New Zealand Complete Record Chase Against Afghanistan in T20 World Cup Thriller

New Zealand pulled off their highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history on Sunday in Chennai, defeating Afghanistan by five wickets with 13 balls remaining in a Group D thriller at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Tim Seifert's explosive 65 off 42 deliveries anchored the run chase as the Black Caps reached 185/5 in 17.5 overs, surpassing Afghanistan's competitive total of 182/6 with relative comfort after a shaky start.

Afghanistan's innings was built on the back of Gulbadin Naib's gutsy 63, which propelled them to a formidable total on a Chennai surface that offered assistance to spinners. The total of 182/6 appeared even more challenging when Afghanistan's spin attack, led by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, made early inroads into New Zealand's batting order. Mujeeb spun a web around the Kiwi top order, dismissing both Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra to leave New Zealand reeling at 14/2 after just two overs, raising genuine concerns about their ability to complete the chase.

However, Seifert had other ideas. The wicketkeeper-batsman counterattacked brilliantly, combining timing and power to wrest momentum back from Afghanistan's dangerous spin attack. His 42-ball knock featured a series of calculated risks and audacious strokeplay that kept New Zealand ahead of the required rate despite the early setbacks. Glenn Phillips provided crucial support with a fluent 42, forming a partnership that stabilized the innings and put New Zealand firmly in control.

As the target narrowed, Afghanistan continued to fight, picking up wickets at regular intervals to keep the pressure on. But New Zealand's depth proved decisive. Captain Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell produced late bursts to calmly guide their team home, with Mitchell's unbeaten 25 off just 13 balls and Santner's composed 17 off 18 ensuring there would be no late drama. The partnership between the two Mitchell's sealed the victory with 2.1 overs to spare, sparking jubilant celebrations among the New Zealand camp.

The victory was significant for New Zealand not just because of the record chase, but because it demonstrated their ability to recover from adversity in high-pressure tournament cricket. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities despite their impressive total. Mujeeb's early strikes had given them genuine hope, and Naib's batting heroics deserved a winning cause. Their spin attack troubled New Zealand throughout, claiming wickets at regular intervals, but ultimately couldn't maintain the stranglehold needed to defend their total.

This Group D encounter showcased the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the quality on display at the 2026 World Cup. New Zealand's successful pursuit of 183 in Chennai will give them enormous confidence as they progress through the tournament. For Afghanistan, the defeat is a painful reminder of how fine the margins are at this level. Both teams showed why they're considered dangerous opponents, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive group stage in India and Sri Lanka.