Chennai, India — Web Desk: In the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by 5 wickets in their fourth group match. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and chose to bat first, posting 182/6 in 20 overs.
Gulbadin Naib led the innings with a power-packed 63 off 35 balls, supported by Sadiqullah Atal (29) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27). Mohammad Nabi remained not out on 10. For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson took 2 wickets, while Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Rachin Ravindra claimed one wicket each.
Chasing 183, New Zealand reached the target in the 18th over for the loss of 5 wickets. Tim Seifert scored 65, Glenn Phillips added 42, and Daryl Mitchell (25)* along with captain Mitchell Santner (17)* saw the team home. Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 2 wickets, with Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi claiming one each.
