Chennai, Feb. 8 -- New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in both teams' first match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. Notably, the win also marked New Zealand recording their highest successful run-chase in the T20 World Cup history.

New Zealand successfully hunted down a target of 183 with 13 balls to spare. Despite a double-strike from Mujeeb Ur Rahman that threatened to derail the chase early, a composed half-century from Tim Seifert and an explosive cameo from Glenn Phillips ensured the Black Caps crossed the line comfortably.

Chasing 183, New Zealand's innings began in chaotic fashion. Mujeeb Ur Rahman turned the game on its head in the second over, removing both Finn All...