Seifert’s fifty powers New Zealand to five-wicket win over Afghanistan

KATHMANDU: New Zealand chased down a challenging target of 183 runs to defeat Afghanistan by five wickets in a thrilling Group Stage encounter of the T20 World Cup at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium today.

An aggressive half-century from Tim Seifert, coupled with key partnerships, anchored New Zealand’s innings.

Seifert and Glenn Phillips shared a crucial 74-run stand for the third wicket that turned the game in New Zealand’s favor.

However, New Zealand’s start was shaky. In just the second over, Mujib Ur Rahman dismissed Finn Allen (1) and Rachin Ravindra (0) in successive deliveries. At 14/2 in 1.4 overs, Phillips joined Seifert at the crease, and the duo counter-attacked to stabilize the innings.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan broke their partnership in the 10th over, dismissing Phillips, who scored 42 off 25 balls with seven fours and a six.

Seifert then added a 36-run stand with Mark Chapman for the fourth wicket.

Seifert remained the top scorer for New Zealand with a 65-run knock off 42 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes.

When Chapman fell for 28 off 17 balls in the 16th over, needing 28 runs, New Zealand faced pressure.

But Daryl Mitchell and captain Mitchell Santner calmly guided the team home, sharing an unbeaten 33-run partnership off just 13 balls. Mitchell finished 25* off 14 balls, while Santner remained 17* off 8 deliveries.

For Afghanistan, Mujib Ur Rahman took 2 wickets, while Ajmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi claimed one each.

Earlier, Afghanistan batted first after winning the toss and posted 182/6 in 20 overs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran gave a solid start, adding 35 runs in the first five overs before both fell to Lockie Ferguson.

Gurbaz scored 27 off 22 balls with two fours and a six, while Zadran made 10 off 12 balls.

Najibullah Naib and Sedikullah Atal then steadied the innings with a 79-run third-wicket partnership.

Atal was dismissed for 29 in the 15th over.

Naib added 63 off 35 balls, including four fours and three sixes, before falling to Rachin Ravindra in the 18th over.

Darwish Rasooli contributed 20 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Matt Henry, and Mohammad Nabi (10*) and Ajmatullah Omarzai (14) added an unbeaten 18-run partnership off 11 balls to close the innings.

Lockie Ferguson was New Zealand’s most successful bowler, picking up 2/40 in four overs. Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, and Rachin Ravindra claimed one wicket each.