T20 World Cup: New Zealand chase down Afghanistan’s 182 with strong batting to win by 5 wickets

In a thrilling Group D encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, New Zealand secured a vital five-wicket victory over Afghanistan. After winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bat first and posted a competitive 182 for six in their 20 overs, led by a powerful innings from Gulbadin Naib.

Afghanistan’s innings was marked by Naib’s 63 off 35 balls, supported by useful contributions from Sediqullah Atal and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The spin and pace bowlers from New Zealand managed to strike at intervals, with Lockie Ferguson among the wickets, helping restrict the total to a challenging but chaseable score. In response, the New Zealand batters put up a disciplined chase with timely aggression. Tim Seifert played the innings of the match with a well-timed 65, while Glenn Phillips provided crucial support with a brisk 42. Their partnership helped New Zealand overhaul the target with overs to spare, sealing a five-wicket win and keeping them firmly in the hunt in the group.

The win also had implications for the Group D points table, boosting New Zealand’s position early in the tournament and adding pressure on other teams in the pool to secure points. Both sides showed moments of quality, but the experience and measured chase by the Kiwis ultimately proved decisive.