Chennai, February 8: In their opening group match of the T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan scored 182 runs against New Zealand, thanks to an impressive half-century from all-rounder Gulbadin Naib.
The match, held at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, saw Afghanistan win the toss and opt to bat first. They had a slow start, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran adding 35 runs for the first wicket in 5.1 overs. Zadran was dismissed for 10 runs off 12 balls, while Gurbaz contributed 27 runs from 22 balls before falling at a score of 44.
Coming in at number three, Gulbadin Naib, alongside Sediqullah Atal, built a solid foundation with a 79-run partnership for the third wicket. Atal was out for 29 runs off 24 balls when Afghanistan’s score reached 123 in the 14.3 over.
Naib, who had a slow start, exploded with the bat, scoring 63 runs off 35 balls, including 4 sixes and 3 fours. His dynamic performance entertained the fans and propelled Afghanistan to a total of 182 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Darvesh Rasooli added 20 runs off 13 balls, while Azmatullah Omarzai scored 14 runs off 7 balls, and Mohammad Nabi remained not out on 10 runs off 7 balls.
Despite the slow beginning, Naib and Rasooli’s partnership suggested that Afghanistan could have reached or surpassed the 200-run mark.
For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 40 runs in 4 overs. Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Rachin Ravindra each claimed 1 wicket.
