New Zealand secured their highest T20 World Cup run chase with a five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Chennai. Chasing 183, the Black Caps faced early trouble at 14-2 before Tim Seifert's explosive 65 off 42 balls anchored the innings.

Seifert's aggressive batting, featuring three sixes and seven fours, put New Zealand firmly in control. The wicketkeeper-batter reached his half-century with consecutive maximums off Mohammad Nabi before holing out to square leg. Glenn Phillips contributed a brisk 42 off 25 balls, sharing a 74-run partnership for the third wicket.

Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib top-scored with 63 off 35 balls, including three fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 180.00. His innings provided the backbone for Afghanistan's 182-6 total. Lockie Ferguson claimed two wickets for 40 runs, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman troubled the Kiwi top order, dismissing Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra cheaply.

With the match entering its final stages at 155-5, Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner displayed composure to guide New Zealand home. Mitchell remained unbeaten on 25 off 14 balls, while Santner smashed 17 not out from eight deliveries, securing victory with 13 balls to spare. This chase eclipsed New Zealand's previous World Cup record of 167 against England in the 2021 semi-finals.