Finn Allen and Tim Seifert’s nasty collision results in a missed catch, Rahmanullah Gurbaz given a lifeline

A huge mistake on the field helped Rahmanullah Gurbaz survive when a simple catch fell after a nasty collision between Finn Allen and Tim Seifert during the Group D T20 World Cup 2026 match between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Matt Henry creates chance with poor shot from Rahmanullah Gurbaz in T20 World Cup 2026 clash

It should have been an easy wicket that turned into a lucky lifeline for Afghanistan’s opener. The terrifying but precious moment came in the third over of the Afghan innings after Matt Henry’s bowling. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tried to play a very risky big chance.

He walked off the field swinging his bat hard, without control. The shot went completely wrong and the ball took a big top edge and flew high into the air. The ball went behind the wicketkeeper and started coming down slowly.

Also read: Afghan men’s cricketers banned from…

Seeing this, three New Zealand fielders ran for the ball. Even the wicketkeeper, Tim Seifert, shouted loudly for the catch and was in the perfect position to take it. Adding to the drama, running back also stopped after seeing Seifert ready to take the catch.

Confusion between Finn Allen and Tim Seifert is costing New Zealand

Just as the catch looked safe, Finn Allen came running quickly from short fine leg. Allen did not realize that the wicketkeeper, Seifert, had already called for the ball. Allen bumped into Seifert at the last moment and both players lost their balance.

The collision caused Seifert to drop the catch. The Black Caps left in shock as poor communication and confusion between the players handed Rahmanullah Gurbaz a major lifeline in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 match in Chennai.

pic.twitter.com/HGgY2H1N3Q

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) February 8, 2026

Lockie Ferguson outsmarts Rahmanullah Gurbaz with cleverly slower ball

Well, New Zealand have finally managed to get rid of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, thanks to Lockie Ferguson’s clever delivery. Ferguson bowled a slower ball and changed his pace at the right time. The pitcher rolled his fingers on the ball and it moved slightly back toward the right-handed batter.

Gurbaz came forward to play the shot but played away from his body as he could not hear the slower ball. The bat took a very small inside edge and the ball hit the leg stump, ending Gurbaz’s innings after scoring 27 runs from 22 balls, hitting two fours and one six.

Also read: Rohit Sharma rejects Mukesh Ambani’s snack offer, puts World Cup fitness first

Afghanistan and New Zealand in tempo war at green Chepauk

Meanwhile, memories of the last T20 World Cup meeting in New Zealand and Afghanistan are still fresh. In 2024, Afghanistan shocked everyone by beating New Zealand in the West Indies. This time the match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where the pitch has a green cover and good bounce, just like the old days at Chepauk.

Because of this added resilience, New Zealand has planned its attack at pace. They have decided not to play wrist spinner Ish Sodhi and instead fill the team with fast bowlers. Matt Henry leads the pace attack, with Lockie Ferguson and Jacob Duffy supporting him.

Afghanistan have also gone strong with their fast bowling options. They have picked Ziaur Rahman Sharifi and Fazalhaq Farooqi as their main fast bowlers. Seam-bowling all-rounders Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib will provide additional pace options.