[WATCH] Azmatullah Omarzai Suffers Bizarre Run-Out After Shocking Mix-Up In NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup Match

Punjab Kings (PBKS) all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai was run out following a major mix-up with Mohammad Nabi during the Afghanistan vs New Zealand clash in the 2026 T20 World Cup in Chennai on Sunday, February 8. Despite there being no real chance for a second run, Omarzai attempted it and was dismissed for 14 off seven balls, with the incident occurring on the final delivery of the innings.

The run-out happened after Nabi steered a short ball from Lockie Ferguson towards deep cover. James Neesham was sharp in the field, releasing the throw swiftly, as Ferguson gathered the ball on the bounce and shattered the stumps in no time. You can watch the video here:

New Zealand Begin 2026 T20 World Cup Campaign With 5-Wicket Win Over Afghanistan

New Zealand opened their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a five-wicket victory over Afghanistan, also settling the score for their defeat against the same opponents in the 2024 edition of the tournament. Asked to bat first, Afghanistan posted a competitive 182/6 from their 20 overs.

Gulbadin Naib led the charge with an impressive 65 off 35 balls, striking four sixes and three fours. Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz added valuable contributions in the 20s. Lockie Ferguson led New Zealand’s bowling with 2/40, while Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Rachin Ravindra picked up a wicket each.

Chasing the target, the Black Caps crossed the line with 2.1 overs remaining. Their innings began on a shaky note as Mujeeb Ur Rahman removed Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra cheaply for 1 and 0. Tim Seifert then anchored the chase with a fluent 65 off 42 balls, which included three sixes and seven boundaries.

Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman provided solid support with brisk knocks of 42 off 25 and 28 off 17, respectively. Daryl Mitchell and captain Mitchell Santner remained unbeaten on 25 off 14 balls and 17 off eight, guiding New Zealand home.

For Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, and skipper Rashid Khan picked up one wicket each. New Zealand will next take on the UAE in Chennai on Tuesday, February 10, while Afghanistan are set to face South Africa in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 11.

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