New Zealand came through the Afghanistan spin test with flying colors to start their T20 World Cup campaign in impressive style. The Black Caps registered a comprehensive five-wicket win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, underscoring that their batsmen are more than capable of quelling a high-quality spin attack.
Afghanistan tried hard to put New Zealand under sustained pressure, but the Kiwis took the challenge in stride and ensured they weathered the storm and ended up on the winning side. Tim Seifert played a pivotal role with a timely half-century as the Kiwis chased down 183 with 13 balls to spare.
World Cup T20, Afghanistan Vs. New Zealand Highlights
Just as importantly, New Zealand ensured there was no repeat of the painful memory of the 2024 T20 World Cup, when Afghanistan defeated them by 84 runs after being bowled out for 75 while defending 160. This time the script was firmly rewritten.
In the process, the Black Caps also recorded their highest run-scoring in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup when they smashed their previous best of 167 against England in the 2021 semi-final at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
GULBADIN GUIDES AFGHANISTAN
After electing to bat first, Afghanistan got off to a creaky start as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran needed time to settle. Gurbaz got an early lifeline in the seventh when Finn Allen and Tim Seifert collided trying to catch a mistimed shot.
Just when it looked like Gurbaz and Zadran would see out the power play unscathed, Lockie Ferguson changed the tempo. He dismissed Gurbaz for 27 off the first ball he faced before also outscoring Ibrahim, who could only manage 10 off 12 deliveries.
From there, Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal tied the innings with a crucial partnership of 79 runs for the third wicket. Naib absorbed the pressure early on, batting cautiously before stepping up while Atal played an effective supporting role. Jacob Duffy finally broke the stands and dismissed Atal for 29.
However, Naíb continued to provide late momentum, bringing up a brisk half-century off 29 balls. His attacking 63 off 35 balls, with three fours and four sixes, anchored Afghanistan’s push to a competitive 182 for six. Useful cameos from Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi ensured that Naib’s efforts were well supported.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 8, 2026
