New Delhi: New Zealand began their T20 World Cup canpaign with a five-wicket win over Afghanistan in Chennai on Sunday.
Tim Seifert smashed a 42-ball 65 as the Black Caps reached a 183-run target in 17.5 overs at the Cheapuk stadium.
The Afghans opted to bat and Gulbadin Naib (63) struck a fine half century to posted a score of 182 for six.
Sediqullah Atal (29) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27) also made useful contributions on a slowish track.
But New Zealand motored along in their run chase and won with 13 balls to spare with Seifert (65) and Glenn Phillips (42) doing most of the scoring.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan: 182 for six in 20 overs (Gulbadin Naib 63; Lockie Fergusen 2/32).
New Zealand: 183 for 5 in 17.5 overs (Tim Seifert 65; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/31).