Tim Seifert starred for New Zealand as they defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in their opening T20 World Cup 2026 game today.
Seifert played an explosive 65-run knock with the help of seven boundaries and three sixes.
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
They got off to a flying start, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz hitting a six and two boundaries to score 27.
However, Lockie Ferguson wrestled back control by removing both openers in the same over.
Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal built a fine partnership, with the former smashing 63 off 35.
Darwish Abdul Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai chipped in with 20 and 14, as they posted a competitive 182 runs.
Australia’s start was far from ideal, as Mujeeb Ur Rehman bowled out Finn Allen and Ravindra with two stunning deliveries.
Seifert and Glenn Phillips swung momentum back in New Zealand’s favour by stitching together a 74-run partnership.
Rashid Khan bounced back from an expensive first over to send Phillips back to the pavilion.
Although Seifert continued to dominate the bowlers, he also departed on 65.
A couple more quick wickets could have made things interesting, but Afghanistan failed to build pressure on the opposition.
Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner eventually saw New Zealand through to a comfortable win, with the pair adding 42 runs.
Mark Chapman also played a handy knock of 28 before falling victim to Omarzai.
