New Zealand maintained their excellent opening week at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with an emphatic five-wicket win over Afghanistan in the fourth match of the tournament, chasing down a tricky target with ease and plenty of overs to spare.
Afghanistan Innings: Naib’s Firepower Lifts Total to 182
Afghanistan got off to a positive start, scoring 44 runs in the powerplay despite losing two wickets early on. The turning point of the innings came in the fifth over, when New Zealand successfully reviewed and got rid of Ibrahim Zadran, halting Afghanistan’s momentum.
The Afghans reached 50 in 7.3 overs and got back on track through a fruitful third-wicket partnership between Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal, who added 50 runs in just 37 balls. Afghanistan reached 100 in 12.4 overs and were 115/2 at the drinks break, setting themselves up for a successful finish.
Naib then upped the ante, hitting a smooth fifty off 29 balls, using a mix of muscle and finesse to take Afghanistan past 150 in the 17th over. A late flourish ensured Afghanistan finished with a respectable 182/6 in 20 overs, with Gulbadin Naib remaining unbeaten at the end.
New Zealand Innings: Seifert Leads a Confident Chase
New Zealand started their chase confidently, reaching 52 runs in the power play, losing two wickets in the process. They reached 50 in just 5.5 overs, with Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips contributing to the scoreboard.
At the first drinks break, New Zealand reached 52/2, and the duo added 50 runs in 31 balls for the third wicket. The Black Caps reached 100 in 10.4 overs, taking control of the chase.
Seifert scored a composed half-century off 39 balls, holding the innings together as New Zealand reached 136/4 at the drinks break. With Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman contributing to the scoreboard, New Zealand reached 150 in 14.6 overs.
A late review for a no-ball in the 18th over further relieved pressure on the team, and New Zealand finished the chase at 183/5 in 17.5 overs, winning the match by 5 wickets and 13 balls.
Player of the Match
Tim Seifert was named Player of the Match for his match-winning all-round contribution — scoring 65 off 42 balls and taking two sharp catches in the field.
Match Summary
Afghanistan: 182/6 (20 overs)
New Zealand: 183/5 (17.5 overs)
Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Tim Seifert (65 off 42, 2 catches)
New Zealand’s calm chase and depth in batting once again proved decisive, while Afghanistan will take confidence from their aggressive batting display despite falling short in a high-scoring contest.