What a start to the day in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026! In a thrilling Group D clash at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Afghanistan set New Zealand a tough target of 183 after posting 182/6 in their 20 overs.
The AFG vs NZ live score update has fans buzzing – especially after Gulbadin Naib’s brilliant knock turned the game around.
AFG vs NZ Live Score
Toss & Early Trouble
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Things looked shaky early. New Zealand’s pacer Lockie Ferguson struck twice in one over, dismissing openers Ibrahim Zadran (10) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27). Afghanistan slipped to 44/2 after the Powerplay. Pressure was on.
The Gulbadin Naib Masterclass
That’s when Gulbadin Naib walked in at No. 3 and changed everything. He played fearless cricket – aggressive but smart. Naib reached his fifty in just 30 balls and finished with a career-best 63 off 35 deliveries. He smashed 4 sixes and 3 fours, punishing the Kiwi spinners in the middle overs and taking the momentum back.
His innings helped Afghanistan recover strongly. Later, Darwish Rasooli (20 off 13) and Azmatullah Omarzai (14 off 7) added quick runs to push past 180. A late run-out on the final ball couldn’t stop the Lions from setting a challenging 183.
Also Read: Afghanistan vs New Zealand Match – Gulbadin Naib The All-Rounder Who Turned the Game in Chennai
New Zealand Bowling Efforts
Lockie Ferguson picked up 2/27, Matt Henry kept it tight with 1/27, and Mitchell Santner used clever changes to slow things down. Rachin Ravindra got the key wicket of Naib just when he looked unstoppable.
AFG vs NZ Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Key Performer | Bowling Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 182/6 (20) | Gulbadin Naib: 63 (35) | – |
| New Zealand | Yet to bat | – | Lockie Ferguson: 2/27, Matt Henry: 1/27 |
What’s Next in the Chase?
Chennai’s pitch offers good grip for spinners in the second innings. Afghanistan’s spin trio – Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad – will be dangerous. New Zealand needs a fast start from Finn Allen and Tim Seifert if they want to chase 183.
This AFG vs NZ live score update shows Afghanistan in a strong position. Can the Kiwis pull off the chase, or will Naib’s heroics prove match-winning?
Who do you think wins from here? Drop your thoughts in the comments – let’s talk cricket!
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