Men's T20 World Cup, Group D, Chennai
New Zealand achieved their highest successful run chase in T20 World Cup history by defeating Afghanistan by five wickets in their Group D opener.
Afghanistan posted a total of 182-6 in their 20 overs, with Gulbadin Naib top-scoring with a robust 63 runs off 35 balls. The all-rounder struck three fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 180.00, contributing significantly alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal. Lockie Ferguson took 2 wickets for 40 runs, while Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Rachin Ravindra each claimed one wicket.
New Zealand responded with 183-5 in 17.5 overs, with opener Tim Seifert scoring a pivotal 65 runs from 42 balls. Seifert’s innings helped the Black Caps recover from an early setback of 14-2. The team faced pressure at 155-5 with four overs remaining, but Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner accelerated the chase with measured aggression. Mitchell remained unbeaten on 25 from 14 balls, and Santner finished 17 not out off eight deliveries, guiding New Zealand to victory with 13 balls to spare.
Seifert’s innings included back-to-back sixes off Mohammad Nabi, which brought up his half-century. However, he was dismissed shortly after, caught at square leg off Rashid Khan. Glenn Phillips contributed 42 runs from 25 balls before being bowled by Rashid Khan. Mark Chapman added 28 runs but was dismissed as well. Despite these wickets, the composure shown by Mitchell and Santner ensured the chase was completed successfully.
New Zealand’s successful pursuit of 183 surpassed their previous highest World Cup chase of 167 runs against England in the 2021 semi-finals.
Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman made early inroads by dismissing Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra cheaply for 1 and 0 respectively, putting New Zealand under early pressure. However, Seifert and Phillips rebuilt the innings with a 74-run partnership for the third wicket.
Overall, the match showcased strong performances from both sides, with New Zealand’s batting resilience and strategic acceleration in the final overs proving decisive.
