Chennai, February 8: New Zealand kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a resounding victory over Afghanistan. Chasing a target of 183 runs, New Zealand successfully reached their goal, losing just five wickets in 17.5 overs, thanks to a stellar half-century from opener Tim Seifert.
In the match held at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, New Zealand faced early challenges when Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck twice in consecutive deliveries during the second over, dismissing Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra. With two wickets down for just 14 runs, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious position.
However, wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert, alongside all-rounder Glenn Phillips, steadied the innings with a crucial partnership of 74 runs for the third wicket. Phillips scored 42 runs off 25 balls, hitting seven fours and one six, before being dismissed when the team’s score was 88.
Seifert continued to anchor the innings, adding 36 runs with Mark Chapman for the fourth wicket. He eventually scored 65 runs off 42 balls, featuring three sixes and seven fours, paving the way for New Zealand’s victory. Chapman contributed 28 runs off 17 balls before his dismissal.
Daryl Mitchell and captain Mitchell Santner finished the match with quick contributions, scoring 25 runs off 14 balls and 17 runs off 8 balls, respectively, sealing the win for New Zealand by five wickets.
For Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the standout bowler, taking two wickets for 31 runs in four overs. Other bowlers struggled to make an impact, with Omarzai claiming one wicket for 40 runs, Rashid Khan one for 36 runs, and Mohammad Nabi one for 18 runs in his single over.
Earlier, Afghanistan, opting to bat first after winning the toss, managed to score 182 runs for the loss of six wickets. Gulbadin Naib was the top scorer for Afghanistan, amassing 63 runs off 35 balls, including four sixes and three fours. Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed 27 runs off 22 balls, while Sediqullah Atal and Darves Rasooli chipped in with 29 and 20 runs, respectively.
For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson took two wickets, while Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Ravindra each claimed one wicket.
Tim Seifert was named Player of the Match.
