Tim Seifert’s impressive half-century, supported by Glenn Phillips’ quick innings, led New Zealand to chase down Afghanistan’s 182/6 with 13 balls remaining in their Group D opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Afghanistan posted a challenging total, boosted by Gulbadin Naib’s aggressive 63 off 35 balls and a crucial 79-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal.
Despite early blows from Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman, New Zealand’s Seifert and Phillips steadied the ship with a 74-run partnership. Seifert’s aggressive play, including a half-century, and Phillips’ quick 42 off 25 balls were instrumental in securing the win for New Zealand. Daryl Mitchell and skipper Mitchell Santner’s calm late innings ensured New Zealand’s victory with 2.1 overs to spare.
Key stats from the match include Afghanistan’s highest total against New Zealand, Naib’s milestone of 1000 T20I runs, and Seifert’s record-breaking 65 against Afghanistan. This victory marks New Zealand’s second win against Afghanistan in the World Cup, with the highest successful chase ever against Afghanistan in T20Is.
