T20 World Cup 2026 [WATCH]: Tim Siefert and Finn Allen’s hilarious collision leads to Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s lucky escape during the New Zealand-AGF clash.

In a tournament already filled with high-intensity drama, the T20 World Cup 2026 clash between New Zealand and Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai produced one of its strangest moments.

During the third over of Afghanistan’s innings, a chaotic miscommunication between the wicketkeeper Tim Seifert and Finnish led to a high-profile catch that left players and the public in a state of disbelief. What should have been a statutory dismissal for matt henry became a viral “comedy of errors” when two of New Zealand’s finest collided on the big stage.

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen’s bizarre mix-up gives Rahmanullah Gurbaz a lucky lifeline during NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 match

The incident unfolded during Afghanistan’s first match. Rahmanullah GurbazSeeking to break the shackles against Henry, he danced across the field to do some savage work. He only managed a thick top edge that sent the ball skywards, seemingly hanging in the Chennai humidity forever. As the ball dropped directly behind the stumps, Seifert followed it perfectly and made a clear call to claim the catch, appearing to be in complete control of the situation.

However, Finnishattacking with a narrow approach from short fine leg, he did not hear or heed the call and ran into Seifert’s path. Just as the goalkeeper settled under the ball to complete the expulsion, Allen came at full speed and collided with him. The force of the mid-air impact knocked the ball out of Seifert’s firm gloves, sending both players to the turf as the ball landed safely between them. In a classic display of New Zealand temperament, after the initial shock, both Allen and Seifert were seen laughing on the ground, sharing the embarrassment of a “mine, not yours” disaster that gave Gurbaz a vital and early reprieve.

Here is the video:

pic.twitter.com/HGgY2H1N3Q

– Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) February 8, 2026

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T20 World Cup 2026: Seifert and Glenn Phillips power New Zealand to record chase over Afghanistan

New Zealand kicked off their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a Clinical five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Chennai. After Rashid Khan won the toss and decided to bat, Afghanistan posted a competitive 182/6, boosted by a solid half-century from Gulbadin Naib. The Kiwi chase got off to a bad start with Mujeeb Ur Rahman eliminating both openers early, leaving them reeling at 14/2.

However, Seifert played a winning hand, smashing 65 off 42 balls to stabilize the innings and change the momentum. It was well supported by Glenn Phillipswho added a stunning 42 to keep the required rate against the Afghan spinners in check. Despite a late wicket of Rashid Khan, Daryl Mitchell and pattern Mitchell Santner He remained calm to finish the task with 15 balls remaining. This victory gives New Zealand two vital points in the “Group of Death” and serves as revenge for their 2024 loss to the same side. The Black Caps now await their high-stakes clash against South Africa scheduled for February 14.

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