T20 World Cup: Tim Seifert half-century helps New Zealand to five-wicket win over Afghanistan
Gulbedin Naib had earlier provided the backbone of Afghanistan’s 182-6 with a combative 63 off 35 balls.
The all-rounder hit three fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 180.00, sharing the stands with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal.
Lockie Ferguson took 2-40, while Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra also contributed with a wicket each.
New Zealand ran into trouble when Mujeeb Ur Rahman removed Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra for 1 and 0 respectively.
But Seifert and Glenn Phillips rebuilt with a third-wicket partnership of 74 before the latter was bowled out by Rashid Khan for a 25-ball 42.
Seifert hit back-to-back sixes to Mohammad Nabi – bringing up his half-century in the process – but then failed to bowl a couple of deliveries to the experienced spinner when he got to full feet.
There might have been some nerves when Mark Chapman departed in the 28th over, but with Rashid and Mujeeb beaten, Mitchell and Santner showed the necessary composure to get the job done.
