T20 WC: Mujeeb's tricks in powerplay always a challenge, says Santner

IANS | February 8, 2026 3:42 PM

Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised his side’s composure and adaptability after the BlackCaps opened their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a five-wicket win over Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, chasing down a competitive 183 with 15 balls to spare.

T20 WC: ‘Nice to start with a few runs under your belt,’ says Seifert after match-winning 65 against Afghanistan

IANS | February 8, 2026 3:27 PM

Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) Tim Seifert’s calm yet aggressive knock set the tone as New Zealand opened their T20 World Cup campaign with a confident five-wicket win over Afghanistan on Sunday, chasing down 183 with 15 balls to spare, and the 31-year-old said that he felt good to have gotten a few runs under his belt at the start of the tournament amid ‘tough conditions’ at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

T20 WC: Seifert, Phillips help New Zealand move past Afghanistan in Group D opener

IANS | February 8, 2026 2:53 PM

Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) New Zealand pulled off a five-wicket win, chasing down 183 with 15 balls to spare, thanks to a composed yet aggressive batting effort anchored by Tim Seifert, and got their T20 World Cup campaign off to a flyer here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The Kiwis avenged their loss to the Afghans from the previous edition of the tournament and bagged the first two points in the first game of Group D.