Chennai: New Zealand started their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 with a strong victory against Afghanistan. Chasing a target of 183 runs, New Zealand secured the win with five wickets in hand in 17.5 overs, thanks to a crucial half-century by opener Tim Seifert.
The match at M A Chidambaram Stadium saw Afghanistan put up a competitive total of 182 runs for six wickets after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Gulbadin Naib was the top scorer for Afghanistan, making 63 runs off 35 balls with four sixes and three fours. Other notable contributions came from Sedikullah Atal (29 runs), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27 runs), Darvesh Rasooli (20 runs), Ajmatullah (14 runs), and Mohammad Nabi (10 not out).
In response, New Zealand lost two early wickets in the second over when Mujib ur Rahman bowled out Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra, leaving the team struggling at 14 for 2. However, the innings was steadied by a 74-run partnership for the third wicket between Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips. Phillips scored 42 runs off 25 balls, hitting seven fours and one six.
Seifert continued his fine form by adding 36 runs with Mark Chapman for the fourth wicket. Seifert scored 65 runs off 42 balls, including three sixes and seven fours, before getting out. Chapman contributed 28 runs off 17 balls. Towards the end, Daryl Mitchell scored a quick 25 runs from 14 balls, and captain Mitchell Santner added 17 runs off eight balls to take New Zealand to their target.
Among the Afghanistan bowlers, Mujib ur Rahman was the most effective, taking two wickets for 31 runs in four overs. Other bowlers included Omarzai (1 wicket for 40 runs), Rashid Khan (1 for 36), and Mohammad Nabi (1 for 18). For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson took two wickets while Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Rachin Ravindra picked one wicket each.
Tim Seifert was named Player of the Match for his match-winning batting performance that paved the way for New Zealand’s victory.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
