Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson [Source: @Crex_live, @BLACKCAPS]New Zealand kept their cool under pressure and chased down a stiff 183-run target to beat Afghanistan by five wickets in a high-scoring T20 World Cup 2026 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. It was a proper run-fest with momentum swinging both ways, but in the end the Kiwis held their nerve and crossed the finish line with 13 balls to spare. Afghanistan had put up a strong total and looked in the driver’s seat at the halfway mark. But New Zealand showed why they are one of the most dangerous sides in world cricket. They soaked the pressure and then flipped the switch at the right time. Here’s a look at NZ vs AFG highlights. Gulbadin Naib leads Afghanistan charge Afghanistan came out swinging after being asked to bat first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave them a brisk start before Gulbadin Naib walked in and changed the tempo. Naib was in no mood to hang around. He took the attack to the Kiwi bowlers and kept the scoreboard ticking. The all-rounder smashed a brilliant 63 off just 35 balls, peppering the boundary with clean hits. He stitched a solid stand with Sediqullah Atal, who chipped in with a handy 29. The duo kept Afghanistan in the hunt for a big total. Darwish Rasooli (20 off 13) added quick runs in the death overs while Azmatullah Omarzai (14 off 7) played a short but impactful cameo. Afghanistan finished strongly at 182/6 in 20 overs. A total that looked more than competitive on a Chepauk surface. For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson struck twice to keep things from getting out of hand. Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy chipped in with one wicket each but Afghanistan still managed to post a challenging score. Seifert sets the tone in the chase New Zealand’s chase didn’t begin smoothly. They lost Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra early and were rocked in the opening overs. But Tim Seifert stepped up when it mattered. He steadied the innings and then went on the offensive. Seifert smashed 65 off 42 balls. He found boundaries regularly and kept New Zealand in the game. Glenn Phillips provided solid support with a quickfire 42 off 25 balls. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership that shifted the momentum back towards New Zealand. Afghanistan tried to claw back through Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who picked up two wickets early. Rashid Khan also struck once, but the Kiwi batters kept coming. Mitchell and Santner finish the job Just when the game looked evenly poised, Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner stepped on the gas. The experienced pair showed calm heads and smart cricket. They rotated strike, punished loose balls and didn’t panic. Mitchell remained unbeaten on 25 while Santner played a fiery cameo of 17 off just 8 balls. Their partnership ensured there were no late hiccups. New Zealand chased down the target in just 17.5 overs and sealed a convincing five-wicket win. Afghanistan fight hard but fall short Afghanistan had their moments. Gulbadin Naib’s knock was top class. Mujeeb’s early breakthroughs gave them hope. Rashid Khan kept things tight in patches. But they couldn’t quite shut the door when it mattered most. New Zealand’s batting depth proved the difference. Once the middle order got going, the chase never really slipped out of control. The Kiwis showed composure under pressure and walked away with two crucial points. In a game full of big hits and momentum swings, New Zealand held their nerve better. Afghanistan fought hard but were left chasing shadows in the final overs.
