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T20 World Cup
NZ vs AFG, T20 World Cup Highlights: New Zealand crush Afghanistan by 5 wickets
Chennai,UPDATED: Feb 8, 2026 14:52 IST
New Zealand (NZ) vs Afghanistan (AFG) Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand have started their campaign with a dominating 5 wicket win over a challenging Afghanistan in Chennai.
NZ vs AFG live score
Hi and welcome to India Today's highlights of the T20 World Cup 2026, Group D match between New Zealand and Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram stadium.
14:52 IST:
Turning the Page - That brings us to the end of this game, where New Zealand avenge their defeat from the 2024 T20 World Cup and put Afghanistan under early pressure in Group D. The action now shifts to Group C, where England take on Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The toss has already taken place, with England set to bat first, and with the match starting shortly, you can switch tabs to enjoy all the coverage of the game. Cheers!14:49 IST:
The victorious skipper of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner describes it as a good game, saying Afghanistan were a threat and it was a massive game. He feels Afghanistan challenged New Zealand a lot, as they thought they would, and the pitch was sticky to start. Santner notes they're playing in seven grounds, so getting a read on grounds and conditions quickly is crucial. He highlights the importance of Powerplays, with Mujeeb posing a challenge. Santner adds that the wicket ended up being flat, and having a batter at 8 is nice, though they could be sharper. Santner thinks 180 was par and they were looking for partnerships, with the cutters holding up well.14:55 IST:
The captain of Afghanistan - Rashid Khan says that he is disappointed with the defeat. Adds that they put up a good total on the board, but they did not bowl well, and leaked too many runs in the middle overs. Mentions that they will have to learn quickly and execute better in the next games. Says that bowling wicket to wicket was the way to go, but they were inconsistent with their lines and lengths. Praises the batting unit for their effort in this game, but also says that they can improve in the first six overs with the bat.14:43 IST:
Presentation Time...14:43 IST:
A strong start that slipped away - Afghanistan started brightly with the ball, with Mujeeb setting the tone by picking up two wickets in his first over. However, they could not build on that and allowed a big partnership to develop. Rashid did manage to break it, but by then the damage was already done. Azmatullah Omarzai and Nabi also got among the wickets, but apart from Mujeeb, no other bowler could contain the runs. Rashid dropping Seifert on 48 also proved costly, as who knows, that could have made the game a lot closer.14:38 IST:
Naib sparks Afghan surge - Earlier in the game, Afghanistan put up a strong total on the board, courtesy of a career-best in T20Is from Gulbadin Naib, who smashed 63 off 35. He was well supported by Atal as the pair added a crucial 79-run stand in the middle to set the platform, before Rasool and Omarzai provided the finishing touches. For New Zealand, Henry was the pick of the bowlers, picking up a wicket and keeping things tight, while Duffy, Ferguson and Ravindra also chipped in with wickets but were on the expensive side. Santner, though, bowled a very economical spell, conceding just 23 runs in his four overs, or else they would have been chasing something even bigger.14:54 IST:
Black Caps cruise home - New Zealand were rocked early at 14/2, but they did not panic. Tim Seifert continued his good form, anchoring the chase, while Glenn Phillips took on the role of aggressor. The pair added 74 runs together, with Seifert bringing up a well-made half-century and Phillips' 42 off 25 proving crucial in shifting the momentum. They could not stay till the end, but Mark Chapman added valuable runs to take them closer, before Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner finished the job with more than a couple of overs to spare.14:53 IST:
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Tim Seifert receives the award for his excellent knock of 65 runs off 42 balls. He is happy to start the tournament with a win and some runs on the board, acknowledging the tough conditions. He notes that losing early wickets made it challenging, but he is pleased they got the job done. Seifert says he and Finn Allen looked to put pressure on the bowlers, opting for pace over spin initially, but adapted as the innings progressed, finding spin became easier to handle. He ends by saying he is always working on his game, leveraging experience from playing globally and in franchise leagues, and backing himself to adapt to conditions.14:40 IST:
Kiwis rewrite the script - New Zealand are up and running in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, pulling off their highest successful chase in T20 World Cups. From losing by 84 runs to Afghanistan in the last edition to producing this complete performance, the Kiwis have come a long way. Afghanistan, though, will need to buckle up quickly, as gaining momentum is very essential in this tournament. 14:24 IST:
17.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Daryl Mitchell, Another full toss, around off, Daryl Mitchell knocks this down to long on for a single to seal the game. New Zealand win this by 5 wickets and 13 balls to spare.14:22 IST:
17.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! SCORES ARE LEVEL! High full toss, on middle, Daryl Mitchell muscles this over the fence towards the deep mid-wicket region to level the scores. This is sent upstairs for a check on the height of the ball and the replay shows that it was clearly below the waist height. 14:21 IST:
17.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Mitchell Santner, Hard length on off, Mitchell Santner pushes this to covers and takes a quick one. The ball hits Mitchell Santner as the throw comes in and Rashid Khan and Mitchell Santner share a light-hearted moment. 14:21 IST:
17.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Mitchell Santner, FOUR! That's an excellent stroke from Mitchell Santner. Short and wide of off, Mitchell Santner hangs onto his back foot and cuts this late through the backward point region for a boundary.14:20 IST:
17.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Daryl Mitchell, Good length on middle and off, Daryl Mitchell tucks this through mid-wicket for one.14:20 IST:
The last two balls have taken the Kiwis well ahead in the chase. They just need 13 runs in 18 balls now. Here is Azmatullah Omarzai to bowl the 18th over.Score 170/5
BatsmanMitchell Santner 12(6b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerZiaur Rahman 3-0-33-0
14:18 IST:
16.6: Ziaur Rahman to Mitchell Santner, SIX! This settles the dust to an extent, as New Zealand now needs just 13 more to win off the last 3 overs. On a length around middle and leg, Mitchell Santner presents a full face of his bat and lifts this over the fence towards the long off region for a biggie.
14:22 IST:
Debodinna says
ICC T20 World Cup Live: Captain Santner does the job
Mitchell Santner has flipped the script in the space of two balls.
Just when the pressure was beginning to creep in, the New Zealand skipper produced exactly what was needed, a boundary followed by a six, and suddenly the chase looks far more relaxed.
The BlackCaps are firmly back in control now. Just 13 needed off 3 overs, and this one looks all but sealed.
14:18 IST:
16.5: Ziaur Rahman to Mitchell Santner, FOUR! Santner eases the pressure on the Kiwis. Good length on middle and leg, Mitchell Santner backs away and steps down the track. Chips this over the fielder at the extra cover region for a boundary. 19 needed off 19!14:17 IST:
16.4: Ziaur Rahman to Mitchell Santner, Overthrows! Full and on off, Mitchell Santner rolls this to mid off and sets off for a single. Mohammad Nabi fields this and has a go at the stumps towards the non-striker's end but misses. The ball goes through the fielder backing from mid-wicket and the keeper as well for an extra run.14:16 IST:
16.3: Ziaur Rahman to Mitchell Santner, Yorker, on off. Mitchell Santner pushes this to covers for a dot.14:15 IST:
16.2: Ziaur Rahman to Daryl Mitchell, Slower one, short and on off, Daryl Mitchell forces this to long on for a single. 14:14 IST:
16.1: Ziaur Rahman to Daryl Mitchell, Full and on the pads, Daryl flicks this through square leg for two.14:14 IST:
Ziaur Rahman (2-0-18-0) is back on.Score 155/5
BatsmanMitchell Santner 0(2b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerAzmatullah Omarzai 3-0-27-1
14:13 IST:
15.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Mitchell Santner, Good length around off, Mitchell Santner stays back to push inside the line but gets beaten on the outside edge again. A top over at this stage. 14:13 IST:
15.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Mitchell Santner, Beauty from Azmatullah Omarzai. Azmat comes around the stumps, bowls it on a length and shapes it away from the batter. Mitchell Santner pokes at it, away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge. 14:13 IST:
New Zealand lose half their side now. Skipper Mitchell Santner comes out to the middle now.14:11 IST:
15.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Mark Chapman, OUT! CAUGHT! Mark Chapman departs after scoring 28 off 17 balls. Slower one, around middle and leg, on a length. Mark Chapman backs away and looks to chip this over the fielder at covers but ends up chipping this straight into the safe hands of Rashid Khan standing inside the ring. NZ still need 28 off 26 balls.14:10 IST:
15.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Daryl Mitchell, Slower one, back of a length on middle and off. Daryl Mitchell works this through mid-wicket for a run.14:09 IST:
15.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Mark Chapman, Good length on middle and off, Mark Chapman chips this to long on for a single. 14:09 IST:
15.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Mark Chapman, Slower one, short and around off, Mark Chapman swings early and the ball arrives late. 14:08 IST:
15.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Daryl Mitchell, A beamer over the waist of Daryl Mitchell and he tucks this through square leg for a single. The umpire doesn't give it a NO BALL straightaway and sends it upstairs for an official review. The replay shows that this is over the waist of Daryl Mitchell and it is called a NO BALL. Free Hit to follow.Score 151/4
BatsmanMark Chapman 27(14b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerMujeeb Ur Rahman 4-0-31-2
14:06 IST:
14.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mark Chapman, Shortish and around off, Mark Chapman punches it through cover-point for a brace. Also, 150 up for New Zealand! They need 32 runs in 30 balls now.14:05 IST:
14.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mark Chapman, FOUR! Clever batting! Flatter delivery, full and around leg, Mark Chapman moves across to get inside the line of it and scoops it to the fine leg fence for a boundary now.14:12 IST:
Debodinna says
NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand getting a hang of it
Yes, Mujeeb did have New Zealand in a bit of a knot, with the spin asking questions and the chase briefly looking heavier than 183 should.
But with Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman together, the mood has shifted. They are taking their time, reading Mujeeb’s hand closely, and now the boundaries are starting to come through.
Slowly but surely, the BlackCaps are breathing again after a patch of real pressure.
14:05 IST:
14.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mark Chapman, SIX! A freebie and gladly accepted! Mujeeb Ur Rahman dishes out a loopy full toss, begging to be put away. Mark Chapman is not going to miss out on that and slogs it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.14:04 IST:
14.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Daryl Mitchell, Floated, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell eases it to long on for another run.14:04 IST:
14.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mark Chapman, Short again and on leg, Mark Chapman clips it to deep square leg for a run.14:03 IST:
14.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Daryl Mitchell, Short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell flicks it towards mid-wicket for a quick single.14:07 IST:
DRINKS! Time for the final drinks break of the contest and New Zealand finds themselves in the driver's seat at this break. The Kiwis need 47 more runs off the last 6 overs to win this contest. A couple of quick wickets might just give an opening to the Afghans, as after this pair, the Kiwis will be left with Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, and the tail.Score 136/4
BatsmanDaryl Mitchell 10(5b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerRashid Khan 4-0-36-1
14:00 IST:
13.6: Rashid Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one. He wants the second but will have to settle for just one. 4-0-36-1, Rashid is done with the ball. 14:00 IST:
13.5: Rashid Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Drags his length back, on middle, Daryl Mitchell stays back and nudges it towards mid-wicket and calls his partner for the second run. The throw comes in at the bowler's end, where Chapman puts in a dive to make his ground.13:59 IST:
13.4: Rashid Khan to Mark Chapman, A leg-break, short and on middle, turns in, Mark Chapman works it through square leg for one.13:59 IST:
13.3: Rashid Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell clips it through mid-wicket for a run.13:58 IST:
13.2: Rashid Khan to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Innovative and effective! Flatter, full and around off, Daryl Mitchell changes his stance quickly, and executes the reverse sweep past short third for a boundary.13:57 IST:
13.1: Rashid Khan to Mark Chapman, Flighted, full and on middle, Mark Chapman drills it to long off for a single.Score 126/4
BatsmanDaryl Mitchell 2(1b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerMohammad Nabi 1-0-18-1
13:57 IST:
12.6: Mohammad Nabi to Daryl Mitchell, Slows it up, full and on leg, Daryl Mitchell tucks it with soft hands through square leg and comes back for the second run. 18 runs and a wicket from the over. 13:59 IST:
Sabyasachi says
NZ vs AFG: Nabi, the man with the golden arm
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Afghanistan’s long-serving veteran Mohammad Nabi delivered when it mattered most, removing the dangerous Tim Seifert just as he was threatening to take the game away from the Afghans.
New Zealand may still be ahead, but with this breakthrough, Afghanistan now have the bowling resources to build sustained pressure and pull the contest back in their favour.
13:57 IST:
Daryl Mitchell replaces Tim Seifert in the middle. Tim Seifert was on 48 when Rashid Khan dropped him and after adding 17 more to his total, Tim departs.13:55 IST:
12.5: Mohammad Nabi to Tim Seifert, OUT! CAUGHT! Mohammad Nabi has the last laugh here, and he gets a massive wicket for Afghanistan. This is bowled quicker and shorter, on leg, keeps a bit low. Tim Seifert rocks back to pull it away but gets cramped up. He gets into an awkward position while playing the shot and gets no elevation. It flies straight to deep square leg, where Azmatullah Omarzai comes forward and takes a good catch under pressure. Seifert departs after a well-made 65 off 42, and the Kiwis are four down now. 59 needed off 43 balls. 13:54 IST:
12.4: Mohammad Nabi to Tim Seifert, FOUR! A boundary now! Mohammad Nabi fires this full and outside off. Tim Seifert extends his arms to reach out for it and smacks it through covers for four runs.13:53 IST:
12.3: Mohammad Nabi to Tim Seifert, SIX! Up, up and away! Floated, full and on middle, Tim Seifert goes down on one knee, stretches out in front and nails the slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen more.13:52 IST:
12.2: Mohammad Nabi to Tim Seifert, SIX! FIFTY FOR SEIFERT! A maiden T20 World Cup half-century, and he brings it up with a bang as well. Mohammad Nabi drops it short again, on middle and leg. Tim Seifert is quick to go on the back foot and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. This has been an excellent knock under pressure, but he knows the job is not done yet.13:52 IST:
12.1: Mohammad Nabi to Tim Seifert, Flatter, short and around leg, Tim Seifert misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine.13:52 IST:
Mohammad Nabi is now introduced into the attack. 75 more runs are needed off the last 8 overs.Score 108/3
BatsmanMark Chapman 12(8b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerRashid Khan 3-0-26-1
13:51 IST:
11.6: Rashid Khan to Mark Chapman, Dragged back and on middle, Mark Chapman pulls it to mid-wicket.13:50 IST:
11.5: Rashid Khan to Mark Chapman, Flighted, full and on middle, Mark Chapman bunts it wide of long off, where the fielder dives to his left and pushes it back inside. Two taken.13:50 IST:
11.4: Rashid Khan to Tim Seifert, Short and outside off, Tim Seifert cuts it to deep point for one.13:49 IST:
11.3: Rashid Khan to Tim Seifert, Short and on leg, Tim Seifert turns it to the leg side.13:51 IST:
How costly will this turn out to be? Tim Seifert has been dropped by the skipper himself on 48.13:49 IST:
11.2: Rashid Khan to Tim Seifert, DROPPED! Rashid Khan drops it short and on off, Tim Seifert looks to punch it away but the ball stops on him. He ends up lobbing it back towards the bowler, where Rashid gets a hand on it but it pops out. He turns around and stretches, gets fingertips on it but fails to hold on. A tough chance but should have been taken. 13:48 IST:
11.1: Rashid Khan to Tim Seifert, FOUR! Powered away! Tossed up, full and on middle, Tim Seifert clears his front leg away and thumps it over the bowler's head, beating Mohammad Nabi to his left at long on for a boundary. That also brings up 2000 T20I runs for Seifert.Score 101/3
BatsmanTim Seifert 44(33b 5*4 1*6)
BowlerZiaur Rahman 2-0-18-0
13:47 IST:
10.6: Ziaur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Hard length and on off, slower again, Tim Seifert pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.13:47 IST:
10.5: Ziaur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Right in the blockhole, on middle, tailing in, Tim Seifert digs it out on the pitch.13:46 IST:
10.4: Ziaur Rahman to Mark Chapman, Bangs this into the pitch and around off, takes pace off. Mark Chapman comes down the track again and punches it wide of mid off. Sediqullah Atal dives to his right to save a few runs for his team. They cross. 100 UP FOR THE KIWIS!13:45 IST:
10.3: Ziaur Rahman to Mark Chapman, Fuller delivery, outside off, Mark Chapman makes a bit of room and drills it wide of sweeper cover. Azmatullah Omarzai runs to his left and makes a good sliding stop. Two taken.13:45 IST:
10.2: Ziaur Rahman to Mark Chapman, FOUR! Great shot! Back of a length and on middle, not short enough to trouble the batter. Mark Chapman gets on top of it and heaves it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.13:44 IST:
10.1: Ziaur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Short of a length and outside off, Tim Seifert waits for it, hops up and slaps it through covers for a single.Score 92/3
BatsmanMark Chapman 3(3b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerRashid Khan 2-0-19-1
13:43 IST:
9.6: Rashid Khan to Mark Chapman, Fired into the batter, on middle and leg. Mark Chapman keeps it out. Rashid bounces back after an ordinary first over. 13:42 IST:
9.5: Rashid Khan to Mark Chapman, Quicker and flatter around off, Mark Chapman cuts this to sweeper cover for a couple of runs. 13:42 IST:
9.4: Rashid Khan to Tim Seifert, Tossed up, around off, Tim Seifert smashes this just past the bowler to his left for a single down to long off.13:41 IST:
9.3: Rashid Khan to Mark Chapman, Full and around off, Mark Chapman punches this to long off for a single. 13:43 IST:
A big breakthrough for Afghanistan as they put an end to the threatening 74-run stand. Mark Chapman is the next man in.13:41 IST:
9.2: Rashid Khan to Glenn Phillips, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Rashid Khan strikes and sends Glenn Phillips back to the dugout. The Afghan skipper is very animated in his celebration. Flighted wide outside off, Glenn Phillips backs away and looks to loft this over the covers region but ends up getting an inside edge that goes back onto the stumps. Glenn Phillips departs after playing a good hand of 42 off 25 balls. New Zealand are 88/3, still needing 95 runs in 64 balls.13:43 IST:
Sabyasachi says
ICC T20 World Cup Live: Rashid makes amends
Rashid Khan has finally found his rhythm. After being taken apart in his first over by Glenn Phillips, the Afghan talisman struck back in style, dismissing the Kiwi batter to exact swift revenge.
It’s a massive breakthrough for Afghanistan, injecting fresh energy into the contest and keeping them well and truly in the hunt for victory.
13:39 IST:
9.1: Rashid Khan to Tim Seifert, Tossed up, on middle and leg, Tim Seifert flicks this through mid-wicket for one.13:39 IST:
Change of ends for Rashid Khan.Score 87/2
BatsmanTim Seifert 40(28b 5*4 1*6)
BowlerAzmatullah Omarzai 2-0-23-0
13:38 IST:
8.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Tim Seifert, Good length around the pads, Tim Seifert milks this through square leg for a run.13:37 IST:
8.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Glenn Phillips, Full and on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips tucks this through mid-wicket for one.13:36 IST:
8.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Glenn and he races to 41 off 23 balls. Short and around the pads, Glenn Phillips helps this for a boundary behind the stumps towards the fine leg region. 13:36 IST:
8.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Fast hands from GP and the ball races to the fence for four. Short and around off, Glenn Phillips hops up on his toes and cuts this with fast hands. The ball races to the right of the fielder at the deep third region for four. 13:35 IST:
8.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Tim Seifert, Good length onto the pads, Tim Seifert works this through square leg for a single. 13:35 IST:
8.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Glenn Phillips, Hard length on off, Glenn Phillips punches this to sweeper cover for a strike rotation. 13:35 IST:
Azmatullah Omarzai comes back into the attack now. He conceded 11 runs in his first over.Score 75/2
BatsmanTim Seifert 38(26b 5*4 1*6)
BowlerZiaur Rahman 1-0-9-0
13:33 IST:
7.6: Ziaur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Good length on the pads, Tim Seifert flicks this along the ground through the gap at mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 13:33 IST:
7.5: Ziaur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, Back of a length around off, Glenn Phillips hops up on his toes and punches this to sweeper cover for a single. 13:32 IST:
7.4: Ziaur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Full and wide around off, Tim Seifert gets it edged to the third man region for a single. 13:31 IST:
7.3: Ziaur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Back of a length around middle and leg, just over the stumps. Tim Seifert swings across the line and misses.13:31 IST:
7.3: Ziaur Rahman to Tim Seifert, WIDE! Short and way too wide of off. Wided.13:30 IST:
7.2: Ziaur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Wide yorker around off, Tim Seifert rolls this to the right of short extra cover for no run.13:29 IST:
7.2: Ziaur Rahman to Tim Seifert, NO BALL! Good length on theTim Seifert works this through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs. The siren goes around the ground, signalling that Ziaur Rahman has overstepped. Free Hit to follow.13:29 IST:
7.1: Ziaur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, Good length on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips flicks this through square leg for one.13:29 IST:
Not the best of first overs from Rashid Khan. Here is Ziaur Rahman replacing Mujeeb Ur Rahman.Score 66/2
BatsmanGlenn Phillips 30(18b 5*4 1*6)
BowlerRashid Khan 1-0-14-0
13:27 IST:
6.6: Rashid Khan to Glenn Phillips, Short again but a touch quicker, on middle and off, Glenn Phillips flat-bats this to Atal at deep mid-wicket for just one this time. This was hit powerfully and flat but lands just short of the fielder. 14 from Rashid's first. 13:27 IST:
6.5: Rashid Khan to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! A boundary to follow the biggie. Short and on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips picks the length early, rocks back and pulls this flat to the left of Sediqullah Atal at deep mid-wicket for four runs. That brings up the 50-run partnership for this pair.13:26 IST:
6.4: Rashid Khan to Glenn Phillips, SIX! Glenn Phillips is at the peak of his game. Tossed up, around off, Glenn Phillips backs away a touch and smashes this down the ground for a biggie over the sight screen. 13:26 IST:
6.3: Rashid Khan to Tim Seifert, Tossed up, around the pads, Tim Seifert flicks this to long on for a strike rotation. 13:25 IST:
6.2: Rashid Khan to Glenn Phillips, Quicker one, into the batter. Glenn Phillips drills this down to long on for a single. 13:25 IST:
6.1: Rashid Khan to Tim Seifert, Floated around off, Tim Seifert rolls this through covers for a run. 13:28 IST:
DRINKS! Afghanistan were 44/2 at the end of the Powerplay, while New Zealand are 52/2. The Kiwis are slightly ahead in terms of runs, but they were rocked early by Mujeeb Ur Rahman. However, Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips are in the rebuilding phase, their real test will be how they tackle the middle overs, where Afghanistan will look to choke them with quality spin bowling. Talking about quality spin, and Rashid Khan brings himself into the attack now.Score 52/2
BatsmanGlenn Phillips 18(14b 4*4 0*6)
BowlerMujeeb Ur Rahman 3-0-16-2
13:21 IST:
5.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, Fired into the batter, on his pads. Glenn Phillips tucks it to short fine leg. 13:24 IST:
Sabyasachi says
ICC T20 World Cup Live: Seifert, Phillips rebuild
After Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck early to remove Rachin Ravindra and Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips have steadied the ship and helped New Zealand recover to an extent.
The pair has shown composure in the middle, absorbing the pressure and rebuilding after the early setbacks. However, with the required run rate still hovering above nine an over, there is plenty of work left to be done.
Seifert and Phillips will need to keep the scoreboard ticking while finding the occasional boundary if the Kiwis are to turn this recovery into a genuine fightback.
13:21 IST:
5.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Fifty comes up for New Zealand. Fired around off, seam up from Mujeeb. Glenn Phillips stands leg side to it and smashes this over the fielder at the extra cover region for a boundary.13:20 IST:
5.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, Floated around off, Glenn Phillips pushes this to covers for no run.13:20 IST:
5.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, Quicker one, on off, Glenn Phillips keeps it out.13:20 IST:
5.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! That is poor from Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Glenn Phillips makes him pay. Darted onto the pads, Glenn Phillips rocks back and flicks this past the fielder at short fine leg to his left for four runs. 13:19 IST:
5.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, Floated around off, Glenn Phillips pokes at it but gets beaten.Score 44/2
BatsmanTim Seifert 31(19b 5*4 1*6)
BowlerFazalhaq Farooqi 2-0-25-0
13:18 IST:
4.6: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, A low full toss, on off, Tim Seifert drills it straight towards mid off. He is not happy with himself as this was there to be put away.13:18 IST:
4.5: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, SAFE! On a length and on middle and leg, Tim Seifert tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and calls for the second run. Ibrahim Zadran is quick to get to the ball and scores a direct hit at the batter's end. However, Seifert does not look that botherd and the replay confirms that he has dragged his bat inside the crease in time.13:18 IST:
IS THAT OUT? A direct hit from Ibrahim Zadran towards the striker's end. Replay shows that Tim Seifert is back inside the crease safely.13:16 IST:
4.4: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, SIX! Even better and bigger! This is a full delivery, on middle and off, slower in pace. Tim Seifert clears his front leg out of the way and launches it over the long on fence for a biggie.13:16 IST:
4.3: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, FOUR! Top shot! Fazalhaq Farooqi sees the batter advance and bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Tim Seifert adjusts well to the length, gets on top of it and pulls it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.13:15 IST:
4.2: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, Back of a length and on middle, angling in, slower too, Tim Seifert keeps it out on the pitch.13:15 IST:
4.1: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Glenn Phillips, Good length and on off, Glenn Phillips taps it in front of mid off and scampers across for a single.Score 31/2
BatsmanTim Seifert 19(14b 4*4 0*6)
BowlerMujeeb Ur Rahman 2-0-8-2
13:13 IST:
3.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Pushed through quicker, shorter and on middle and leg, skids through as well. Tim Seifert stays back to work it away but once again gets hit on the pads.13:13 IST:
3.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Fires this one full and on leg, Tim Seifert looks to clip it away but misses as the ball deflects off his pads to square leg.13:13 IST:
3.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, Shortish and on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.13:12 IST:
3.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Beats the fielder this time! Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowls the googly, but just drifting down the leg side. Glenn Phillips goes down and paddles it away past short fine for an easy boundary. 13:12 IST:
3.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, Flatter, short and around leg, Glenn Phillips tries to heave it away but misses as the ball lobs up off his pads and rolls to short fine.13:11 IST:
3.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Shorter in length, on off, Tim Seifert pats it down to long on for a single.Score 25/2
BatsmanGlenn Phillips 4(4b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerAzmatullah Omarzai 1-0-11-0
13:10 IST:
2.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Glenn Phillips, Goes back to his fuller length, on middle, shaping in, Glenn Phillips fends it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.13:13 IST:
Sabyasachi says
NZ vs AFG: New Zealand need a partnership
After the early strikes, the responsibility squarely rests on Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips to steady the innings while ensuring the required run rate doesn’t spiral out of control.
Both batters were in fine touch during the series against India, and this is the moment for them to lean on that form.
Seifert’s fluency and Phillips’ power give New Zealand a fighting chance to absorb the pressure, rotate the strike smartly and pick up timely boundaries.
13:10 IST:
2.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Put away! Azmatullah Omarzai bangs this into the pitch but angling into the leg side. Glenn Phillips just helps it on its way behind square on the leg side for another boundary.13:09 IST:
2.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Glenn Phillips, WIDE! Fullish but down the leg again, Glenn Phillips tries to flick but misses. Rahmanullah Gurbaz grabs it behind the stumps and appeals but it is turned down. Wided again.13:08 IST:
2.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Tim Seifert, Fuller and on middle, angling in, Tim Seifert drills it wide of long on for a single. He wants the second run but is sent back.13:08 IST:
2.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Tim Seifert, Short of a length and on off, Tim Seifert dabs it down to point.13:07 IST:
2.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Tim Seifert, WIDE! Fuller but down the leg side, Tim Seifert fails to glance it away. Called a wide.13:06 IST:
2.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Tim Seifert, FOUR! Gets it away! Back of a length and on middle, angling in. Tim Seifert gets a bit cramped up but manages to heave it away to the deep square leg fence. The fielder from deep fine runs to his left and dives but fails to stop the boundary.13:06 IST:
2.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Tim Seifert, Fuller and on off, Tim Seifert drills it to mid off.13:07 IST:
Kingshuk says
NZ vs AFG: Mujeeb rocks Kiwis
Slight variations, good lines, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman has rocked the Kiwis in Chennai.
It is now going to be an uphill battle for the New Zealand side to chase this down. Remember this, Rashid Khan is yet to bowl in this game.
At the moment, it is crisis man Glenn Phillips, who has come into the crease.
13:05 IST:
Azmatullah Omarzai replaces Fazalhaq Farooqi in the attack. Score 14/2
BatsmanGlenn Phillips 0(2b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerMujeeb Ur Rahman 1-0-2-2
13:05 IST:
1.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, Bowls this flatter, short and just outside off, Glenn Phillips looks to cut it away but misses. Just 2 runs and 2 big wickets from the over, superb stuff from Mujeeb.13:04 IST:
1.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Phillips, Almost a hat-trick! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in. Glenn Phillips looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads. It lobs up but there is no short leg to grab it.13:04 IST:
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is on a hat-trick. A golden duck for Rachin and Glenn Phillips replaces him. 13:02 IST:
1.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Rachin Ravindra, OUT! TIMBER! Oh..wow. That is an absolute beauty, and no one can catch Mujeeb Ur Rahman as he is off running in celebration. This is the seam-up ball, full and on middle, just straightens a bit instead of angling in. Rachin Ravindra prods forward to defend but plays down the wrong line and gets hurried too. He leaves enough gap between bat and pad for the ball to go through and shatter the stumps. A golden duck for Rachin, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman is on a hat-trick now.13:01 IST:
Finn Allen is gone and Rachin Ravindra replaces him out in the middle. 13:00 IST:
1.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Finn Allen, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Mujeeb Ur Rahman draws first blood and gets rid of the dangerous Finn Allen. This is pushed through quicker, shortish and on middle, skids through and angles in a bit. Allen rocks back for the pull but this is not that short and he gets rushed, too. The ball goes through and rattles the stumps behind. Allen falls cheaply, and New Zealand are 14/1, chasing 183 runs.13:00 IST:
1.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tim Seifert, Floated, full and on middle and leg, angling in, Tim Seifert eases it to long on for a run.12:59 IST:
1.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Finn Allen, Mujeeb Ur Rahman begins with a flatter delivery, short and on middle, Finn Allen punches it to long on for a single.13:02 IST:
Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been handed the ball by Rashid Khan to bowl from the other end.Score 12/0
BatsmanTim Seifert 12(6b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerFazalhaq Farooqi 1-0-12-0
12:58 IST:
0.6: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, FOUR! No chance for Rashid Khan this time! Pitched up and around off, Tim Seifert backs away, stays leg side of the ball and thumps it to the left and well over mid off for four more runs. 12 runs from the first over.12:59 IST:
Sabyasachi says
ICC T20 World Cup Live: New Zealand make impressive start
Tim Seifert has been in red-hot form throughout the series against India, and he has wasted no time in carrying that momentum into the clash against Afghanistan.
The New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter looked sharp and assured at the crease, taking the attack to Fazalhaq Farooqi early on. His three crisp boundaries off Farooqi were a clear statement of intent.
12:57 IST:
0.5: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, Good length and on middle, nips back in, Tim Seifert gets cramped up and keeps it out on the pitch.12:56 IST:
0.4: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, FOUR MORE! Good shot! Short of a length and just around off. Tim Seifert uses the width on offer and cuts it away. He times it so well that the fielder at deep backward point has no chance of stopping that from going to the fence.12:56 IST:
0.3: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, FOUR! Just wide! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves this fuller and on off, Tim Seifert lofts it wide of mid off and just gets enough elevation on this one. Rashid Khan flings himself to his right and tries to grab it with his outstretched right hand but the ball evades him and races away to the fence for a boundary. The Kiwis are underway in the chase.12:55 IST:
0.2: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, Another yorker, on middle and off, Tim Seifert jams it out to the leg side.12:54 IST:
0.1: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim Seifert, Right on the money! Fazalhaq Farooqi starts with a yorker, on off, swinging in, Tim Seifert gets his bat down to dig it out.12:55 IST:
We are back for the chase! Rashid Khan is leading his Afghan troops out in the middle now. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are the two explosive openers for New Zealand. Fazalhaq Farooqi to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...12:52 IST:
... THE RUN CHASE ...12:50 IST:
Spin threat looms for the Kiwi chase - Rashid Khan will lead his side onto the field with plenty of confidence, knowing a total over 180 is a daunting target on a surface that has offered assistance to the bowlers. The Kiwis face an uphill battle against an Afghanistan squad renowned for its world-class spin department, which is expected to thrive on this deck, which is expected to get drier as the sun beats on it. New Zealand's top order will need to navigate the Powerplay flawlessly to minimize the risk-taking threat over the Afghan spin-twins. We will be back with the chase.12:50 IST:
Naib’s masterclass - Gulbadin Naib emerged as the protagonist of the Afghan innings, top-scoring with a commanding 63 to push the total toward competitive territory. Following Atal's departure, Darwish Rasooli maintained the scoring rate with a brisk cameo of 20, ensuring the platform wasn't wasted. While the New Zealand attack showed flashes of brilliance with Lockie Ferguson claiming two wickets and Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Rachin Ravindra picking up one apiece, they struggled to contain the scoring in the middle stage, allowing Afghanistan to finish on a formidable 182.12:49 IST:
Afghan openers stumble, middle order steady - Afghanistan have posted 182 for 6 thanks to a solid hand from Gulbadin Naib. The decision to bat first looked shaky early on as New Zealand's pace attack exploited the early movement. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran struggled to find their rhythm, leaving Afghanistan at a cautious 44/2 by the end of the Powerplay. However, the momentum shifted decisively when Gulbadin Naib was joined by Sediqullah Atal. The pair anchored the innings with a vital 79-run partnership for the third wicket, successfully weathering the storm and laying a resilient foundation for the back end of the innings.Score 182/6
BatsmanMohammad Nabi 10(7b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerLockie Ferguson 4-0-40-2
12:42 IST:
19.6: Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Nabi, OUT! OMARZAI IS RUN OUT! Lockie Ferguson hits the length hard and outside off, Mohammad Nabi punches it towards sweeper cover and turns around for the second run, which they had to as this is the last ball of the innings. James Neesham is quick to collect the ball and throws it at the bowler's end, where Ferguson grabs it and breaks the stumps, with Azmatullah Omarzai trying to drag his bat inside the crease. The smart replays confirm that he is short of his crease. Afghanistan finish on 182/6!12:44 IST:
Sabyasachi says
NZ vs AFG: Naib lifts Afghanistan to 182
Afghanistan have posted a competitive 182 for six at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Gulbadin Naib, one of their most experienced batters, led the charge with a fluent 63. He began cautiously but shifted gears once set, anchoring the innings expertly.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Atal, and Rasooli chipped in with scores in the 20s, providing Gulbadin with solid support. The challenge now shifts to the Black Caps batters, who must negotiate Afghanistan’s spin attack if they are to avoid a repeat of 2024, when the Afghans registered a thumping 84-run victory.
12:40 IST:
19.5: Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Nabi, Excellent bowling! A bouncer now, on off, takes pace off again. Mohammad Nabi swings for the hills, but goes through it decades early and misses it.12:39 IST:
19.4: Lockie Ferguson to Azmatullah Omarzai, Lockie Ferguson comes around the wicket, bowls this full and on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai has a hoick across the line but goes through it early due to the lack of pace. It deflects off his pads towards point. A leg bye taken.12:39 IST:
19.3: Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Nabi, Hard length and around off, Mohammad Nabi slaps it wide of mid off for a single.12:38 IST:
19.2: Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Nabi, A slower wide yorker, outside off, Mohammad Nabi leaves it thinking it will be a wide, but it is inside the guideline.12:37 IST:
19.1: Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! Mohammad Nabi gets into the act now! Lockie Ferguson misses the yorker, serves this full, on middle and leg. Nabi gets his front leg out of the way and smokes it over the wide long on fence for another biggie.13:01 IST:
Will it be the spin of Rachin Ravindra to finish or the pace of Lockie Ferguson? Mitchell Santner has asked his front-line pacer, Lockie Ferguson, to end this inning with the ball. New Zealand's highest successful run chase in T20 World Cup is 167. Score 173/5
BatsmanAzmatullah Omarzai 14(6b 0*4 2*6)
BowlerMatt Henry 4-0-27-1
12:36 IST:
18.6: Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! That is a shot and a half! Matt Henry goes short and just outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai backs away, uses the width on offer and muscles it over the deep extra cover fence for a biggie. 12:39 IST:
Sabyasachi says
ICC T20 World Cup Live: Afghans look for final flurry
With one over left, Afghanistan will be eyeing a push beyond the 180-run mark. Azmatullah Omarzai has the power to clear the ropes, and if memories of Mohammad Nabi’s brutal assault on Dunith Wellalage in last year’s Asia Cup against Sri Lanka are anything to go by, the Afghans are more than capable of delivering the knockout punch here.
12:36 IST:
18.5: Matt Henry to Mohammad Nabi, Uppish but safe! Fuller delivery, outside off, takes pace off. Mohammad Nabi backs away and just throws his hands at it. He ends up spooning it in the air but it lands safely in the vacant point region. They cross.12:35 IST:
18.4: Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for a run.12:34 IST:
18.3: Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, Bangs in a slower bouncer, on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai winds up for the pull but leaves it in the end. He has a look at the square leg umpire, who only signals one for the over.12:33 IST:
18.2: Matt Henry to Mohammad Nabi, Fuller and on middle, angling in, Mohammad Nabi tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.12:32 IST:
Mohammad Nabi walks out to replace Darwish Rasooli in the 19th over. 12:31 IST:
18.1: Matt Henry to Darwish Rasooli, OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Matt Henry strikes now, and this is exactly what New Zealand wanted at this time. This is short of a length and around middle, Darwish Rasooli looks to take it on and goes for the pull. However, the ball just gets big on him and he fails to get the elevation. It flies flat and straight to deep mid-wicket, where Glenn Phillips takes a good catch. Rasooli walks back for a quick 20 off 13, and the Afghans lose half their side now.Score 164/4
BatsmanAzmatullah Omarzai 7(3b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerRachin Ravindra 1-0-14-1
12:30 IST:
17.6: Rachin Ravindra to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Clean strike! Rachin Ravindra bowls this a bit quicker and shorter, on off. Azmatullah Omarzai stands tall and dispatches it with a flat-bat over the long off fence for another biggie. So, 14 runs and a wicket from Rachin's over.12:30 IST:
17.5: Rachin Ravindra to Azmatullah Omarzai, Slower through the air, full and outside off, turns further away. Azmatullah Omarzai leaves it alone. He looks at the umpire but gets nothing.12:29 IST:
17.4: Rachin Ravindra to Darwish Rasooli, Flighted, full and on middle, Darwish Rasooli swipes it to deep square leg for a run.12:29 IST:
17.3: Rachin Ravindra to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it to sweeper cover for a single.12:27 IST:
17.2: Rachin Ravindra to Gulbadin Naib, OUT! TAKEN! Rachin Ravindra has the last laugh, and the gamble has paid off for Mitchell Santner. Rachin drags his length back slightly, floats it up outside off. Gulbadin Naib goes down for the slog sweep but has to reach out for it a bit. He does not get hold of it as the ball takes the top edge and goes high in the air. Tim Seifert, the keeper, calls for it, moves forward and pouches it safely into his gloves. Naib departs for a fantastic 63 off 35, and Afghanistan are 156/4. Over to Azmatullah Omarzai to provide the finishing touches. 12:26 IST:
17.1: Rachin Ravindra to Gulbadin Naib, SIX! BOOM! Rachin Ravindra gets greeted with a huge hit. He tosses it up, full and around middle. Gulbadin Naib clears his front leg away and tonks it right over the bowler's head for half a dozen. Naib moves to 63, his highest T20I career score.12:28 IST:
Interesting ploy from Mitchell Santner. Rachin Ravindra has been called into action in the 18th over. Score 150/3
BatsmanDarwish Rasooli 19(11b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerLockie Ferguson 3-0-32-2
12:24 IST:
16.6: Lockie Ferguson to Darwish Rasooli, FOUR! The extra ball costs Lockie Ferguson here! He goes fuller and around off, pace on this time. Darwish Rasooli backs away and extends his arms to reach out for it. He crouches a bit low and carves it over extra covers for a boundary. Holds the pose for the cameras as well. That also brings up the 150 for Afghanistan!12:24 IST:
16.6: Lockie Ferguson to Darwish Rasooli, WIDE! Tries the slower one, but spills this full and down the leg side, Darwish Rasooli fails to flick it away. Wided.12:23 IST:
16.5: Lockie Ferguson to Gulbadin Naib, Pitched up and on middle, Gulbadin Naib lofts it to long on for one.12:22 IST:
16.4: Lockie Ferguson to Darwish Rasooli, Fuller and around off, Darwish Rasooli pushes it through covers for a single.12:25 IST:
16.3: Lockie Ferguson to Darwish Rasooli, Nails the yorker, on middle, Darwish Rasooli jams it wide of the bowler. Lockie Ferguson on his follow-through dives to his left and makes a half-stop. He sees Rasooli out of his crease, and has a shy but misses. It would have been interesting if that hit the stumps.12:21 IST:
16.2: Lockie Ferguson to Darwish Rasooli, SIX! Wow..that is massive! Lockie Ferguson bangs this into the pitch, on middle and leg. It looks like Darwish Rasooli wants to duck but goes through with the pull shot while ducking. He connects it right from the middle and the ball sails over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.12:22 IST:
16.1: Lockie Ferguson to Darwish Rasooli, Buzzers! Hard length and on middle, angling in. Darwish Rasooli backs away and lifts it off the toe-end towards long on for a single. The throw from the deep hits the stumps at the bowler's end and deflects away, allowing the batters to get an extra run.Score 135/3
BatsmanDarwish Rasooli 6(6b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerMitchell Santner 4-0-23-0
12:19 IST:
15.6: Mitchell Santner to Darwish Rasooli, Pushed through quicker, shortish and on middle, Darwish Rasooli forces it down to long off for one more. Mitchell Santner goes wicketless but concedes just 23 runs in his 4 overs. Very tidy from the Kiwi skipper.12:26 IST:
Sabyasachi says
NZ vs AFG: Naib key for Afghans
Gulbadin Naib is the key for Afghanistan in the final three overs. Batting on a half-century, he can push them beyond 180 if he stays till the end. New Zealand cannot afford to sit back at this stage.
12:19 IST:
15.5: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Flighted, full and on off, Gulbadin Naib drills it to long off for one.12:18 IST:
15.4: Mitchell Santner to Darwish Rasooli, Shorter in length once more, on off, Darwish Rasooli backs away and cuts it through cover-point for another run.12:18 IST:
15.3: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Dragged back and around off, Gulbadin Naib slaps it to sweeper cover for a run.12:17 IST:
15.2: Mitchell Santner to Darwish Rasooli, Short again and on off, Darwish Rasooli punches it towards long off for a single.12:17 IST:
15.1: Mitchell Santner to Darwish Rasooli, Floated, short and well outside off, Darwish Rasooli backs away and leaves it but this goes inside the tramline.Score 130/3
BatsmanGulbadin Naib 54(30b 3*4 3*6)
BowlerJacob Duffy 3-0-30-1
12:16 IST:
14.6: Jacob Duffy to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR! Naib gets lucky but he wouldn't mind it one bit. Short and on off, Gulbadin Naib looks to pull this flat through square leg but gets it edged over the keeper for a boundary behind the stumps. 15 runs plus a wicket from the over. 12:15 IST:
14.5: Jacob Duffy to Darwish Rasooli, Short and on middle and leg, Darwish Rasooli hooks this to deep backward square leg for one.12:15 IST:
14.4: Jacob Duffy to Darwish Rasooli, On a length around middle and leg, Darwish Rasooli flicks this through the mid-wicket region and scampers back for two.12:15 IST:
A crucial breakthrough for New Zealand. Darwish Rasooli is the next man in.12:13 IST:
14.3: Jacob Duffy to Sediqullah Atal, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Sediqullah Atal departs after playing a good hand of 29 off 24 balls. Slower one, short and around off, Sediqullah Atal winds up for the pull but has to wait due to the lack of pace. He does not go through his shot fully and gets a top edge behind towards the keeper. Tim Seifert takes a couple of steps backwards and holds onto it. The 79-run stand off 51 balls has been broken now.12:12 IST:
14.2: Jacob Duffy to Gulbadin Naib, FIFTY FOR NAIB! Good length on middle and off, Gulbadin Naib pushes this through covers for a single to bring up his half-century, off 29 balls. A promotion that has worked for the Afghans, and this has been a great knock, too, when his team needed it.12:12 IST:
14.2: Jacob Duffy to Gulbadin Naib, WIDE! On a length wide outside off. Wided.12:11 IST:
14.1: Jacob Duffy to Gulbadin Naib, SIX! This has been smashed over the ropes for a biggie by Naib. Back of a length around off, Gulbadin Naib stands and smashes this over the long on fence for a huge six. Moves to 49.12:13 IST:
DRINKS! Afghanistan have recovered well after losing their openers. This stand between Sediqullah Atal and Gulbadin Naib, which is worth 71 runs now, has set up a good platform for the Afghans to launch in the remaining six overs. New Zealand have done well, but that 18-run over from James Neesham has shifted the momentum a bit, and the Kiwis will be looking for a breakthrough here to snatch back control of this game. Also, Jacob Duffy is to bowl after the break.Score 115/2
BatsmanGulbadin Naib 43(27b 2*4 2*6)
BowlerMitchell Santner 3-0-18-0
12:08 IST:
13.6: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Fired into the batter, Gulbadin Naib goes deep inside the crease and works this through mid on for one.12:07 IST:
13.5: Mitchell Santner to Sediqullah Atal, Fired on off, Sediqullah Atal punches this down the ground to long off for a run. 12:07 IST:
13.4: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Flighted wide outside off, Gulbadin Naib chips this to sweeper cover for one. 12:07 IST:
13.3: Mitchell Santner to Sediqullah Atal, Pushed through on the pads, Sediqullah Atal smashes this to long on for a single. 12:06 IST:
13.2: Mitchell Santner to Sediqullah Atal, Much slower around middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal looks for the sweep but gets it away off the inside edge to short fine leg. 12:06 IST:
13.1: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Pushed through wide of off, Gulbadin Naib drives this down to long off for a run.Score 110/2
BatsmanGulbadin Naib 40(24b 2*4 2*6)
BowlerJames Neesham 3-0-33-0
12:04 IST:
12.6: James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, A touch fuller, on middle and off, Gulbadin Naib tucks this through mid-wicket for a run. 18 runs off this Neesham over.12:04 IST:
12.5: James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, SIX! Even better this time from Naib. On a length around middle and leg, Gulbadin Naib plants his front foot across and slogs this out of the park towards the deep mid-wicket region for a huge six. 12:03 IST:
12.4: James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR! Boundaries are coming thick and fast again. Slower one, full and wide down the leg, Gulbadin Naib steps across and hits this behind the fielder at short fine leg for a boundary. 100 up for the Afghans! 12:02 IST:
12.3: James Neesham to Sediqullah Atal, Short and on off, Sediqullah Atal cuts this to deep point for a single. 12:02 IST:
12.2: James Neesham to Sediqullah Atal, Hard length on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal tucks this through mid-wicket and takes two.12:01 IST:
12.1: James Neesham to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Sensational stroke from Atal. Good length on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal backs away from the stumps, steps down as well and smashes this over the bowler for a boundary in front of the sight screen. That also brings up the 50-RUN STAND between these two batters.12:01 IST:
James Neesham comes back into the attack. He has conceded 15 runs in his first couple of overs.Score 92/2
BatsmanGulbadin Naib 29(21b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerLockie Ferguson 2-0-17-2
12:00 IST:
11.6: Lockie Ferguson to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length around off, Gulbadin Naib miscues the pull off the cue end and it rolls to the left of long on. The batters hustle back for two. 11:59 IST:
11.5: Lockie Ferguson to Sediqullah Atal, On a length around the pads, Atal flicks this to the right of Jacob Duffy at short fine and takes a single. 12:03 IST:
Kingshuk says
AFG batters unable to figure out Lockie Ferguson
Afghanistan batters are just trying to hack Lockie Ferguson. However, the fast bowler has not given the batters much space and is effectively using his variation - the leg cutter.
It has been 12 overs, and Afghanistan have not yet crossed the total of 100 runs.
11:59 IST:
11.4: Lockie Ferguson to Gulbadin Naib, Hard length on the pads, Gulbadin Naib dabs this to the right of short fine leg and rotates the strike again.11:57 IST:
11.3: Lockie Ferguson to Sediqullah Atal, Back of a length around the pads, Sediqullah Atal works this through the short fine leg region for one.11:57 IST:
11.2: Lockie Ferguson to Sediqullah Atal, On a length around middle and off, Sediqullah Atal nudges this through mid-wicket and runs a couple. 11:56 IST:
11.1: Lockie Ferguson to Gulbadin Naib, Good length around middle and off, Gulbadin Naib nudges this through square leg for one.11:56 IST:
Pace is back on as Lockie Ferguson (1-0-9-2) replaces Mitchell Santner.Score 84/2
BatsmanGulbadin Naib 25(18b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerGlenn Phillips 1-0-12-0
11:55 IST:
10.6: Glenn Phillips to Gulbadin Naib, Glenn Phillips drags his length back and fires this around the pads of Naib. The batter tucks this through square leg for a run. 11:54 IST:
10.5: Glenn Phillips to Gulbadin Naib, SIX! That has been smashed out of the park. Fuller around middle and leg, Gulbadin Naib gets down on a knee and slogs this over the fence towards the cow corner region for a biggie. 11:53 IST:
10.4: Glenn Phillips to Sediqullah Atal, Fired on the pads, Sediqullah Atal flicks this through mid-wicket for a strike rotation. 11:53 IST:
10.4: Glenn Phillips to Sediqullah Atal, WIDE! Darted down the leg. Sediqullah Atal looks for the sweep and misses. Atal loses his balance for a second but does well to drag his back foot back inside the crease in time. 11:52 IST:
10.3: Glenn Phillips to Gulbadin Naib, A lot quicker and flatter around off, Gulbadin Naib uses his feet, jumps down the track and milks this through square leg for a single. 11:52 IST:
10.2: Glenn Phillips to Sediqullah Atal, Floated around off, Sediqullah Atal punches this down to long off and rotates the strike.11:51 IST:
10.1: Glenn Phillips to Gulbadin Naib, Fired into the batter, around his pads. Gulbadin Naib flicks this through mid-wicket for a run.Score 72/2
BatsmanGulbadin Naib 16(14b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerMitchell Santner 2-0-13-0
11:50 IST:
9.6: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Gives this one some more flight, full and on middle, Gulbadin Naib clips it to deep square leg for one more.11:53 IST:
Kingshuk says
ICC T20 World Cup Live: NZ apply spin choke
The two wickets in the final over of the powerplay has broken Afghanistan's momentum. NZ are set to bring in spinners from both ends as they look to restrict Afghanistan below a 150-run total in this day game.
11:50 IST:
9.5: Mitchell Santner to Sediqullah Atal, Dragged back, on middle, turns in, Sediqullah Atal stays back and works it through square leg for one.11:49 IST:
9.4: Mitchell Santner to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Flighted, full and on middle. Sediqullah Atal skips down the track to get to the pitch of it and thumps it over the bowler's head for a boundary.11:48 IST:
9.3: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, A loopy full toss, on off. Gulbadin Naib waits for it and swats it on the bounce to long on for a single.11:48 IST:
9.2: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Floated, full and on off, angling in, Gulbadin Naib looks to push it away but gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket.11:48 IST:
9.1: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Tossed up, full and around off, Gulbadin Naib strides out and drives it through covers for a brace.Score 63/2
BatsmanSediqullah Atal 9(10b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerJames Neesham 2-0-15-0
11:47 IST:
8.6: James Neesham to Sediqullah Atal, Sloppy! Good length and on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal flicks it away towards deep square leg and calls for the second. Mark Chapman charges onto the ball but fails to pick it up, and the batters complete the double easily.11:46 IST:
8.6: James Neesham to Sediqullah Atal, WIDE! Errs in line and serves this full but down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal fails to glance it away. Called a wide.11:45 IST:
8.5: James Neesham to Sediqullah Atal, Short of a length and on off, Sediqullah Atal stays back and dabs it down towards backward point. He wants a run but there isn't any available on this occasion.11:44 IST:
8.4: James Neesham to Sediqullah Atal, Back of a length and around leg, Sediqullah Atal tucks it off his hips through backward square leg for a couple of runs.11:44 IST:
8.3: James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Hard length and on off, angling in. Gulbadin Naib steps across but has no room to work with and stabs it down past the bowler towards long on. They cross.11:43 IST:
8.2: James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR! Up and over! James Neesham goes a bit too full this time and on off. Gulbadin Naib extends his arms to get under it and lofts it over the mid off fielder for a boundary.11:43 IST:
8.1: James Neesham to Sediqullah Atal, On a length and around off, Sediqullah Atal guides it through cover-point for a single.11:45 IST:
Kingshuk says
NZ vs AFG: Live Updates
James Neesham, who was even recently playing the Nepal Cricket League has come on to bowl.
It will be interesting to see how the veteran holds his own in the T20 World Cup here.
Score 52/2
BatsmanSediqullah Atal 4(6b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerMitchell Santner 1-0-4-0
11:41 IST:
7.6: Mitchell Santner to Sediqullah Atal, Flighted, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal uses his feet and drives it to long off for one more.11:41 IST:
7.5: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Arm ball, full and on middle, angling in, Gulbadin Naib works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for one. That also brings up 1000 T20I runs for Naib.11:40 IST:
7.4: Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Slows it up, full and around off, Gulbadin Naib presses forward and taps it to short cover.11:40 IST:
7.3: Mitchell Santner to Sediqullah Atal, Drops it short and on middle, Sediqullah Atal pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 50 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN!11:40 IST:
7.2: Mitchell Santner to Sediqullah Atal, Tossed up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal tucks it to short mid-wicket.11:39 IST:
7.2: Mitchell Santner to Sediqullah Atal, WIDE! Flatter, short but way down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal lets it go. Wided.11:39 IST:
7.1: Mitchell Santner to Sediqullah Atal, Oh..a bit of turn! Floated, full and on middle, turns in a bit. Sediqullah Atal looks to work it across the line but gets a leading edge along the ground towards backward point.11:39 IST:
Time for some spin as the skipper, Mitchell Santner, introduces himself into the attack. Score 48/2
BatsmanGulbadin Naib 6(6b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerJames Neesham 1-0-4-0
11:38 IST:
6.6: James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Beaten! James Neesham hits the length hard and on the sixth stump line, gets it to shape away a shy bit. Gulbadin Naib pushes at it with hard hands but gets beaten on the outside edge.11:37 IST:
6.5: James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length and around off, Gulbadin Naib dabs it down to point.11:36 IST:
6.4: James Neesham to Sediqullah Atal, Good length and around leg, Sediqullah Atal nudges it through square leg for one.11:36 IST:
6.3: James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Sticks to the fuller length, on middle, Gulbadin Naib flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for another run.11:35 IST:
6.2: James Neesham to Sediqullah Atal, Pitched up and around off, Sediqullah Atal steers it away towards deep point for a run.11:34 IST:
6.1: James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller delivery, on off, Gulbadin Naib guides it to deep third for a single.11:43 IST:
Sediqullah Atal is the next batter out in the middle. Powerplay ends with Afghanistan scoring 44 for 2. New Zealand would feel they have had the better of their opponents in that period. Both openers are back in the dugout and NZ now stands a chance to control the middle phase of the contest and gain the upper hand over Afghanistan.Score 44/2
BatsmanRahmanullah Gurbaz 27(22b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerLockie Ferguson 1-0-9-2
11:33 IST:
5.6: Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Excellent change of pace from Lockie Ferguson, and he ends the over with a wicket as well. Ferguson bowls this on a good length and on off, rolls his fingers to take the pace off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets drawn forward early to block it, but the ball holds up in the surface and nips in as well. It takes the inside edge, deflects onto the pads and then rattles the stumps. Gurbaz departs for 27 off 22, and both the Afghan openers are gone now at the end of the Powerplay. 11:33 IST:
5.5: Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Fine shot! Lockie Ferguson looks for the yorker, but just misses it, on middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz backs away to access the off side and smacks it through covers for a boundary.11:31 IST:
5.4: Lockie Ferguson to Gulbadin Naib, Short of a length and on middle, angling into the body of the batter. Gulbadin Naib gets rushed on his pull shot and mistimes it through square leg for a run.11:35 IST:
5.3: Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full again and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz knocks it towards wide mid on for a single.11:30 IST:
5.2: Lockie Ferguson to Gulbadin Naib, Gets off the mark! Much fuller delivery, outside off, Gulbadin Naib opens the face of his bat and squeezes it through point for three runs.11:32 IST:
Kingshuk Says
NZ vs AFG Live: First wicket for New Zealand
A simple catch by the lofty standards of Glenn Phillips, and that brings the first wicket for New Zealand.
Ibrahim Zadran got it short and wide but failed to capitalise on the ball.
New Zealand have gone short and back of the length to AFG batters so far. This is a new Chennai surface, one that has been relaid, so no one quite knows how this pitch is going to react.
11:28 IST:
Gulbadin Naib has been promoted as he walks out to join Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the middle. 11:30 IST:
5.1: Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! Lockie Ferguson comes into the attack and strikes right away. He bangs this hard into the pitch, but outside off. Ibrahim Zadran sees this as a scoring opportunity and throws his hands at it. However, he just fails to handle the extra bounce and ends up hitting it straight to backward point, where Glenn Phillips gobbles it up easily. Zadran walks back for 10 off 12, and Afghanistan are 35/1.Score 35/0
BatsmanRahmanullah Gurbaz 22(19b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerMatt Henry 3-0-18-0
11:25 IST:
4.6: Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short and into the batter, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes for a pull but gets late and ends up splicing it to the left of the bowler. 11:24 IST:
4.5: Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good length on middle and off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashes this towards deep mid-wicket for a couple. 11:24 IST:
4.4: Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips this just behind the bowler for a dot. 11:26 IST:
Kingshuk Says
T20 World Cup Live: NZ burn a review
New Zealand have been uncharacteristically sloppy today. They dropped a catch, albeit a tough one and now have burned a review.
There is decent bounce on the Chennai pitch and teams have to be careful while reviewing the decisions today.
Meanwhile, here is the missed catch:
11:24 IST:
4.3: Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, NOT OUT! Hard length on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play across the line but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad of the back foot. The ball rolls to point and they sneak a leg bye. Finn Allen tries to catch Zadran off guard with a throw towards the non-striker's end but misses. This is the second instance when Finn Allen has opted to throw underarm. Maybe he is nursing that shoulder injury he suffered in the T20I against India. Mitchell Santner opted to send this upstairs for DRS. Ball Tracker shows that the ball would have missed the stumps. New Zealand lose a review. 11:23 IST:
Is that out? There is an appeal for LBW, but not given by the umpire. New Zealand have taken the review here. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows the ball to be going over the stumps. The Kiwis lose a review early.11:20 IST:
4.2: Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length around middle and off, Ibrahim Zadran clips this to deep square leg for a brace here.11:20 IST:
4.1: Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Even Zadran joins the party. Full and angling into the leg side, Ibrahim Zadran stays leg side to the pitch of the ball and flicks this through the mid-wicket region for a boundary. 11:19 IST:
Will we see a bowling change? No, Matt Henry to bowl his third over on the trot.Score 26/0
BatsmanRahmanullah Gurbaz 20(16b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerJacob Duffy 2-0-15-0
11:18 IST:
3.6: Jacob Duffy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! All it took was one biggie from Gurbaz to make him cut loose. Short and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls this through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.11:18 IST:
3.5: Jacob Duffy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! First biggie of the contest and it comes off the bat of Gurbaz. On a length around middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across the stumps and plays the scoop perfectly. The ball sails over the fence towards the fine leg region for a huge six. 11:17 IST:
3.4: Jacob Duffy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz thumps this to covers for no run.11:16 IST:
3.4: Jacob Duffy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, WIDE! Good length, down the leg. Wided.11:15 IST:
3.3: Jacob Duffy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, wide of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to play the upper cut but misses. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is seemingly getting frustrated. 11:15 IST:
3.2: Jacob Duffy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Cutter, into the deck, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scuffs the punch off his under edge.11:15 IST:
3.1: Jacob Duffy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length around the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets it tickled to short fine for a dot.11:18 IST:
This has been a quiet start from Afghanistan, according to their standards. We are 3 overs in, but have not seen a single boundary, and it could have been worse had New Zealand managed to hold on to the catch in the previous over.Score 15/0
BatsmanIbrahim Zadran 4(8b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerMatt Henry 2-0-10-0
11:13 IST:
2.6: Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks this off his back foot.11:13 IST:
2.5: Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, DROPPED! Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets a life as Finn Allen drops a difficult chance. Good length around off, shaping away from the batter. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shimmies down the track and has a blind swing at it. Gets it top-edged behind the keeper. Finn Allen from short fine leg, the keeper and Daryl Mitchell from first slip chase this but Finn Allen ends up calling for it and then dropping it. Three runs taken. 11:17 IST:
Debodinna says
NZ vs AFG: Why was no one calling the catch?
This is absolutely below-par stuff from New Zealand.
It should’ve been the big early breakthrough for the Black Caps, a Gurbaz dismissal served up on a plate inside the powerplay.
Instead, three fielders converged… and not one of them made the call. They’re left looking at each other with those awkward, disappointed grins.
Tim Seifert will take plenty of heat with the gloves on, but surely someone else could’ve just shouted and claimed it. Basic communication, completely missing.
11:12 IST:
2.4: Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short and shaping it away from the batter towards his off-stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across and goes for the pull but misses yet again. 11:12 IST:
2.3: Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Short and around leg, Ibrahim Zadran fends this through Finn Allen at short fine leg. A misfield from Allen and the batters cross for one.11:11 IST:
2.2: Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Around that nagging length, on top of off. Ibrahim Zadran punches this off his front foot to mid on.11:10 IST:
2.1: Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz cuts this to deep third for a single. Score 10/0
BatsmanRahmanullah Gurbaz 6(7b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerJacob Duffy 1-0-4-0
11:09 IST:
1.6: Jacob Duffy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good length on the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz steps inside the line and nudges this through square leg for a run to end the over. 11:08 IST:
1.5: Jacob Duffy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short again, much wide of the off-stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across and looks to pull this but misses out.11:08 IST:
1.4: Jacob Duffy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dabs this behind square on off side.11:07 IST:
1.3: Jacob Duffy to Ibrahim Zadran, Short and on off, Ibrahim Zadran hops up on his toes and dabs this to the left of Finn Allen at short third. Allen does well to field this with a dive to that side and keep it down to one. 11:06 IST:
1.2: Jacob Duffy to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length around the pads, Ibrahim Zadran flicks this through the square leg region and by the time the deep square leg fielder cuts it off, the batters take two.11:06 IST:
1.1: Jacob Duffy to Ibrahim Zadran, Hard length, around middle and off, Ibrahim Zadran keeps it out.11:06 IST:
Jacob Duffy will share the attack.Score 6/0
BatsmanRahmanullah Gurbaz 5(4b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerMatt Henry 1-0-5-0
11:05 IST:
0.6: Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short and around leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it expecting a wide but the umpire calls it a fair one.11:04 IST:
0.5: Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lofts this behind mid off for a brace.11:03 IST:
0.4: Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gurbaz on the charge. Good length, wide of off, shaping away from the batter. Rahmanullah Gurbaz runs down and away and sliced this behind cover-point for a couple of runs. 11:03 IST:
0.3: Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, LEG BYE! Good length, going down the leg, Ibrahim Zadran misses out on the flick and the ball has clipped off his pads towards square leg for a leg bye.11:02 IST:
0.2: Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Pace off, back of a length, going down the leg. Ibrahim Zadran looks to dab this through square leg but misses and gets hit away off his pads. The ball pops up and rolls behind but past the stumps.11:01 IST:
0.1: Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A single to get us underway. Good length, in line with the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz presses in front and tucks this towards square leg for a run to open his account.11:01 IST:
Done with the pre-match formalities! The sun is shining brightly here in Chepauk. We can see the Kiwi players spread out from the huddle and take up the fielding positions. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are the two openers for Afghanistan. Matt Henry has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. A slip in place. Let's play...10:54 IST:
It is now time for the national anthems as Rashid Khan and Mitchell Santner lead their respective teams out to the middle, with Afghanistan's anthem coming first before New Zealand's follows.10:47 IST:
The captain of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner says that they were thinking about bowling first but were not sure. Adds that there is a bit of grass on the wicket, which is unlike Chennai. Mentions that they have had a hectic schedule travelling all around the country for the series against India. Says that they were struggling a bit with some niggles here and there but everyone is up and running which is good. Informs that Ish Sodhi, Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell, and Kyle Jamieson miss out.10:38 IST:
The skipper of Afghanistan - Rashid Khan plans to bat first, citing the fresh wicket as a factor, aiming to put runs on the board before spinners come into play in the second innings. He adds that the players have gained global exposure in recent years, so they won't feel the conditions are alien. Rashid also believes the pitch will suit pacers if they hit the right lengths.10:37 IST:
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.10:36 IST:
Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.10:34 IST:
TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Rashid Khan and Afghanistan elect to BAT first.