New Zealand kicked off its ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a confident five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the tournament’s fourth match, played in Chennai.
Chasing a target of 183 runs, the Kiwis reached the total comfortably with more than two overs to spare.
Afghanistan scored 182 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the allotted 20 overs, setting a target of 183 runs for New Zealand to win.
For Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib stood out with 63 runs, while Sediqullah scored 29 runs. For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson took 2 wickets.
Later, New Zealand achieved the target in 17.5 overs with the loss of 5 wickets.
New Zealand opener Tim Seifert scored 65 runs and Glenn Phillips made 42 runs, while Daryl Mitchell (25) and Mitchell Santner (17) remained not out.
It is worth noting that three matches were played on the opening day of the World Cup: Pakistan defeated the Netherlands, West Indies beat Scotland, and host India defeated the United States.
