Afghanistan vs New Zealand Highlights, 3rd T20I | Feb 08: Tim Seifert’s 65* Powers New Zealand to 5-Wicket Win

AFG vs NZ 4th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Match Highlights saw New Zealand chase down a challenging total of 183 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, securing a 5-wicket win with 13 balls to spare. Afghanistan set a competitive 182/6 in their 20 overs, but New Zealand’s calculated chase, led by Tim Seifert, ensured they maintained the top spot in Group D while Afghanistan remained second.

Afghanistan elected to bat first after winning the toss, posting 182/6. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27 off 22) and Ibrahim Zadran (10 off 12) provided an early foundation before Gulbadin Naib’s explosive 63 off 35 balls stabilized the innings. Sediqullah Atal added 29 and Darwish Rasooli contributed 20, with Azmatullah Omarzai finishing strongly on 14 off 7 deliveries. The team’s total was supported by 9 extras, including 6 wides.

New Zealand’s bowlers maintained pressure through disciplined spells in the powerplay and middle overs. Lockie Ferguson struck early, removing Gurbaz and Zadran, while Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy kept the run rate in check. Rachin Ravindra and Rashid Khan provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, ensuring Afghanistan did not accelerate excessively despite Naib’s counter-attacks.

The chase began with an early double blow as Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra fell inside the first two overs. Tim Seifert anchored the innings with a measured 65 off 42 balls, supported by Glenn Phillips (42 off 25) and Mark Chapman (28 off 17). Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner ensured the innings remained on track, guiding New Zealand past 150 in the 15th over and closing out the match efficiently.

The match highlighted New Zealand’s adaptability in chase conditions and Afghanistan’s balanced batting effort. Despite Gulbadin Naib’s quickfire innings and contributions from Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli, Afghanistan could not defend the total on a batting-friendly Chennai pitch. New Zealand’s combination of pace and spin, especially in the middle overs, proved decisive in maintaining momentum during the chase.

Also read: India vs New Zealand Highlights, 5th T20I | Jan 31

Toss Winner

Electing to set a target, Afghanistan won the toss and batted first.

Key Moment

The decisive turning point came early in New Zealand’s innings when they lost both openers, Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra, inside the first two overs, leaving Tim Seifert to anchor the chase under pressure.

Star Performer / MVP

Tim Seifert was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 65 off 42 balls and two catches, providing the backbone for New Zealand’s successful chase.

AFG vs NZ Match Summary

AFG vs NZ Playing XI

Afghanistan:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

New Zealand:

Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

FAQs – Yesterday’s Afghanistan vs New Zealand 4th Match (Feb 8, 2026)

Q1: What was the final score of yesterday’s Afghanistan vs New Zealand match?
A1: Yesterday (8 February 2026): 4th Match
Afghanistan (182/6 in 20 overs) lost to New Zealand (183/5 in 17.5 overs) by 5 wickets with 13 balls remaining. Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib top-scored with 63, while New Zealand’s Tim Seifert led the chase with 65. Result: New Zealand maintained the top position in Group D.

Q2: Who was named the Player of the Match?
A2: Tim Seifert was named the Player of the Match for his 65 off 42 balls and two catches, anchoring New Zealand’s successful chase.

Q3: Where was the match played, and who won the toss?
A3: The match was played at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai. Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first.

Q4: Who were the top performers with the bat for both sides?
A4: For Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib top-scored with 63. For New Zealand, Tim Seifert was the leading run-scorer with 65.

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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