Seifert smashes New Zealand past Afghanistan

Dubai, T20 Cricket World Cup – Tim Seifert provided the late-innings spark New Zealand required, clubbing his way to a 65-run masterclass that steered the Black Caps to victory over Afghanistan. The wicketkeeper-batter reached his fifty in emphatic style, clearing the rope with a towering six before adding two further boundaries to keep the asking rate under firm control. His departure moments later did little to stall the chase; the damage had been done, and New Zealand crossed the line to secure a crucial tournament win.

Seifert’s innings was a calculated assault, punctuated by clean ball-striking and fearless running between the wickets. Having arrived at the crease with the contest still in the balance, he wasted no time in shifting momentum, finding the gaps and punishing anything short or over-pitched. The half-century, brought up with that memorable maximum, embodied the aggressive ethos of the side, while the two extra boundaries that followed effectively slammed the door on any Afghan hopes of a late twist.

The result leaves New Zealand well-placed in their group standings and underscores the depth of their batting order, with Seifert’s 65 proving the decisive contribution in a match where every run carried heightened value.