A confident batting display led by Tim Seifert is getting stronger New Zealand to a five-wicket win over Afghanistan MA at Chidambaram Stadium in Group D match 4 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing a competitive target of 183, the Black Caps reached the finish line with 13 balls to spare, highlighting the depth and adaptability on the Chennai surface that offered a run for the Braves.
Afghanistan are building a strong platform with the bat
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan started steadily before finding momentum in the middle innings. Rahmanullah Gurbaz Set the ton with a quick 27 off 22 balls Sediqullah Atal played a hand designed to keep shots on track. The time shots really went up Gulbadin Naib He took charge, producing a strong 63 off just 35 deliveries, laced with four sixes that disrupted New Zealand’s bowling plans.
Dervish Messenger and Azmatullah Omarzai It gave Afghanistan a valuable late boost, ensuring they crossed the 180 mark. For New Zealand, Loki Ferguson‘s pace reached two key wickets Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy chopped in one piece. Despite his neat magic Mitchell SantnerAfghanistan finished strongly on 182/6, which promised a tight chase.
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Tim Seifert continues the chase for New Zealand
New Zealand’s response got off to a shaky start Find Allen and Rachin Ravindra fired cheap, gave early faith to Afghanistan. However, Seifert took the pressure in stride and rebuilt the innings with confidence. His fluent batting against both pace and spin kept the scoreboard ticking even as Afghanistan tried to tighten the screws. Mujib Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan.
Seifert found an ideal partner Glenn Phillipswhose aggressive 42 off 25 balls decisively changed the pace. The pair neutralized the threat of spin with smart shot selection, ensuring the pace of inquiry never got out of hand.
After Seifert set 65 matches, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell followed up with composed cameos. Santner then added the finishing touches with a quick 17 to take New Zealand to 183/5 in just 17.5 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers fought hard, with Mujeeb taking two wickets but not having the breakthrough they needed once the chase settled down.
Tim Seifert was named Player of the Match 🔥#TimSeifert #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/Roqg304Prz
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 8, 2026
