A strong batting performance from Tim Seifert helped New Zealand secure a five-wicket win against Afghanistan in the 4th match of Group D at the MA Chidambaram Stadium during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing a target of 183, New Zealand completed their innings with 13 balls remaining, showcasing their resilience on a Chennai pitch that favored aggressive play.
Afghanistan sets a solid foundation
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Afghanistan started steadily, gaining momentum as the innings progressed. Rahmanullah Gurbaz opened with a quick 27 runs off 22 balls, while Sediqullah Atal helped maintain the pace. The innings surged when Gulbadin Naib took charge, scoring an impressive 63 off just 35 balls, hitting four sixes that disrupted New Zealand’s bowling plans.
Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai provided useful late runs, pushing Afghanistan past 180. For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson claimed two crucial wickets, with Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy contributing one each. Despite a solid spell from Mitchell Santner, Afghanistan ended with a total of 182/6, setting the stage for a close contest.
Tim Seifert anchors the New Zealand chase
New Zealand’s response began poorly, with Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra dismissed early, giving Afghanistan early hope. However, Seifert calmly steadied the innings, effectively handling both pace and spin, even as Afghanistan’s bowlers, including Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan, sought to apply pressure.
Teaming up with Glenn Phillips, who scored 42 off 25 balls, Seifert shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor. They tackled the spin challenges successfully, keeping the required run-rate under control.
After Seifert’s notable 65, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell continued the chase with steady contributions. Mitchell Santner rounded off the innings with a quick 17, leading New Zealand to a final score of 183/5 in just 17.5 overs. Afghanistan fought hard, with Mujeeb taking two wickets, but they couldn’t find the necessary breakthroughs.