New Delhi, Feb. 8 -- Tim Seifert hammered a 42-ball 65 runs to propel New Zealand to a five-wicket triumph against Afghanistan during their Group D T20 World Cup opener in Chennai on Sunday.

Afghanistan won the toss to bat first. Gulbadin Naib (63) struck a brilliant half-century to help Afghanistan reach a total of 182 for six. Sediqullah Atal (29) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27) added valuable runs to the scoreboard.

In response, the New Zealand chased the target in 17.5 overs, with Seifert (65) and Glenn Phillips (42) providing the primary scoring power.

Afghanistan scored 182 runs for six wickets in 20 overs (Gulbadin Naib 63; Lockie Fergusen 2/32).

New Zealand scored 183 runs for 5 wickets in 17.5 overs (Tim Seifert 65; Mujeeb Ur Rah...