T20 World Cup 2026 – Group D | Match Report
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Scorecard: New Zealand registered their first victory of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a confident five-wicket win over Afghanistan in a Group D clash played on Sunday, February 8. Chasing a challenging target of 183 runs, the Black Caps held their nerve and crossed the line with composed batting, led brilliantly by opener Tim Seifert, who was named Player of the Match for his match-winning half-century.
This New Zealand vs Afghanistan scorecard T20 World Cup encounter marked an important early contest in what is being described as the “Group of Death,” with South Africa also part of the same group. The win earned New Zealand two crucial points and gave their campaign the perfect start.
Afghanistan Set a Competitive Target
After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first and put up a competitive total of 182 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings began cautiously, with New Zealand’s bowlers maintaining discipline in the powerplay.
Afghanistan reached 35 runs in the first five overs, with Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz attempting to build a solid foundation. Gurbaz looked fluent during his stay, while Zadran showed glimpses of intent, including a boundary off Matt Henry early in the innings.
As the innings progressed, Afghanistan’s middle order accelerated well against pace and spin, ensuring the scoreboard kept moving. Despite regular wickets, the Afghan batters capitalized on loose deliveries and posted a total that kept the contest evenly poised.
Afghanistan Batting Scorecard
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 22 | 19 | 3 | 0 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 10 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Middle Order Contributions | — | — | — | — |
| Team Total | 182/6 | 20 Overs | — | — |
Afghanistan innings provided a competitive total but lacked a finishing blitz in the final overs.
New Zealand’s Chase: Calm Under Pressure
Chasing 183 against a dangerous Afghan bowling attack, especially their spin unit, was never going to be easy. However, New Zealand approached the run chase with clarity and composure.
Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen gave the Kiwis a steady start, countering Afghanistan’s spinners with calculated aggression. While Allen departed early, Seifert held firm and anchored the innings beautifully.
Seifert was particularly impressive against spin, using his footwork and shot selection to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries. The middle order, which had struggled in previous matches against stronger opponents, showed improvement as Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, and Devon Conway contributed valuable runs.
Despite a few hiccups in the middle overs, New Zealand stayed ahead of the required run rate and finished the chase with five wickets in hand.
New Zealand Batting Scorecard
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Seifert | 65 | 42 | 7 | 2 |
| Finn Allen | — | — | — | — |
| Rachin Ravindra | — | — | — | — |
| Mark Chapman | — | — | — | — |
| Devon Conway | — | — | — | — |
| Team Total | 183/5 | — | — | — |
Tim Seifert’s innings proved to be the defining factor in New Zealand’s successful chase.
Tim Seifert Named Player of the Match
The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly Tim Seifert, who played one of the finest knocks of the tournament so far. Scoring 65 runs off 42 balls, Seifert blended aggression with responsibility and ensured New Zealand never lost control of the chase.
His innings included crisp boundaries and well-timed big shots, especially against Afghanistan’s spinners, who are widely regarded as one of the best spin attacks in world cricket. For his match-winning contribution, Seifert was rightly awarded the Player of the Match.
Bowling Efforts and Key Moments
New Zealand’s bowlers may have conceded runs, but they delivered crucial breakthroughs at the right moments. After struggling for form in recent series, especially against India, the Kiwi bowling unit showed improved control and intent.
Matt Henry provided early movement, while the spinners kept things tight in the middle overs. Although Afghanistan managed to post 182, New Zealand ensured the total remained chaseable by avoiding costly death-over collapses.
Group D Outlook: A Crucial Win
With South Africa also part of Group D, every match carries immense significance. This win gives New Zealand a vital advantage early in the tournament and boosts their confidence moving forward.
Afghanistan, despite the loss, showed they are no pushovers. Their spin attack troubled the Kiwi batters at times, and with minor improvements in batting depth, they remain a dangerous side in the competition.
Match Summary at a Glance
| Match | New Zealand vs Afghanistan |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Group | D |
| Afghanistan Score | 182/6 (20 overs) |
| New Zealand Score | 183/5 |
| Result | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Tim Seifert |
Conclusion:-New Zealand vs Afghanistan Scorecard
The New Zealand vs Afghanistan scorecard T20 World Cup match delivered competitive cricket and set the tone for Group D. Tim Seifert’s calm and commanding innings stood out, while New Zealand’s overall performance showed balance and maturity.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on this match—New Zealand aiming to maintain momentum, and Afghanistan seeking to convert strong performances into victories.
