Chasing a challenging target of 183 on a tricky Chennai surface, the Black Caps found themselves in immediate trouble. Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman dismantled the top order early, dismissing Finn Allen (1) and Rachin Ravindra (0) to leave New Zealand reeling at 14-2.
However, opener Tim Seifert took control of the innings. Anchoring the chase with a brilliant 65 off 42 balls, Seifert combined with Glenn Phillips (42 off 25) for a crucial 74-run partnership. Seifert’s aggression was on full display when he smashed back-to-back sixes off Mohammad Nabi to reach his half-century, providing the momentum New Zealand desperately needed.
Mitchell and Santner Seal Record-Breaking Chase
Despite the solid platform, nerves crept in when Seifert and Mark Chapman (28) departed, leaving the Kiwis at 155-5 with four overs remaining.
With Rashid Khan and Mujeeb bowled out, Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner took advantage of the Afghanistan seamers. Mitchell’s unbeaten 25 off 14 balls and Santner’s quickfire 17* off 8 balls ensured the victory with 13 balls to spare. This effort eclipsed New Zealand’s previous record chase of 167 set against England in the 2021 semi-finals.
Gulbadin Naib’s Firepower Sets the Stage
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan posted a competitive 182-6, fueled by a pugnacious 63 from Gulbadin Naib. Striking at a rate of 180.00, Naib hammered three fours and four sixes, finding support from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal.
The New Zealand bowling attack remained disciplined despite the onslaught:
- Lockie Ferguson: 2-40
- Matt Henry: 1 wicket
- Jacob Duffy: 1 wicket
- Rachin Ravindra: 1 wicket
While Afghanistan’s total looked defendable at the halfway mark, the composure of the New Zealand middle order proved too much for the Afghan bowling unit in the death overs.
