New Zealand pass Afghanistan spin test in Chennai to lay down early marker
T20 World Cup, NZ vs AFG: New Zealand recorded their highest run-chase in the history of the tournament, beating Afghanistan by five wickets on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
New Zealand passed Afghanistan’s spin test with flying colours to open their T20 World Cup campaign in impressive style. On Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the Black Caps registered a composed five-wicket victory, underlining that their batters are more than capable of wearing down a high-quality spin attack.
Afghanistan tried hard to put New Zealand under sustained pressure, but the Kiwis absorbed the challenge calmly and ensured they came through the storm to finish 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.
T20 World Cup, Afghanistan vs New Zealand Highlights
Just as importantly, New Zealand made sure there was no repeat of the painful memory from the 2024 T20 World Cup, when Afghanistan hammered them by 84 runs after bowling them out for 75 while defending 160. This time, the script was firmly rewritten.
In the process, the Black Caps also recorded their highest successful run chase in men’s T20 World Cup history, surpassing their previous best of 167 against England in the 2021 semi-final at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
GULBADIN GUIDES AFGHANISTAN
After opting to bat first, Afghanistan made a scratchy start as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran took time to settle. Gurbaz was handed an early lifeline on seven when Finn Allen and Tim Seifert collided while attempting a catch after a mistimed pull shot.
Just when it appeared that Gurbaz and Zadran would see out the powerplay unscathed, Lockie Ferguson changed the momentum. He removed Gurbaz for 27 with the first ball he faced, before also getting the better of Ibrahim, who could manage only 10 off 12 deliveries.
From there, Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal steadied the innings with a crucial 79-run partnership for the third wicket. Naib absorbed the pressure early, batting with caution before accelerating, while Atal played the supporting role effectively. Jacob Duffy eventually broke the stand, dismissing Atal for 29.
Naib, however, carried on to provide the late impetus, bringing up a brisk half-century off 29 balls. His attacking 63 off 35 balls, featuring 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 Naib’s efforts were well supported.
SEIFERT TAKES CHARGE FOR KIWIS
New Zealand got off to a flying start in their run chase as Tim Seifert took Fazalhaq Farooqi apart, smashing three fours in the very first over. However, the momentum briefly swung Afghanistan’s way in the second over when Mujeeb Ur Rahman breathed fire.
The off-spinner removed Finn Allen and then sent Rachin Ravindra back for a golden duck, jolting the Kiwis early. Seifert and Glenn Phillips responded with composure, ensuring no further damage as New Zealand made full use of the powerplay to reach 52.
Seifert then played the stabilising role that Gulbadin Naib had earlier performed for Afghanistan, anchoring the innings through a tense phase. He brought up his half-century off 39 balls and added a crucial 74-run stand with Phillips.
Just as the pair threatened to take the game away, Rashid Khan intervened. Though Phillips took him on initially, Rashid had the last laugh, dismissing the aggressive batter.
Mohammad Nabi then removed Phillips, who scored 42 off 25 balls with seven fours and a six, giving Afghanistan renewed hope. Seifert carried on until the 13th over before falling for a well-made 65 off 42, by which time New Zealand were firmly in control, needing 59 off 43 balls with six wickets in hand.
Mark Chapman chipped in with a brisk 28, before Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 25 and Mitchell Santner’s 17 guided the Kiwis home in 17.5 overs.
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New Zealand passed Afghanistan’s spin test with flying colours to open their T20 World Cup campaign in impressive style. On Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the Black Caps registered a composed five-wicket victory, underlining that their batters are more than capable of wearing down a high-quality spin attack.
Afghanistan tried hard to put New Zealand under sustained pressure, but the Kiwis absorbed the challenge calmly and ensured they came through the storm to finish 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.
T20 World Cup, Afghanistan vs New Zealand Highlights
Just as importantly, New Zealand made sure there was no repeat of the painful memory from the 2024 T20 World Cup, when Afghanistan hammered them by 84 runs after bowling them out for 75 while defending 160. This time, the script was firmly rewritten.
In the process, the Black Caps also recorded their highest successful run chase in men’s T20 World Cup history, surpassing their previous best of 167 against England in the 2021 semi-final at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
GULBADIN GUIDES AFGHANISTAN
After opting to bat first, Afghanistan made a scratchy start as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran took time to settle. Gurbaz was handed an early lifeline on seven when Finn Allen and Tim Seifert collided while attempting a catch after a mistimed pull shot.
Just when it appeared that Gurbaz and Zadran would see out the powerplay unscathed, Lockie Ferguson changed the momentum. He removed Gurbaz for 27 with the first ball he faced, before also getting the better of Ibrahim, who could manage only 10 off 12 deliveries.
From there, Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal steadied the innings with a crucial 79-run partnership for the third wicket. Naib absorbed the pressure early, batting with caution before accelerating, while Atal played the supporting role effectively. Jacob Duffy eventually broke the stand, dismissing Atal for 29.
Naib, however, carried on to provide the late impetus, bringing up a brisk half-century off 29 balls. His attacking 63 off 35 balls, featuring 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 Naib’s efforts were well supported.
SEIFERT TAKES CHARGE FOR KIWIS
New Zealand got off to a flying start in their run chase as Tim Seifert took Fazalhaq Farooqi apart, smashing three fours in the very first over. However, the momentum briefly swung Afghanistan’s way in the second over when Mujeeb Ur Rahman breathed fire.
The off-spinner removed Finn Allen and then sent Rachin Ravindra back for a golden duck, jolting the Kiwis early. Seifert and Glenn Phillips responded with composure, ensuring no further damage as New Zealand made full use of the powerplay to reach 52.
Seifert then played the stabilising role that Gulbadin Naib had earlier performed for Afghanistan, anchoring the innings through a tense phase. He brought up his half-century off 39 balls and added a crucial 74-run stand with Phillips.
Just as the pair threatened to take the game away, Rashid Khan intervened. Though Phillips took him on initially, Rashid had the last laugh, dismissing the aggressive batter.
Mohammad Nabi then removed Phillips, who scored 42 off 25 balls with seven fours and a six, giving Afghanistan renewed hope. Seifert carried on until the 13th over before falling for a well-made 65 off 42, by which time New Zealand were firmly in control, needing 59 off 43 balls with six wickets in hand.
Mark Chapman chipped in with a brisk 28, before Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 25 and Mitchell Santner’s 17 guided the Kiwis home in 17.5 overs.
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