation to face the UAE in full international cricket was more or less unheard of.
New Zealand are here this week, to play three T20 internationals against UAE. They are en route to the UK for a late-summer limited overs tour and are without some of their most recognisable stars.
Kane Williamson is still on his way back from injury. Trent Boult will join them in the UK. And Lockie Ferguson is absent after becoming a late recruit for the Hundred in the UK.
Still, though, their tour squad is full of enviable talent, led by Indian Premier League stars like Tim Southee, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham and Kyle Jamieson.
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