New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in their opening Group D match of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, recording their highest successful run-chase in T20 World Cup history.
Chasing a competitive target of 183, New Zealand reached 183/5 with 13 balls to spare, overcoming an early setback triggered by Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Afghanistan had struck early in the second over when Mujeeb dismissed Finn Allen (1) and Rachin Ravindra (0) off successive deliveries, reducing New Zealand to 14/2. The early breakthroughs briefly tilted the momentum in Afghanistan’s favour.
Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips steadied the innings with a counter-attacking 74-run partnership. Phillips played aggressively, scoring 42 off 25 balls, including seven boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Rashid Khan.
Seifert anchored the chase with a composed 65 off 42 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. His half-century came off 39 deliveries. Mohammad Nabi removed him in the 13th over, and New Zealand faced a brief wobble at 155/5 in the 16th over.
However, Mitchell Santner (17 not out off 8 balls) and Daryl Mitchell (25 not out off 14 balls) ensured there were no further setbacks, guiding the Black Caps home with five wickets in hand.
Earlier, Afghanistan posted 182/6 after electing to bat first.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 27 off 22 balls, but Lockie Ferguson dented Afghanistan’s start by dismissing Ibrahim Zadran (10) and Gurbaz in the sixth over. At 44/2 at the end of the powerplay, Afghanistan were under pressure.
The innings was revived by Gulbadin Naib, who produced a dominant middle-overs display. Naib smashed 63 off 35 balls, reaching his half-century in 29 deliveries. His knock featured four sixes and three boundaries.
Sediqullah Atal contributed 29 off 24 balls, rotating the strike effectively during their 79-run third-wicket partnership. After Atal’s dismissal, Darwish Rasool (20 off 13) and Azmatullah Omarzai (10 off 7) added late runs to take Afghanistan to a competitive total.
Despite the strong total, New Zealand’s record chase ensured a winning start to their campaign in the tournament.
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