In a high-octane encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, New Zealand kicked off their New Zealand vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup campaign with a statement victory. Overcoming a shaky start, the Black Caps successfully chased down 183—their highest-ever successful run chase in T20 World Cup history—to defeat Afghanistan by five wickets with 13 balls to spare.
Afghanistan Post Formidable Total at Chepauk
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan navigated a disciplined New Zealand pace attack to post a competitive 182/6. The innings was defined by a career-best performance from Gulbadin Naib, who smashed 63 off just 35 balls, including four massive sixes.
Naib found a steady partner in Sediqullah Atal (29), and together they stabilized the innings after Lockie Ferguson’s double-strike in the Powerplay had removed both openers. New Zealand’s skipper Mitchell Santner was the pick of the bowlers for his economical spell (0/23), while Ferguson finished with 2/40.
Mujeeb’s Magic and New Zealand’s Recovery
The chase began in disastrous fashion for the Kiwis. Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman turned the game on its head in the second over, dismissing both Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra on consecutive deliveries.
Reduced to 14/2, the Black Caps relied on the experience of Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips. The duo refused to let the Afghan spinners dictate terms on the sticky Chennai deck, stitching together a counter-attacking 74-run partnership. Phillips provided the spark with a fluent 42 off 25 balls before falling to Rashid Khan.
Seifert’s Masterclass Seals the Deal
Player of the Match Tim Seifert played the anchor role to perfection. Despite being dropped on 48 by Rashid Khan, Seifert capitalized on the reprieve to score a match-winning 65 off 42 balls, featuring seven boundaries and three sixes.
By the time Seifert departed in the 13th over, the momentum had shifted decisively. Daryl Mitchell (25*) and Mitchell Santner (17*) provided the finishing touches, with Mitchell sealing the win by whipping a full toss for a single in the 18th over.
Match Summary: NZ vs AFG
| Team | Score | Top Performer |
| Afghanistan | 182/6 (20) | Gulbadin Naib (63 off 35) |
| New Zealand | 183/5 (17.5) | Tim Seifert (65 off 42) |
Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets.
Player of the match: Tim Seifert
