Naib and Atal Steady Afghanistan Storm in T20 World Cup Clash vs NZ
Naib and Atal build a gritty stand to revive Afghanistan after Ferguson's early wickets.
Afghanistan staged a measured recovery against New Zealand in their T20 World Cup clash at the M. Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, with Najibullah Zadran Naib and Atal steadying the innings after an early collapse triggered by a fiery spell from Lockie Ferguson. The gritty partnership helped Afghanistan regain composure after losing both openers in quick succession.
New Zealand seized early control when Ferguson produced a devastating over, dismissing the Afghan opening pair and jolting the batting side within the powerplay. His pace and bounce troubled the batters, while disciplined support from the other New Zealand seamers ensured Afghanistan struggled to find early momentum.
Facing mounting pressure, Naib and Atal chose a cautious but effective approach, focusing on strike rotation and punishing loose deliveries. The duo absorbed the new-ball pressure before gradually opening up, with timely boundaries and a towering six helping Afghanistan stabilize their innings and avoid further damage.
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Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan had earlier won the toss and opted to bat first, backing his side to post a competitive total on a surface expected to assist spin later in the game. The Afghan team went in with a spin-heavy combination, banking on the Chepauk pitch to favor their bowling strengths in the second innings.
New Zealand, meanwhile, looked sharp and well-prepared, carrying confidence into the match after a strong build-up to the tournament. Their bowlers executed plans effectively in the early overs, maintaining tight lines and forcing errors from the Afghan batters.
As the partnership grew, the contest began to balance out, setting up an intriguing middle phase of the match. With the T20 World Cup gathering momentum on matchday two, both teams will view this encounter as crucial for setting the tone in a tightly contested group.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 Clash Live from Chennai
