T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand vs Afghanistan Match 4 Highlights

New Zealand made light work of a challenging target of 183 to beat Afghanistan by five wickets in their T20 World Cup 2026 Group D opener in Chennai. Despite Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman picking up two wickets in the second over of the chase, NZ scripted their highest successful run chase in T20 World Cups, reaching the target with 13 balls to spare.

Tim Seifert (65 off 42) and Glenn Phillips (42 off 25) stabilised the Kiwi ship, while handy cameos by Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell and captain Mitchell Santner finished things off. Earlier, Afghanistan posted 182/6 in 20 overs, led by a fiery knock by Gulbadin Naib (63 off 35).

In order to put the final touches on the chase, Daryl Mitchell and Santner made crucial late runs. As New Zealand revealed Afghanistan's pace issues, Mitchell scored a rapid 25 off 14, and Santner added 28 off 17. Despite Mujeeb's dominance, New Zealand reached the finish line with five wickets remaining and 13 balls remaining after Rashid Khan had a costly game, giving up 36.

New Zealand vs Afghanistan Match 4 Result:

Batting sets the platform as New Zealand claim victory in their #T20WorldCup opener 💪

📝: https://t.co/Us7LHhwDu6pic.twitter.com/8SFa19vpjP

— ICC (@ICC) February 8, 2026

The most impressive batsman for New Zealand was Tim Seifert, who led the chase with a calm but aggressive 65 off 42 deliveries. He established the tone early on by scoring 12 runs in the first over, but when early wickets fell, he had to shoulder more responsibility. Seifert paced his innings smartly, rotating strike through the middle overs while punishing loose deliveries. Before being fired by Mohammad Nabi, while New Zealand was well in charge, he maintained total authority. With three sixes and seven fours throughout his knock, he was instrumental in turning the tide of the match in New Zealand's favour.

New Zealand's best bowler, Lockie Ferguson, made sure Afghanistan's hitters were held in check. The pacer, who gave up 40 runs in his four overs, was a little pricey. But before Gulbadin's half-century saved Afghanistan, he took two vital wickets in the powerplay, removing both the openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadra, in the same over, putting them behind.

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