Chennai, Feb 8 (NationPress) Tim Seifert delivered an outstanding half-century, complemented by a brisk innings from Glenn Phillips, allowing New Zealand to successfully chase down Afghanistan’s formidable score of 182/6 with 13 balls left in their initial Group D encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

Earlier, Afghanistan set a demanding total, driven by a counter-attacking 63 from Gulbadin Naib, achieved off just 35 deliveries. Naib's innings, alongside a 79-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal (29), steadied the innings after Lockie Ferguson dismantled the top order, claiming wickets for Ibrahim Zadran (10) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27) in his opening over, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 44/2.

Even after losing both Naib and Atal in quick succession to Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra, Afghanistan's late resistance from Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi propelled the score to a competitive 182/6.

In response, Afghanistan struck early with Mujeeb Ur Rahman removing Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra within two overs, leaving New Zealand struggling at 14/2. However, Seifert mounted a strong counter-attack, ensuring the required run rate remained manageable, allowing the in-form Glenn Phillips to find his rhythm.

Phillips then delivered a rapid 42 off 25 balls, capitalizing on some loose deliveries from Rashid Khan. The New Zealand captain eventually dismissed Phillips, halting a critical 74-run partnership. Yet, Seifert maintained his composure, reaching his half-century with aggressive shots, including back-to-back sixes off Mohammad Nabi. Seifert ultimately scored 65 off 42 balls, briefly giving Afghanistan a glimmer of hope.

Rashid Khan subsequently claimed Mark Chapman (28), intensifying the contest. Nevertheless, Daryl Mitchell (25* off 13) and skipper Mitchell Santner (17* off 18) delivered a steady finish, steering New Zealand to victory with 2.1 overs to spare.

Here’s a summary of the key statistics from the New Zealand versus Afghanistan match:

182/6 – Afghanistan recorded their highest innings total against New Zealand, surpassing their previous best of 159/6 at Providence in 2024.

63 – Gulbadin Naib’s innings marked his fourth fifty in his 82nd match.

1000 – Naib reached the milestone of 1000 T20I runs during his 63-run innings.

65 – Tim Seifert's score stands as the highest individual score by any Kiwi batsman against Afghanistan, eclipsing Kane Williamson's previous record of 40 scored in Abu Dhabi in 2021.

2 – New Zealand secured their second victory over Afghanistan in World Cup history.

183 – This marks the highest target ever chased by any team against Afghanistan in T20Is, previously held by Sri Lanka, who chased down 176 at Sharjah in 2022.