T20 World Cup: New Zealand Beat Afghanistan by Five Wickets

New Zealand launched their Twenty20 World Cup campaign with a composed five-wicket win over Afghanistan in a Group D clash at Chennai on Sunday, successfully chasing down a challenging target against a spin-heavy attack.

Set 183 for victory after Afghanistan posted 182/6, the Kiwis recovered from an early stumble to seal the chase with 13 balls remaining. The win also carried added significance for Mitchell Santner’s side, who had suffered a damaging defeat to Afghanistan in the previous edition of the tournament.

Afghanistan, after opting to bat at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, built their innings around a fluent knock from Gulbadin Naib. The all-rounder struck 63 and stitched a stabilising partnership with Sediqullah Atal (29) after Lockie Ferguson’s double blow in the powerplay left them at 44/2. The momentum shifted late in the innings as Afghanistan accelerated, collecting 110 runs in the final 10 overs to set up a competitive total on a surface expected to aid spin.

New Zealand’s chase began shakily when off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck twice in quick succession, removing Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra in the same over. The early breakthroughs briefly tilted the contest in Afghanistan’s favour.

Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips then counterattacked with intent, combining for a brisk 74-run stand that steadied the innings and swung the pressure back on the bowlers. Phillips made 42 before Rashid Khan dismissed him, but Seifert continued to anchor the chase, striking a confident 65 that earned him the player-of-the-match award.

Rashid had a chance to halt the momentum when Seifert offered a return catch, but the opportunity went down at a crucial moment. The New Zealand batter capitalised, striking boundaries off Mohammed Nabi before eventually departing.

Mark Chapman added 28, while Daryl Mitchell (25) and captain Santner (17) ensured there were no further setbacks, guiding the side home with calm, measured batting.

Reflecting on the performance, Seifert said the win was more important than individual contributions, especially after the early wickets. Afghanistan skipper Rashid, meanwhile, admitted his side struggled for consistency with the ball, conceding that failure to hit the right areas allowed New Zealand to score freely during the middle overs and take control of the chase.

ALSO READ: India Begin T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign at Wankhede as USA Opt to Bowl First