New Zealand defeats Afghanistan by five wickets in T20 World Cup opener
New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in their first match of the T20 World Cup in Chennai, India, on Sunday, chasing a target of 183 with 13 balls to spare.
Afghanistan batted first and posted 182 for 6 in 20 overs. Gulbadin Naib top-scored with 63 off 35 balls, featuring clean hitting and smart placement. Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed 27 runs, and Sediqullah Atal added 29 to steady the innings after a mixed start. Late contributions pushed the total past 180.
New Zealand's chase was led by Tim Seifert's fluent 65 off 42 balls, attacking both pace and spin. Glenn Phillips scored a decisive 42 off 25 deliveries. Daryl Mitchell remained not out on 25, and captain Mitchell Santner was not out on 17, guiding the team to 183 for 5 in 17.5 overs.
Afghanistan's bowlers, including Mujeeb Ur Rahman, took some wickets but struggled to maintain pressure as New Zealand found boundaries in key phases.
Afghanistan will face South Africa in their next match on Wednesday.
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