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Seifert’s Half-Century Seals New Zealand Victory
New Zealand opened their T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding win over Afghanistan, chasing down a stiff target in Chennai. Afghanistan posted 182 for six, built around Gulbadin Naib’s fluent 63 and Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s early breakthroughs.
In reply, Tim Seifert steadied the chase with a composed 65 from 42 balls, reaching his half-century with a towering six. Glenn Phillips added urgency with 42, and together they forged a decisive stand. Later, Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner finished the job with calm aggression, guiding New Zealand to 183 for five in just 17.5 overs.
The result marked New Zealand’s highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history, underlining their batting depth and composure under pressure. Afghanistan’s spirited effort was undone by loose death bowling, while Seifert’s innings stood out as the defining moment of the contest.
Final Score: New Zealand 183–5 (17.5 overs) beat Afghanistan 182–6 (20 overs) by five wickets.