&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "T20 World Cup 2026: Tim Seifert powers New Zealand to 5-wicket win vs Afghanistan")
New Zealand began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey with a comfortable five-wicket victory over Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (Feb 8). Chasing a target of 183, New Zealand were guided by a match-winning knock from opener Tim Seifert, who scored 65 runs from 42 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. Glenn Phillips contributed a valuable 42 from 25 balls, while Daryl Mitchell stayed unbeaten on 25 off 14 deliveries as Kiwis sealed the chase.
For Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the most successful bowler with figures of two for 31. Azmatullah Omarzai (1/40), Rashid Khan (1/36) and Mohammad Nabi (1/18) picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, Afghanistan chose to bat after winning the toss and posted a competitive total of 182 for six in 20 overs. Gulbadin Naib top-scored with 63 off 35 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes. Sediqullah Atal made 29, Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 27 and Darwish Rasooli contribued 20.
New Zealand’s bowling was led by Lockie Ferguson, who took two wickets for 40 runs. Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra also chipped in with one wicket each.
Trending Stories
)
US strikes hit key bridge and airport in southern Iran, IRGC-linked media reports
)
US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
)
Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
Amid spate of resignations at ISRO, Govt places curbs on quitters
)
BREAKING: Massive earthquake jolts tourist hotspot in New Zealand, tsunami warning issued
)
Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes
)
That is a misconception: Aamir Khan says 3 Idiots was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, Chatur is wrong
)
Iran's daring plan to seize US base, kidnap American soldiers could spark total war
)
WATCH | Terrified deer flee in panic on Iran’s Kharg Island amid US strikes
)
Matchbox miracle: Telangana weaver gifts 5.5-metre silk saree that fits inside a matchbox to Goddess Bharamaraba at Srisailam temple | VIDEO
)
Before you buy your Odyssey ticket: The difference between IMAX 70mm and digital explained
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, 2 other Indian-origin experts join US Fed Reserve's task forces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much does a single S-400 missile cost?
)
Trump, Netanyahu drown in 'sea of revenge': Iran reveals new mural
)
Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes
)
'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar
How many missiles does one S-400 have?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 17, 2026): Maa Inti Bangaaram, The East Palace, Desire- 5 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, JioHotstar and more
)
‘Response to the crimes of arrogant enemy’: Iran launches ‘revenge’ attacks across Gulf
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?
)
Iraqi armed group announces $10 million reward for killing Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar confirms intercepted missile attack
)
The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA 2026: BTS to Justin Bieber! A look at the complete lineup for the World Cup final halftime show
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
During the chase, New Zealand lost early wickets, with Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra dismissed cheaply. Despite the pressure, Seifert held firm and found good support from Phillips and their fourth-wicket partnership turned the game in New Zealand’s favour and quick runs from Mitchell and Santner ensured a smooth finish.
With this win, New Zealand move up the points table and will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matches in the T20 World Cup 2026.
