SL vs IRE, T20 World Cup LIVE Score: Theekshana, Hasanranga hand 20-run defeat to Ireland

All over. Sri Lanka have won here, a rather easily. After setting a target of 164, they were a in a bit of a trouble at the halfway mark, but the spinners have brought them a victory. The hosts are away in style. And the star of the night has to be Hasaranga, who claims 3/25. Theekshana also picks up 3.

The equation is clear now. Ireland need a massive 27 in the last over, and they only have themselves to blame.

It is going downhill for Ireland at a rapid pace. Theekshana stumps Calitz and the visitors are 5 down suddenly. Make it two in two, and Sri Lankans are ecstatic. Delany is the one who is dismissed now.

Ireland losing their way here as Hasaranga has his second now. He is out now and Ireland need hitters now.

After a long while Sri Lanka have a wicket. Wellage spins the magic as Tucker is out caught at long on for 21.

One of the batters really has to get going now. They can't be dealing only in singles and doubles, and sporadic fours.

Big shots are still not coming for Ireland. They need some boundaries to put additional pressure on the Lankans.

10 runs come from Pathirana over here. Ireland need a bumper over of 15-20 runs somewhere. That would ease the burden of run rate.

Hasaranga is the one who could produce wickets for SL. Much needed at this stage of the match as a quiet over comes to an end. Oh wait, he has bowled Adir on the last ball.

Adair is the key wicket for Ireland here. He seems to be the one picking up pace. If he can stay around till the 15th over, they will have a good chance.

Maheesh Theekshana created another opportunity but it was another dropped chance as Ross Adair got a lifeline. Adair hit straght to Matheesha Pathirana, who failed to hold on to that. Ireland 27/1 in 4.

Paul Stirling survived the first over of Maheesh Theekshana, thanks to a dropped catch. But this time, Theekshana has cleaned him up with a yorker-length delivery. Syirling falls for 6 off 13 balls. Ireland 24/1.

Paul Stirling gets an early lifeline there as Kusal Mendis dropped the catch following a slight deflection off the bat. It seemed like a stumping opportunity but it was a dropped catch off Maheesh Theekshana's delivery.

Ireland need to be careful here as Paul Stirling and Ross Adair begin 164-run chase. Sri Lanka can hurt them back with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga.

After a lot of struggle in the middle overs and an excellent show by Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis at the death, Sri Lanka post 163/6. Kusal remains unbeaten on 56 off 43 after Kamindu smashed 19-ball 44.

• Power Play: 50/1
• Middle Overs: 54/3
• Death Overs: 59/2

Kusal Mendis has made Ireland pay for their poor fielding and missed catches. He gets to his half-century off 39 deliveries to rescue Sri Lanka from a slump.

Barry McCarthy's long over has yielded another wicket and now, he is on a hat-trick as Dasun Shanaka departs after trying to hit a fulltoss only for an easy catch as it took a thick edge. He now has the most ducks in T20I history. 

An excellent knock comes to an end as Kamindu Mendis falls for 44 off 19 balls. He tried to go for a big one on a low fulltoss but did not get enough bat on it.

Kamindu Mendis has also made Ireland pay for their mistakes as he has taken on the Irish bowling attack at the death. He moves to 42 off just 17 balls.

Back of the hand, slower short delivery and Mark Adair created another chance, only for Kusal Mendis to survive again as the catch is dropped.

In a span of four deliveries, Ireland have given away three catching chances. What's happening here? And how costly would it be on such a slow surface? As a result, the over ends with 21 runs, including a six and two boundaries.

After 57 deliveries, Sri Lanka have hit a boundary. And it's Kamindu Mendis who sweeps Gareth Delany for a four

Sri Lanka's last boundary came in the 6th over and since then, it has been 9 overs without any. Did Sri Lanka forget that they are playing in T20 World Cup and not an ODI World Cup? After 15 overs, Sri Lanka get to 95/4.

While Mendis survived on the other end, Dunith Wellalage has fallen to Gareth Dellany. Wellalage tried to go for a big shot as the scoreboard pressure was on but could not time it well and gave away a catch to George Dockrell. Sri Lanka 86/4.

Kusal Mendis immediately took the review after the umpire raised his finger following an LBW appeal by Gareth Delany. But Mendis signalled his gloves and took the review. While there were no gloves, the replays showed that the ball was missing the leg stump. Mendis survives.

It has been six overs since Sri Lanka scored a boundary. They are under pressure and it's George Dockrell who has done a fantastic job with 2/9 in three overs. Sri Lanka need boundaries.

George Dockrell has delivered another wicket to put Sri Lanka under more pressure. Pavan Rathnayake is cleaned up trying to play a scoop. But one must ask why he would scoop a delivery that kept low? That is childish from the Sri Lankan batter. Sri Lanka 68/3.

Sri Lanka are struggling at 68/2 after 10 overs. They have gone quiet after the powerplay, scoring 50/1.

Pathum Nissanka's struggles end as Paul Stirling takes a fine catch at point. George Dockrell gets the wicket as Sri Lanka lose their 2nd wicket for 62.

At the moment, Pathum Nissanka is going at just a little over 100 strike rate. He needs to hurry things up a bit. Else, Sri Lankan middle-order will be under pressure later on.

Sri Lanka manage 50/1 in the powerplay after losing Kamil Mishara. Kusal Mendis hits Barry McCarthy for 12 runs in the sixth over as Sri Lanka look to take the attack to Ireland.

Sri Lanka have the first six of the evening and who else but Pathum Nissanka. Matthew Humphreys bowls a little short and Nissanka goes down on his knees and smacks it for a six.

A soft dismissal as Kamil Mishara falls for 14 after he was deceived by a slower delivery from Mark Adair. He gave away a dolly to McCarthy. Sri Lanka 28/1 in four overs.

Kamil Mishara gets an early lifeline as he flicks Barry McCarthy on a length delivery through mid-wicket but despite Ross Adair diving, he could not get a hold of it. SL 27/0 after 3.

Pathum Nissanka begins the second over against pace of Mark Adair with a boundary and Kamil Mishara joins the party with another to make it a 14-run over.

Ireland begin with spin attack as Matthews Humphreys bowls the first over to Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara.

Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara will begin for Sri Lanka. The hosts have struggled with the bat of late in their own backyard. And it will once again be a challenge against Ireland. 

England go second after the win over Nepal in Group C, while West Indies remain on top. 

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana

Ireland have won the toss and have opted to bowl first in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener against Sri Lanka in Colombo

Nepal gave a tough fight to England but it is Sam Curran who holds his nerves to deliver the perfect last over for England. England beat Nepal by 4 runs to get their first win of the T20 World Cup 2026. Lokesh Bam (39 off 20) did well to pull Nepal back into the game but it was not to be. Nevertheless, Nepal have delivered a game of a life time.

Luke Wood rattles Gulshan's stups off the last delivery of his over as Nepal lose their 6th wicket. Nepal need 10 runs in the last over

Three wides and a couple of boundaries off Luke Wood's last over has ensured that Nepal are still in the game. They need 13 runs from 9 balls

Lokesh Bam fires two back-to-back sixes off Jofra Archer in the 18th over as Nepal still stay alive in the run-chase. Nepal need 24 off the last 2 overs

Jofra Archer gets his first wicket as Aarif Sheikh is the latest Nepal batter to depart. He edges one to Jos Buttler which marks the end of his innings. Nepal are 5 down and need 39 runs from 16 balls

After Dipendra Singh Airee, it is the well-settled Nepal captain Rohit Paudel who has to depart. Phil Salt takes a good catch to send the batter packing for 39 off 34 deliveries. Nepal have lost their 4th wicket and need 59 runs from 27 balls

Sam Curran gets the much-needed breakthrough as he gets rid of the dangerous Dipendra Singh Airee. The Nepal batter walks back after a fine knock of 44 off 29 balls as the side lose their 3rd wicket

England's best spinner Adil Rashid concedes 19 runs from this 3rd over as Rohit Paudel (38 off 30) and Dipendra Airee (44 off 28) deal in boundaries. Nepal now need 62 runs in 36 balls. The run-chase is on!

A bowling change for England isn't helping as Sam Curran bears the brunt of Rohit Paudel and Airee, who continue to keep the scoreboard ticking. The running between the wickets has been excellent. 100 comes up for Nepal in the 12th over.

Rohit Paudel (20 off 17) and Dipendra Singh Airee (25 off 17) have powered Nepal to 85/2 in the halfway stage of the run-chase. The duo have fearlessly taken on the England spinners. Nepal need 100 runs from 60 balls

How’s that for a shot! 🤩👏#KushalBhurtel gets Nepal off and running in the run chase against England!

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #ENGvNEP | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/dABzR5eM25 pic.twitter.com/XfRcz4Vvsc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026

After an explosive start, Nepal have slowed down in the last couple of overs and have managed to reach 47/2 at the end of the powerplay. Nepal have struggled against spin

Kushal Bhurtel is the second Nepal batter to depart as Will Jacks gets his first wicket. A simple caught and bowled puts an end to the Nepal opener's innings as he walks back after scoring 29 runs. Nepal lose their 2nd wicket within the powerplay

It is spin that does the trick for England as Liam Dawson draws first blood. Aasif Sheikh is the first Nepal batter to depart as he gets caught out.

Luke Wood's 2nd over sees the England pacer concede 14 runs. Bhurtel and Aasif are on the charge and Nepal have raced to 31/0 in just 3 overs.

Jofra Archer concedes 14 runs in his very first over as he gets thrashed for three boundaries. Kushal Bhurtel is on the charge and takes apart the England pacer with three beautiful shots.

Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh are out in the middle to commence the run-chase of 185 runs for Nepal. Luke Wood starts with the new ball for England. Can Nepal hand an upset in Mumbai or will England stand tall? Let's find out...

Three sixes from Will Jacks, a run-out help England get 21 runs from the last over to reach 184/7 at the end of 20 overs. Jacks stays unbeaten on 39 off 18 balls and England will be happy with the total they have gotten. Not the ideal last over for Karan KC and Nepal. Nepal now need a mammoth 185 runs to beat England.

A powerful batting display 💪
Over to the bowlers ⚪
We set Nepal 185 to win 🏏
Click below to follow 👇

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 8, 2026

Harry Brook slams a six to reach his 6th T20I half-century and his second in a T20 World Cup. His fine form continues. He is dismissed off the very next delivery as he gets caught out. Nandan strikes!

After a gap of 20 balls, England manage to finally get a boundary as Will Jacks breaks free from the shackles to strike a maximum. England have gone past the 150-run mark in the 18th over.

Sam Curran's struggle in the middle comes to an end as he drags the ball on the stumps. He walks back after scoring just 2 runs off 8 balls as Airee gets his 2nd wicket. England lose half their side

Jacob Bethell attempts a big hit buts gets caught out by Lokesh Bam. He walks back after scoring a fine 55-run knock from 35 balls as England lose their 4th wicket. Much-needed breakthrough for Nepal. Sam Curran is the next batter in

England captain Harry Brook has stepped on the gas and is dealing in boundaries at the moment. The partnership between Brook and Bethell is now 71 runs off 44 balls.

Jacob Bethell slams a huge maximum to get to his half-century off 28 deliveries in style. He is batting at a strike rate of over 180 at present. England have also gone past the 100-run mark, meanwhile.

FIFTY FOR JACOB BETHELL ON HIS T20 WC DEBUT ⭐

- A Superstar in making. pic.twitter.com/IVn6I4U7ie

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 8, 2026

Jacob Bethell moves into his 40s with a boundary in the last delivery of the 11th over and is on course to register a half-century. He will be aiming to stay till the end of England's innings

England's run-rate has seen a dip ever since they lost their 3rd wicket. Lamichhane and Nandan Yadav have kept it tight and have not allowed Bethell and Brook to go big. England manage to reach 84/3 at the end of 10 overs

First ball. First wicket. What a start! 💥

Malla strikes on debut as Salt miscues one! Nepal make an instant impact on the big stage. 💪

ICC Men's #T20WorldCup | #ENGvNEP | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/dABzR5eM25 pic.twitter.com/Amno1zFeqb

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026

Sandeep Lamichhane traps Tom Banton for an LBW in his very first delivery as the batter attempts a reverse sweep. The England star takes a review. Ball-tracking shows the delivery going on to hit the stumps. The on-field umpire's original decision stands and England have lost their 3rd wicket

Despite losing two wickets in the powerplay, England have ensured that the scoreboard remains ticking and boundaries keep flowing, with Jacob Bethell leading the charge. England have gone past the fifty-run mark and finish at 57/2 at the end of 6 overs

Nandan Yadav provides a second breakthrough for Nepal as he puts the brakes on Jos Buttler's innings. He former England captain has to walk back after scoring 26 runs off 16 balls as England lose their 2nd wicket. Nandan celebrates with a jump and a kiss to the heavens

Sher Malla started off his international career with a wicket off his very first delivery but ends up conceding 14 runs in his first over.

The number 2-ranked T20I batter Phil Salt is caught out by Lamichchane off Sher Malla's very first international delivery as England lose their first wicket. A dream start for the debutant as Nepal strike early. The bowler falls over while celebrating the wicket but it doesn't matter as he is ecstatic and so are the Nepal fans in Mumbai.

Karan KC manages to deliver a good first over after conceding just one single boundary. England are 5/0. Sher Malla is now into the attack, which means there is spin on on end and pace on the other.

Phil Salt and Jos Buttler are out in the middle to commence the proceedings for England in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener against Nepal. The experienced duo will be eyeing an explosive start in Mumbai. Karan KC starts with the ball for Nepal. Action underway at the Wankhede. Here we go!

The England vs Nepal clash will take place on the same wicket at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on which the India vs USA match was played on Saturday. 161 runs was all that India managed to put on board while batting first, while the USA only scored 132 in response. Will the surface behave any different today?

New Zealand pull off their highest chase ever at a T20 World Cup to start the tournament in style.🔥

Chase completed and records rewritten! 💪

Next up in ICC Men's #T20WorldCup | #ENGvNEP | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/dABzR5eM25 pic.twitter.com/7fyqwl5Bne

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026

England have gone with two specialist spinners in their XI in the form of Adil Rashid and Dawson. The team boasts of a stellar bating line-up which will see Salt open with Buttler. Captain brook is slotted to bat at number 5. The team also boasts of a strong all-round unit featuring the likes of Curran, Jacks, Bethell among others. Archer and Wood comprise of the pace unit.

England: Phil Salt, ⁠Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, ⁠Harry Brook (c), ⁠Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, ⁠Adil Rashid, ⁠Luke Wood
Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(w), Rohit Paudel(c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sher Malla

Here’s the playing XI for ENGLAND & NEPAL

Can England get off to a winning start? 🤩 OR will Nepal upset the plans? 👍🏻

ICC Men's #T20WorldCup | #ENGvNEP | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/dABzR5eM25 pic.twitter.com/KRW2vYQgVv

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026

England captain Harry Brook wins the toss and opts to bat first against Nepal in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener. Nepal captain Rohit Paudel says he would have bowled first as well and will want to chase at the venue

England have won the toss & they will bat first at Wankhede, Mumbai!

ICC Men's #T20WorldCup | #ENGvNEP | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/dABzR5eM25 pic.twitter.com/OBOuMnOAh5

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026

Incredibly, Tim Seifert has won the Player of the Match award for his match-winning 42-ball 65. New Zealand pulled off a stunning win! 💪 After a shaky start when they lost 2 wickets in as many balls, they chased down a tough target with ease. Afghanistan's bowling let them down, failing to live up to their reputation in defence of 182.

Tim Seifert in T20Is since 2025: 

• Inngs: 19
• Runs: 727
• Avg: 45.4
• SR: 163.4
• HS: 97* vs PAK

New Zealand beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets!

🇳🇿 A superb start to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 for New Zealand as they beat Afghanistan. Many gave Afghanistan chances to cause an upset, especially due to the fact that this game was played in Chennai. However, it wasn't a typical Chepauk deck, but the Kiwis were put to the test.

Tim Seifert's incredible fifty, Glenn Phillips quick-fire 42 and Mark Chapman's 28 were crucial to New Zealand's run-chase. 

If he was fit, Afghanistan made a bad decision to leave out Noor Ahmad in this game. Noor is perhaps the most exciting spinners in white-ball cricket right now, alongside having experience of playing across T20 leagues. He represents CSK in the IPL as well. So definitely there are a thing or two that he knows about this Chidambaram Stadium venue. 

Afghanistan have played Ziaur Rahman instead of Noor and the medium pacer has done nothing as of now, leaking 18 runs in 2 overs. Had Noor been there, he would've provided support to Rashid and Mujeeb. 

Here's an interesting detail by Ravichandran Ashwin as he sheds light on Rashid Khan dismissing Glenn Phillips. 

Rashid Khan hadn’t dismissed Glenn Phillips before today’s encounter in T 20 cricket.

Phillips was taking the game away from the Afghans and Rashid found the perfect moment to change the match up data.👏👏 #icct20worldcup2026

Match up before today’s dismissal⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ERsCSOkzku

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 8, 2026

50 Alert 🏏

Tim Seifert has made his first T20 World Cup 2026, also his maiden against Afghanistan. He is keeping New Zealand in check here in the interesting run-chase. Rashid Khan might have played it wrong here to bring Mohammad Nabi against Seifert. The off-spin is proving to be too easy for Seifert, who gets to his 13th T20I fifty. A fifty in 39 balls and he now mauls Nabi for 6,6,4. 

Nabi takes revenge

It becomes one too many for Seifert as he hands a simple catch to Azmatullah Omarzai at deep square leg. Nonetheless, a magnificent innings of 65 from Seifert here. Daryl Mitchell is the new batter in. Afghanistan are still alive though! 

Rashid Khan bowled Phillips with a beauty!

The Afghan captain is on fire 😤. Glenn Phillips tried to drive inside out, got beaten, and lost his wicket. He gives Phillips a send-off too after the Kiwi dynamite went strong in the previous over. A timely wicket for Afghanistan who now need to take a couple more in quick time. 

Phillips b Rashid Khan 42(25) [4s-7 6s-1]

NZ: 92/3 in 10 overs. New Zealand need 91 off last 60 balls. 

Kiwi batters are crushing it against spin in T20Is since the 2024 World Cup, with a strike rate of 142.8—second only to India's 157.64 among top teams. 

Glenn Phillips is looking in sublime touch as he makes 41 off 23. His superb hand-eye coordination is ruling the roost in Chennai. Tim Seifert is at 39* as well as the partnership gets to 72 off 43 balls. 

From 14/2, New Zealand have done well to get to 52/2 by the end of the powerplay overs. Superb comeback as Phillips and Seifert add crucial runs in the 183-run chase. 

New Zealand need 117 runs in the next 78 balls. Rashid Khan has 4 overs remaining. On that note, watch Mujeeb ur Rahman's incredible twin wickets below. 

Two in two and New Zealand are rattled! 💥

A beauty from @Mujeeb_R88 beats the defence and cleans up Rachin for a golden duck - stumps hit, celebrations lit! 🙌🕺

Afghanistan dent the chase in style. 💪

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #NZvAFG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/yo60Xej4AW pic.twitter.com/IpV2ievTyI

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026

After losing two early wickets, Seifert and Phillps have managed to pull things back and stabilize the run-chase for New Zealand. Seifert survives a run-out chance as he wards off a direct hit threat from Zadran. Overall, a good over for the Kiwis as they get 13 runs

Mujeeb ur Rahman has gotten rid of Finn Allen (1) and Rachin Ravindra (0) in consecutive deliveries to hand a double strike for Afghanistan. Both batters are clean bowled by the spinner, leaving them clueless. New Zealand have been put on the back foot early on in the run-chase

Mujeeb, my boy. Loved that over. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/pr994Ow4RQ

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 8, 2026

Tim Seifert faces Fazalhaq Farooqi as New Zealand begin their chase to go ahead in Group D of the T20 World Cup. A powerpacked Kiwi opening pair here with Seifert and Finn Allen, who has been in an incredible form.

Afghanistan's put up a solid total, but can they defend it? The pitch is not turning much, but slower balls are biting and pacers are getting bounce. Will it be enough to trouble the opposition? Afghanistan scored 182-6 in 20 overs, with Gulbadin Naib's 63 off 35 balls leading the charge.

Fun Fact

New Zealand have never chased down 170+ run target in T20 World Cup history 

Afghanistan sets a massive target of 183 🔥

NZ have never chased 170+ in a T20WC
A tough battle awaits in the second innings! 💥 pic.twitter.com/yCnoWrPgfa

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) February 8, 2026

New Zealand are behind in the over rate. Interestingly, Santner turns to Rachin Ravindra and he delivers! Something was going to give in this over and Gulbadin started with a superb six down the ground. The next ball, Ravindra dragged it back just slightly and Naib skied it up. Tim Seifert did the rest as New Zealand finally see the back of Naib, who made a match-changing 35-ball 63 (4x3, 6x4)

Azmatullah Omarzai the new batter in and even he bangs a six in the over that saw 14 runs coming from it. 

AFG:  164/4 in 18 overs. 

🚨 ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026,New Zealand vs Afghanistan 🚨

Rachin Ravindra dismissed Gulbadin Naib for 63 runs off 35 balls, caught behind by Tim Seifert

Afghanistan - 156/4 after 17.2 overs#T20WorldCup #AFGvNZ #NZvAFG pic.twitter.com/qteyBjloyB

— Sporcaster (@Sporcaster) February 8, 2026

Naib gets 50, Atal OUT

So, it is all happening after the drinks break. Gulbadin Naib sent a straight six off Jacob Duffy to start the last 6 overs before completing his 50 in just 29 balls. A superb fifty and a much-needed one for Afghanistan after their sedate start. In doing so, Naib has also completed 1,000 T20I runs for Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Duffy made a comeback as he gets Sediqullah Atal out for 29. 

Darwish Rasooli is the new batter in and starts with a couple. 

Afghanistan: 130/3 in 15 overs. Naib 54* off 30

.@GbNaib unlocks the milestone of 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Runs in T20I Cricket! 🚩👏#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvNZ | #T20WorldCup | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/7yzXPLHeFH

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 8, 2026

A costly Jimmy Neesham over as Afghanistan accumulate 18 runs from it. Gulbadin Naib took him for a six and a four to take his tally to 43 off 27. He is playing a blinder here. Afghanistan would love to have him for more overs. Time for Sediqullah (29* off 23) to shift gears as well. 

AFG: 115/2 in 14 overs. 

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.