In a thrilling display of batting prowess, New Zealand defied the odds in Chennai, chasing down Afghanistan's formidable total of 182 for 6 to achieve their highest successful run chase in T20 World Cup history. This feat also marked the highest target successfully chased against Afghanistan in T20Is, showcasing the Kiwis' exceptional skills and determination. The Chepauk pitch, known for its grip and bounce, presented a challenging task for the New Zealand batting lineup, especially considering Afghanistan's unblemished record in T20Is when reaching 180 or more. The early setbacks were alarming, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman's double strike in his opening over dismissing Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra in quick succession. However, Tim Seifert's counterattacking innings became the turning point.
Seifert, renowned for his form and as New Zealand's most prolific batter in the World Cup cycle, showcased his prowess against the seamers during the PowerPlay. He then demonstrated his mastery by playing Mujeeb with a straight bat, preventing further inroads for Afghanistan. Glenn Phillips joined forces with Seifert, forming a rapid half-century partnership that stabilized the innings and kept the required rate within reach. Rashid Khan, introduced immediately after the PowerPlay, struggled to regain control. Phillips responded with a powerful six straight down the ground, and although Rashid eventually dismissed Phillips in his second over, the 74-run stand, achieved in just 46 balls, had already shifted the momentum decisively in New Zealand's favor.
Seifert, who was dropped on 48 by Rashid off his own bowling, reached his fifty off 39 balls, celebrating the milestone with a flat six against Mohammad Nabi. He continued his dominance, hitting another maximum and a four in the same over before being caught out in the deep. Mark Chapman then played a pivotal role, maintaining the chase's momentum. Comfortable against both Rashid and Mujeeb, he efficiently rotated the strike and punished loose deliveries. Despite Seifert's eventual dismissal for a brilliant 65 while attempting an early finish, New Zealand remained firmly in control, needing only 59 more runs from 43 balls.
Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner completed the chase without further incident, taking on the seamers at the death and securing victory with 13 balls to spare. Rashid Khan's performance was less than stellar, conceding 36 runs in his four overs, while Nabi's over cost 18 runs, ultimately being hit out of the attack by Seifert. Afghanistan's innings began with discipline from New Zealand's seamers in the PowerPlay, with Lockie Ferguson striking twice in the sixth over, dismissing both openers. Ibrahim Zadran's loose cut was caught by point, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell to a slower ball that cut back and chopped onto the stumps, leaving Afghanistan at 72 for 2 after ten overs.
The need for acceleration came through Gulbadin Naib, promoted to No. 3. Naib displayed his prowess, hitting 3 fours and 4 sixes, securing crucial runs off Jimmy Neesham, Phillips, and Ravindra, and adding 79 runs off 51 balls with Sediqullah Atal for the third wicket. Although Atal was dismissed after top-edging a slower ball from Jacob Duffy, Naib continued his impressive form, compiling a well-compiled fifty off 30 balls. He eventually fell to Ravindra, top-edging a slog back to the keeper. The late surge in the final overs saw Darwish Rasooli contribute briefly with 20 off 13 before falling to a slower ball from Matt Henry. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi provided late impetus, hitting three sixes between them, taking Afghanistan to 182, a total that, while par, was insufficient to prevent New Zealand from securing two crucial points in a challenging group that also included South Africa.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 182/6 (Naib 63; Ferguson 2-40) lost to NZ 183/5 in 17.5 overs (Seifert 65; Mujeeb 2-31) by 5 wickets.
