Seifert, Phillips power NZ win over Afghanis: T20 World Cup No 4 (Chennai)

New Zealand chased down a competitive total set by Afghanistan to register a 5-wicket victory.

Afghanistan batted first and posted 182/6 in 20 overs, with Gulbadin Naib scoring a quick 63 to anchor their innings. The target of 183 looked challenging on a Chennai surface that offered value to both batters and bowlers.

In reply, New Zealand paced their chase well and reached 183/5 in 17.5 overs, finishing with 13 balls to spare. Tim Seifert led the Kiwi effort with a solid 65 off 42 balls, supported by a useful 42 from Glenn Phillips, helping their side overcome Afghanistan’s spin attack and start their tournament campaign with a crushing win.

New Zealand 183 for 5 (Seifert 65, Phillips 42, Mitchell 25*, Mujeeb 2-31) beat Afghanistan182 for 6 (Naib 63, Ferguson 2-40) by five wickets.

Feb 2026