Chennai: (Yaseen Hashmi) Afghanistan made a commanding start against New Zealand in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group D clash at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday. Winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first and laid a solid foundation early in the innings.
By the 4.2-over mark, Afghanistan had scored 32 runs without losing a wicket, signaling an aggressive yet composed start. The openers displayed discipline and intent, keeping the scoreboard ticking while negotiating the early spells from New Zealand’s bowlers.
Group D also features South Africa, Canada, and the UAE, making each match crucial for teams to establish momentum in the tournament. Afghanistan’s early innings approach suggests a clear strategy to set a competitive total and put pressure on New Zealand from the outset.
With both sides eager to gain an advantage in the initial stages of the World Cup, Afghanistan’s steady opening partnership has given them a psychological edge. Analysts say sustaining this platform will be key to posting a challenging total against the strong New Zealand lineup.

