New Zealand won against Afghanistan by 5 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The match kicked off the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with a competitive first 30 overs. However, New Zealand surged ahead as opener Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips combined for a crucial 74-run partnership, ensuring a comfortable victory.
Seifert was the standout performer for New Zealand, scoring 65 runs off 42 balls. Afghanistan showed resilience, posting a total of 182/6 on the pitch.
Gulbadin Naib impressed with 63 runs from just 35 balls, including 4 sixes. Sediqullah Atal scored 29 runs, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed 27 runs, helping set a competitive total.
Lockie Ferguson took 2 wickets, and Mitchell Santner delivered an economical spell, conceding only 23 runs in 4 overs, keeping Afghanistan’s scoring in check.
During the chase for 183 runs, Afghanistan’s spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman quickly dismissed Finn Allen for 1 run and Rachin Ravindra for a duck in his first over.
Full Scorecard – New Zealand vs Afghanistan ICC T20 World Cup 2026, February 8
New Zealand 183 for 5 (Seifert 65, Phillips 42, Mitchell 25*, Mujeeb 2-31) beat Afghanistan 182 for 6 (Naib 63, Ferguson 2-40) by five wickets.
Match Highlights & Key Moments
Tim Seifert’s steady innings was crucial as he kept New Zealand on track after early wickets fell to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. His performance was pivotal in maintaining the chase’s momentum.
The match shifted significantly during Seifert’s partnership with Glenn Phillips, who added 42 runs, pushing New Zealand ahead.
Daryl Mitchell (25 runs), Mark Chapman (28 runs), and Mitchell Santner (17 runs off 8 balls) played key roles in finishing the innings confidently in the closing overs.
Player of the Match
Tim Seifert was awarded Player of the Match for his impactful innings of 65 runs, leading New Zealand to victory.
What This Result Means for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
This victory is significant for New Zealand, who are in Group D, often called the group of death. With strong teams like South Africa, these points and the improved net run rate are crucial for qualifying.
For Afghanistan, their batting display will boost morale in a challenging group, but they must enhance their death bowling to remain competitive.
FAQs – New Zealand vs Afghanistan ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Q1: Who won the match between New Zealand and Afghanistan?
A1: New Zealand won by 5 wickets on February 8, 2026, in Chennai.
Q2: Who was named Player of the Match?
A2: Tim Seifert earned Player of the Match for his half-century.
Q3: What was the final score of the match?
A3: New Zealand 183 for 5 (Seifert 65, Phillips 42, Mitchell 25*, Mujeeb 2-31) vs Afghanistan 182 for 6 (Naib 63, Ferguson 2-40).
Q4: What are the upcoming matches for New Zealand and Afghanistan?
A4: New Zealand plays against the UAE on February 10 in Chennai, while Afghanistan faces South Africa on February 11 at Narendra Modi Stadium.
