Afghanistan vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026
Introduction
In a thrilling Group D clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand clinched a 22-run victory over Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. After Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 182/6, New Zealand responded with a disciplined batting effort to finish 160/5 in 16.4 overs, restricting the hosts from achieving the required run rate in a rain-shortened chase. The result marked a vital win for the Kiwis as they solidify their position in Group D.
Match Overview
- Match: Afghanistan vs New Zealand
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Stage: 4th Match, Group D
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India
- Result: New Zealand won by 22 runs
- Date: 8 February 2026
- Toss: Afghanistan won toss and elected to bat first
This win gives New Zealand a strong start in their group campaign, demonstrating their ability to chase effectively and handle spin and batting conditions in the subcontinent.
Also read – India Beats USA: Match Summary & Anlysis
Playing XI
Afghanistan
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Gulbadin Naib
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Ziaur Rahman Sharifi
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
New Zealand
- Finn Allen
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- James Neesham
- Matt Henry
- Lockie Ferguson
- Jacob Duffy
Pitch Report & Conditions
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai offered a balanced surface with enough bounce for batters and subtle assistance for spinners later in the innings. Teams winning the toss preferred batting first, looking to capitalize on early conditions before spin and pressure made run chases more challenging in the middle overs.
Scorecard
Afghanistan Innings – 182/6 (20 overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 27 | 22 | 2 | 1 | b Ferguson |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 10 | 12 | 1 | 0 | c Phillips b Duffy |
| Sediqullah Atal | 29 | 24 | 2 | 0 | c Seifert b Duffy |
| Gulbadin Naib | 63 | 35 | 3 | 4 | c Seifert b Ravindra |
| Darwish Rasooli | 20 | 13 | 1 | 1 | c Phillips b Henry |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 14 | 7 | 0 | 2 | run out |
| Mohammad Nabi | 10 | 7 | 0 | 1 | not out |
| Extras | 9 | ||||
| Total | 182/6 | 20.0 overs | |||
| Afghanistan’s total was built on a powerful 63 from Gulbadin Naib amid useful contributions down the order. |
New Zealand Innings – 160/5 (16.4 overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Seifert (wk) | 65 | 42 | 7 | 3 | c Azmatullah b Nabi |
| Finn Allen | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | b Mujeeb |
| Rachin Ravindra | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | b Mujeeb |
| Glenn Phillips | 42 | 25 | 7 | 1 | b Rashid Khan |
| Mark Chapman | 28 | 17 | 2 | 1 | c Rashid Khan b Omarzai |
| Daryl Mitchell | 17 | 11 | 1 | 0 | not out |
| Mitchell Santner (c) | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | not out |
| Extras | 5 | ||||
| Total | 160/5 | 16.4 overs | |||
| New Zealand chased aggressively but ran out of overs in the shortened chase. |
Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | 2.0 | 25 | 0 | 12.50 |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | 4.0 | 31 | 2 | 7.80 |
| Rashid Khan | 4.0 | 36 | 1 | 9.00 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 3.1 | 28 | 1 | 8.80 |
| Ziaur Rahman Sharifi | 3.0 | 33 | 0 | 11.00 |
| Afghanistan’s spin attack picked key wickets, but New Zealand’s batting depth ensured a competitive chase. |
Match Summary
Afghanistan elected to bat and posted a strong total of 182/6, powered by Gulbadin Naib’s 63 off 35 balls and useful contributions from multiple batters. In response, New Zealand’s top order responded positively, led by Tim Seifert’s 65 and an aggressive 42 from Glenn Phillips. Despite losing wickets, the Kiwis’ intent ensured they maintained a challenging run rate throughout.
New Zealand finished on 160/5 in a rain-shortened 16.4 overs, giving them a 22-run victory on DLS adjustments. Their ability to score rapidly and maintain momentum kept them ahead in almost every phase of the chase.
Turning Point of the Match
The pivotal phase came in the middle overs when New Zealand’s openers built a solid platform after early dismissals, keeping the required rate in check despite Afghanistan’s pressure bowling. Seifert’s 65 propelled NZ into a position where the chase remained viable even in the shortened format.
Top Performers
- Tim Seifert (NZ): A dominant 65 anchored New Zealand’s successful chase.
- Gulbadin Naib (AFG): The backbone of Afghanistan’s innings with a swift 63.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman (AFG): Picked up two crucial wickets to stem New Zealand’s progress.
Points Table & Qualification Impact
This win gives New Zealand momentum and an early points advantage in Group D, strengthening their path toward the Super Eight stage. Afghanistan must now regroup and seek consistency in upcoming fixtures to climb the group standings.
Expert Analysis: Why New Zealand Won
New Zealand’s victory stemmed from controlled aggression and batting depth. After Afghanistan’s competitive total, the Kiwis responded with smart shot selection and partnerships, preventing pressure from building. Afghanistan’s bowlers performed well, but the absence of regular breakthroughs in key moments allowed NZ to keep the chase on track.
FAQs
Who won the Afghanistan vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 match?
New Zealand won by 22 runs (DLS method).
What was Afghanistan’s total?
Afghanistan scored 182/6 in 20 overs.
How many did New Zealand score?
New Zealand made 160/5 in 16.4 overs.
Who was the top scorer for NZ?
Tim Seifert with 65 runs.
Where was the match played?
At MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
Conclusion
In a compelling Group D encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand’s confident chase underlined their batting prowess and strategic execution in a rain-adjusted match. Afghanistan showcased strong batting and spirited bowling, but NZ’s consistency and depth ultimately delivered the victory
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