New Zealand delivered a statement performance in their opening match of the T20 World Cup, passing Afghanistan’s stern spin examination with a calm and calculated five-wicket victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
Chasing a challenging target of 183, the Black Caps showed composure and clarity, absorbing pressure from Afghanistan’s world-class spinners before accelerating to seal the chase with 13 balls to spare. The win also marked New Zealand’s highest successful run chase in men’s T20 World Cup history, eclipsing their previous best of 167 against England in the 2021 semi-final.
The result was particularly significant given recent history. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan had stunned New Zealand with an 84-run victory, bowling them out for just 75. This time, however, the Kiwis rewrote the script with maturity and tactical awareness.
Afghanistan, after opting to bat, struggled initially as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran took time to find rhythm. Gurbaz survived an early scare on seven after a miscommunication in the New Zealand field, but Lockie Ferguson soon turned the tide. The pacer struck with his first delivery to remove Gurbaz for 27 and followed it up by dismissing Zadran for 10.
Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal then rebuilt the innings with a vital 79-run stand for the third wicket. While Atal played a supporting role, Naib grew in confidence and aggression, eventually reaching a fluent half-century off just 29 balls. His authoritative 63 off 35 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes, formed the backbone of Afghanistan’s total of 182 for six. Contributions from Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Darwish Rasooli ensured the total was competitive.
New Zealand’s reply began aggressively, with Tim Seifert taking Fazalhaq Farooqi apart in the opening over. Afghanistan hit back immediately through Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who removed Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra in quick succession to apply early pressure.
Seifert, however, remained unflustered. Alongside Glenn Phillips, he steadied the innings and ensured New Zealand reached 52 by the end of the powerplay. Seifert then assumed the anchor’s role, much like Naib earlier, compiling a well-judged half-century off 39 balls and sharing a crucial 74-run partnership with Phillips.
Rashid Khan briefly revived Afghanistan’s hopes by dismissing Phillips, who struck 42 off 25 balls, and Mohammad Nabi soon followed with another breakthrough. But by then, the damage was done. Seifert’s composed 65 off 42 had laid a solid foundation, leaving New Zealand firmly in control.
Late cameos from Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner ensured there were no further stumbles as the Black Caps crossed the line in 17.5 overs.
The victory not only handed New Zealand a confident start to their campaign but also showcased their growing ability to neutralise elite spin attacks on challenging subcontinental surfaces.
