NZ vs AFG: New Zealand takes revenge; thrashes Afghanistan to start T20 World Cup 2026 with a win

New Zealand are off to a flying start in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Black Caps defeated Afghanistan by five wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday. Opting to bat, Afghanistan posted a total of 182 for six, which New Zealand chased inside 18 overs.

Afghanistan had a decent start to their innings with both openers in Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27) and Ibrahim Zadran, who scored ten, adding 35 runs inside six overs. New Zealand were back in the game in no time as Lockie Ferguson removed both openers in the same over.

With the team under pressure, Gulbadin Naib (63) and Sediquallah Atal (29) joined hands and bailed the side out of trouble. The Naib-Atal duo added 79 runs for the third wicket that took Afghanistan past 100 runs.

Gulbadin hit a marvellous half-century, while Darwish Rasool (20), Azmatullah Omarzaj (14) and Mohammad Nabi (10*) made vital contributions as Afghanistan posted a total of 182 for six. 

NZ vs AFG: New Zealand registers an easy win over Afghanistan in T20 World Cup 2026

In the chase, New Zealand had a poor start with both Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra getting out on two consecutive balls in second over. With the score at 14 for two, Tim Seifert (65) and Glenn Phillips (42) brought their team back in the game.

They counter-attacked the Afghanistan bowlers and added 74 runs for the third wicket. After that Mark Chapman (28) played a vital hand despite Afghanistan taking regular wickets. Daryl Mitchell (25*) held the fort for his side and ensured that he took his team to a win.