Afghanistan produced a confident batting display to post a challenging total of 182 for six in their Group D encounter at Chennai. On a surface that offered variable bounce early and grip for slower bowlers later, the total looked well above par at the halfway stage.
The innings gained momentum after a steady start, with Afghanistan recovering from early pressure through a composed middle-order effort. Batting at number three, Gulbadin Naib played a decisive role, accelerating smoothly after a cautious beginning. His ability to find gaps and clear the infield allowed Afghanistan to control the middle overs.
Naib brought up a well-paced half-century and anchored the innings as partners rotated strike effectively. Although wickets fell towards the end, late cameos ensured Afghanistan crossed the 180-run mark, giving their bowlers something to defend on a surface expected to slow further under the sun.
Early Strikes Give Afghanistan Hope
Afghanistan could not have asked for a better start with the ball. In the second over of the chase, their lead spinner struck twice in quick succession, removing New Zealand’s openers and momentarily silencing the Chennai crowd.
With New Zealand reduced to early trouble, Afghanistan tightened the field and applied pressure through disciplined bowling. The momentum appeared to swing sharply as the asking rate climbed and the pitch continued to offer grip.
Seifert and Phillips Shift the Momentum
The turning point arrived when Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips combined to counterattack decisively. Seifert took the aggressive route during the powerplay, punishing anything short or overpitched and ensuring the chase did not drift.
Phillips played the perfect supporting role, targeting the spinners with confidence and breaking the stranglehold in the middle overs. The pair disrupted Afghanistan’s plans by attacking their most reliable bowling options, particularly through calculated risks rather than reckless hitting.
Their partnership brought New Zealand firmly back into control, reducing the target to a manageable equation with wickets still in hand.
Calm Finish Seals New Zealand Victory
Although Afghanistan managed to break the partnership and briefly raise hopes again, New Zealand’s lower middle order handled the pressure with composure. Smart shot selection and sharp running ensured the chase stayed on track.
With five wickets remaining and more than two overs to spare, New Zealand crossed the line comfortably, securing a crucial win in a tightly contested group featuring multiple title contenders.
What This Win Means
This victory gives New Zealand an early boost in Group D and underlines their adaptability against quality spin attacks. For Afghanistan, the performance showed promise, particularly with the bat, but lapses during key moments in the chase proved costly.
As the tournament progresses, both sides will take positives from a match that tested skill, temperament, and tactical awareness under demanding conditions.
