NZ vs AFG, T20 World Cup 2026 LIVE: (85/2), Lockie Ferguson stuns Afghanistan

After twin strikes in the 6th over, Afghanistan duo of Sediqullah Atal and Gulbadin Naib are slowly building a crucial parntership here. Now, they are starting to find a boundary every over. AFG made 72/2 in first 10 overs. How many can they get in the remaining 10? Santner now using Glenn Phillip's quick off-spin. So, New Zealand's 5th bowler (Neesham and Phillips) have bowled three overs. 

Gulbadin (25*) strikes Phillips for a mighty six. He has the muscles to send it long. Atal (16*) is an explosive player too. 

AFG: 84/2 in 11 overs. 

Ferguson strikes early for New Zealand, dismissing the well-settled #RahmanullahGurbaz! 🎯

ICC Men's #T20WorldCup | #NZvAFG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/yo60Xej4AW pic.twitter.com/KBGL4w8iJN

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026

Another one in the bag for NZ

Lockie Ferguson, you beauty! A speedster becomes more threatening when he can bowl 150 and also 120s kmph! Ferguson has done exactly that. After getting hit for a four, the Kiwi pacer rolled his finger off the ball, almost like a leg-cutter but the ball drifted in ever so slightly. Gurbaz got a stride forward but played way outside his body and got chopped on. 

Lockie is pumped up as New Zealand wins the powerplay (44/2). 

Lockie Ferguson is Destroying Afghanistan. 2 Wickets in 1 Over pic.twitter.com/2j5Xs8BAZG

— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel) February 8, 2026

An LBW shout from Matt Henry but height saves Gurbaz, who is starting to look frustrated. Afghanistan did get a six and a four off Duffy's second over. But now, they have 35 runs in 5 overs. Lockie Ferguson with the ball to bowl the last over of the powerplay. 

And guess what? He picks up the wicket on his first ball. A short and wide delivery and Zadran sends it straight to Glenn Phillips at point. A soft dismissal but you have to admit that it was created by the pressure built by Henry and Duffy. Gulbadin Naib the new batter in. 

AFG: 35/1 in 5.1 overs.

Ferguson Strikes....!!!

- Ibrahim Zadran Dismissed for 10 off 12 Balls.
#AFGvsNZ | #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/Ocrqg5FBQl

— usman (@cricbyusman) February 8, 2026

The New Zealand pacers in Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy have stuck to their lines and lengths so far. They are quite straight to both the batters, not giving them any room to hit. 

Feel like something is going to give here. Rahmanullah Gurbaz won't stay silent for long. Not a single boundary has been hit so far. Gurbaz batting at 7 off 9. Zadran 4 off 7. 

AFG: 12/0 in 2.4 overs. 

And here it comes. A tough chance but New Zealand fielders make a meal of it as three players converge for a catch over the keeper's head. As mentioned above, Gurbaz tried something extra as he stepped out to hit Henry. But fortunately, he doesn't get out. 

AFG: 15/0 in 3 overs. 

Get. Set. Go

So it is Rahmanullah Gurbaz who starts the innings for Afghanistan as Matt Henry has the new ball with him. A wide slip in place as fans in Chennai get ready for action. 

A tad inswing by Henry and Gurbaz dabs it for a single. 

Teams line up for the national anthems. It will be Afghanistan, followed by New Zealand!

A great piece of work by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) as they arrange free drinking water to all fans across all T20 World Cup 2026 matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. It should be a norm acorss all stadiums. 

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association will provide free Kinley drinking water for spectators, with water stations located around the stadium. Please ensure you stay hydrated at all times. #BeatTheHeat#TamilNaduCricket #TNCA #TNCricket #T20WorldCup #FeelTheThrill pic.twitter.com/bdk3hZx2kb

— TNCA (@TNCACricket) February 8, 2026

As for New Zealand, they are playing with 4 pace options! Interesting call this to not play Ish Sodhi. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert up top would be a breathtaking pair!

Interestingly, no Noor Ahmad for Afghanistan today, especially when they play in Chennai. Noor, as you may know, has played a season for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

🪙 Toss Update

The news from the centre is that Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has won the toss and he elects to bat first. Rashid himself, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi will be the spin options for Afghanistan in Chennai. 

It is an interesting bout today as we kick things off with a superb fixture between New Zealand and Afghanistan. Part of Group D, dubbed as group of death, a win today will be ever-so important for both the teams. South Africa would be watching from the sidelines as well.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Day 2. A jam-packed action awaits today as well, with co-hosts Sri Lanka in action later tonight. Meanwhile, an enticing clash between New Zealand vs Afghanistan would be great to watch as well.