New Zealand Record Highest T20 WC Chase, Beat Afghanistan in Group D Opener

New Zealand started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a strong win over Afghanistan in this Group D match. They chased down 183 runs, which is the highest successful chase for New Zealand in T20 World Cup history. This win also avenges their heavy loss to Afghanistan in the last tournament. 

Earlier in the day, Rashid Khan won the toss and decided to bat first, the mantra for their success in white-ball cricket. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran started steadily, adding 35 runs, before Lockie Ferguson's double strike in the last over of the powerplay, sending back both the openers.

Gulbadin Naib walked in at 3 and notched up a sublime half-century, hitting 63 off 35 balls to keep the Afghanistan innings going. Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli got into their 20s and supported Naib beautifully. Some big hits from all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai helped Afghanistan to 182/6 in 20 overs.

New Zealand Record Highest T20 WC Chase, Defeat Afghanistan in Group D Opener

Ferguson failed to finish on a high note, yet he was NZ's best bowler, finishing with 2/40. A wicket each for Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra, while Mitchell Santner was as economical as ever.

Tim Seifert began the run chase with three boundaries in the first over. Mujeeb Ur Rahman wreaked havoc in the very next over, knocking over Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra in successive deliveries. 

Seifert and Glenn Phillips rebuilt with a 74-run third-wicket stand. GP slammed 42 off 25 balls and took the attack to Rashid in his first over, but the latter eventually had the last laugh.

The Kiwi opener kept going and scored a whirlwind 65 off 42 balls, making full use of the dropped catch by Rashid Khan and also tore into Mohammad Nabi in his only over. Seifert scored 18 runs in that over, before Nabi had his man, but it was a bit too late for Afghanistan.

Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner came in and played impactful knocks in their little stays in the middle and took New Zealand home inside 18 overs.

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by Dwijesh February 7, 2026