New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by 5 Wickets in Chennai in 4th ICC T20 World Cup Match | Twitter/Mufaddal Vohra
Afghanistan began their T20 World Cup journey on a disappointing note after suffering a five-wicket defeat to New Zealand in their opening match, as the Black Caps chased down the target with composure and control.
Batting first, Afghanistan struggled to build sustained momentum against a well-organised New Zealand bowling attack that kept pressure tight through the middle overs. While there were flashes of resistance from the Afghan batting line-up, regular wickets prevented them from posting a truly competitive total.
New Zealand’s bowlers exploited early movement and maintained disciplined lines, limiting boundary opportunities and forcing errors. Afghanistan’s inability to accelerate late in the innings proved costly, leaving the Black Caps with a manageable chase.
In reply, New Zealand approached the run chase calmly, absorbing early pressure before steadily asserting control. Afghanistan’s bowlers showed fight and briefly threatened to turn the match with timely breakthroughs, but New Zealand’s batting depth ultimately made the difference.
The Black Caps crossed the finish line with five wickets in hand, securing a confident start to their World Cup campaign and underlining their status as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers.
