Star bowler Mujeeb Ur Rahman produced one of the defining moments of Match 4 of the T20 World Cup 2026, delivering a spell that instantly swung momentum in Afghanistan’s favour against New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
After Afghanistan set a challenging target of 182/6 batting first, the BlackCaps began the chase with early intent, with Tim Seifert finding his rhythm in the opening exchanges. The shift came in Mujeeb’s first over. On the third delivery, the Afghan spinner outwitted the in-form Finn Allen, sneaking a quicker ball past his bat to crash into the stumps as the opener looked to attack.
The very next ball compounded New Zealand’s troubles. Rachin Ravindra, new to the crease, misjudged the line completely and was bowled, leaving the Kiwis suddenly rattled at 14/2. Mujeeb closed out the over by tying down Glenn Phillips with subtle variations, completing a magical over that set the tone for Afghanistan’s charge.
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