Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Feb 8: A commanding half-century from Tim Seifert, backed by an explosive cameo from Glenn Phillips, propelled New Zealand to a comfortable chase of Afghanistan’s 182/6, as the Black Caps sealed a six-wicket victory with 13 deliveries to spare in their opening Group D fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.
Afghanistan earlier put up a spirited batting performance, recovering strongly after early setbacks. Gulbadin Naib led the fightback with a blistering 63 off just 35 balls, anchoring the innings after Lockie Ferguson struck twice in his opening over. Ferguson removed Ibrahim Zadran (10) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27) to leave Afghanistan wobbling at 44 for 2.
Naib then stitched together a crucial 79-run partnership for the third wicket with Sediqullah Atal (29), stabilising the innings and shifting momentum. Although both batters fell in quick succession—dismissed by Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra—Afghanistan finished strongly. Late contributions from Azmatullah Omarzai and veteran Mohammad Nabi lifted the total to a competitive 182 for 6.
New Zealand’s chase began shakily, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman striking early to remove Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra within the first two overs, reducing the Black Caps to 14 for 2. Seifert, however, absorbed the pressure and launched a counter-attack, ensuring the asking rate never spiralled out of control.
At the other end, Glenn Phillips settled in quickly before unleashing his trademark power, scoring a rapid 42 off 25 balls. He capitalised on a few loose deliveries from Rashid Khan before the Afghanistan skipper finally broke their threatening 74-run partnership.
Seifert continued to dictate terms, bringing up a superb half-century that included successive sixes off Mohammad Nabi. He eventually departed for a match-defining 65 off 42 balls, briefly opening the door for Afghanistan.
Rashid later dismissed Mark Chapman (28), adding tension to the contest, but Daryl Mitchell (25 not out off 13 balls) and captain Mitchell Santner (17 not out off 18) held their nerve to guide New Zealand home with 2.1 overs to spare.
Key Match Stats: New Zealand vs Afghanistan
• 182/6 – Afghanistan’s highest-ever T20I total against New Zealand, surpassing their previous best of 159/6 in 2024.
• 63 – Gulbadin Naib’s fourth T20I half-century, achieved in his 82nd match.
• 1000 runs – Naib crossed the 1,000-run milestone in T20 Internationals during his knock.
• 65 – Tim Seifert registered the highest individual score by a New Zealand batter against Afghanistan, eclipsing Kane Williamson’s 40 in 2021.
• 2 wins – This marked New Zealand’s second World Cup victory over Afghanistan.
• 183 – The highest successful T20I run chase against Afghanistan, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 176 in 2022.