T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand open campaign with five-wicket win over Afghanistan

Tim Seifert’s attacking half-century powered New Zealand to a five-wicket win over Afghanistan in their T20 World Cup 2026 tournament opener at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

New Zealand off to a poor start

Chasing 183, New Zealand were briefly in trouble after losing two early wickets. Spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman struck in the second over, removing Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra on successive deliveries to reduce the Kiwis to 14 for 2. However, Seifert steadied the innings with his trademark aggressive approach.

Tim Seifert shifted the momentum of the game

Seifert, who has earned the nickname “Bam Bam” for his clean hitting, played with freedom and confidence. He found strong support from Glenn Phillips, and the pair added 74 runs for the third wicket to take the pressure off New Zealand. Seifert reached his fifty in 39 balls with a six off Mohammad Nabi, while Phillips targeted Rashid Khan, hitting him for both a four and a six.

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Rashid dropped Seifert's catch

Seifert was dropped on 48 by Rashid off his own bowling, and he made full use of the chance. He eventually scored 65 off 42 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. Phillips chipped in with a brisk 42 from 25 deliveries before both batters were dismissed in quick succession. By then, the target was well within reach, and Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner calmly finished the chase, scoring the remaining runs without fuss.

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Afghanistan batting vs New Zealand

Earlier, Afghanistan posted 182 for 6 after opting to bat first. Gulbadin Naib was their standout performer, scoring a fluent 63 off 35 balls. He shared a 79-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal, who made 29, but the innings never fully took off on a pitch that offered some assistance to the bowlers.

Afghanistan progressed steadily rather than quickly, reaching 44 for 2 in the power play and 130 for 3 after 15 overs. Lockie Ferguson was impressive with the ball, dismissing both openers in the same over using clever variations. Despite a late push that took Afghanistan past 180, the total proved slightly short against a confident New Zealand side.