ICC T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand goes past Afghanistan's steep challenge in Chennai

Afghanistan, after a shaky start, posted 182/6, led by Gulbadin Naib's explosive 63 off 35 balls. New Zealand's chase faltered early but was revitalized by Tim Seifert's 65 and Glenn Phillips' 42.

Tim Seifert's 65 off 42 balls helped the Kiwis chase down 183 easily. Image | ICC/Getty Images

New Zealand made a solid start in their opening Group Dfixture of the T20 World Cup 2026, chasing down a formidable target of 183 to defeat Afghanistan by 5 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

Despite a competitive total from the Afghanistan team, the Black Caps' solid middle-order helped them cross the finish line with nearly two overs to spare.

Gulbadin’s power set the stage for a big run

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan overcame a shaky start to post a robust 182/6.

Lockie Ferguson’s double-strike in the final over of the powerplay to remove both Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27) and Ibrahim Zadran (10 gave New Zealand early control.

But it was Gulbadin Naib who changed the momentum for the Afghan side with a blistering half-century. Naid smashed 63 off just 35 balls, including nine boundaries and three sixes.

He found an able partner in Sediqullah Atal (29), as the duo added 79 for the third wicket.

In the meantime, Lockie Ferguson (2/40) and Matt Henry (1/27) picked up late wickets to stem the flow. A cameo from Mohammad Nabi ensured Afghanistan reached a score that many thought would be enough on the Chennai surface.

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Mujeeb sparked early hope for Afghanistan

During the chase, the Afghan defence couldn't have asked for a better start as their star spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman produced a sensational second over, cleaning up both Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra in consecutive deliveries to leave New Zealand struggling at 14/2.

The Seifert-Phillips counter-attack

But the momentum shifted back to the Kiwis thanks to a fearless partnership between Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips.

Seifert, who eventually won the Player of the Match, anchored the chase with a mature 65 off 42 balls.

On the other hand, Phillips made sure the boundaries kept coming as he smashed 42 off 25 balls to dismantle the Afghan spin threat.

Even after Phillips fell to Rashid Khan and Seifert was dismissed by Nabi, the Black Caps refused to panic. Mark Chapman (28) and Daryl Mitchell (25*) maintained a strike rate of over 160, which ensured that the required run rate never went out of control.

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Clinical finish from the Kiwis

The chase was effectively killed off in the 17th over. Captain Mitchell Santner joined Mitchell to finish the job, with Santner striking an unbeaten 17 off 8 balls. New Zealand reached 183/5 in just 17.5 overs, making sure they earn the full points, including a positive NRR of +1.38.

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