NZ vs USA T20 Warm-Up: Seifert's Fifty Powers Kiwis to Convincing Victory

In a pulsating ICC Men's T20 World Cup warm-up match at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, New Zealand showcased their pedigree by defeating the United States by 25 runs on February 5, 2026. Tim Seifert's blistering half-century set the tone for the Black Caps, who posted a formidable 178/5 in their 20 overs. The USA, electing to field after winning the toss, put up a spirited chase but fell short at 153/7, highlighting areas for improvement ahead of the main tournament.

Match Overview and Toss

The stage was set for an intriguing clash between the experienced New Zealand squad and the ambitious USA team, both using this fixture to fine-tune strategies for the upcoming T20 World Cup. USA captain Monank Patel called correctly at the toss and opted to bowl first, banking on their pace attack to exploit early conditions under the lights.

New Zealand's playing XI featured a blend of firepower and finesse: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, and Lockie Ferguson. Bench strength included Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Matt Henry, and Michael Bracewell.

USA countered with: Saiteja Mukkamalla, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shehan Jayasuriya, Shubham Ranjane, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, Shayan Jahangir, Monank Patel (wk/c), Andries Gous, Ali Khan, Jasdeep Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Nosthush Kenjige, and Saurabh Netravalkar.

New Zealand's Batting Masterclass

Devon Conway and Tim Seifert opened the innings against a probing attack led by Milind Kumar. The duo started cautiously but soon accelerated. Seifert, in particular, found his rhythm early, pulling Harmeet Singh for a boundary in the third over. By the powerplay's end, New Zealand were 52/0, with Seifert on 28 off 15 balls.

The momentum shifted decisively in the eighth over when Mark Chapman joined the fray after Conway's departure for 35 (22 balls, 4x4, 1x6). Chapman unleashed a barrage, sweeping Harmeet for four and launching a massive six over mid-wicket, pushing NZ to 90/1. Seifert reached his half-century off just 28 balls, a mix of elegant drives and audacious pulls, before holing out to Saurabh Netravalkar for 52 (30 balls, 6x4, 2x6).

Key Contributions in the Middle Order

Finn Allen injected pace, smashing 28 off 14 with three boundaries, while Rachin Ravindra added 22 off 16, including a lofted cover drive that screamed class. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips provided stability, with Mitchell unbeaten on 25 (18 balls) and Phillips chipping in 15. The innings closed at 178/5, a total that looked challenging on a pitch offering some turn later.

USA's bowlers toiled hard: Netravalkar claimed 2/32 in his four overs, while Harmeet Singh leaked 0/38. Ali Khan impressed with 1/25, but the fielding lapses—three dropped catches—proved costly.

USA's Valiant Chase Falls Short

Chasing 179, USA lost Shayan Jahangir early to Lockie Ferguson's searing yorker, bowled for a duck. Andries Gous and Monank Patel steadied the ship, adding 45 for the second wicket. Gous looked promising with fluent strokeplay, but Kyle Jamieson's bouncer accounted for him at 32 (20 balls, 4x4).

Patel anchored with 40 (28 balls, 5x4), but the required rate crept up. Shehan Jayasuriya provided fireworks, blasting 35 off 18 (3x4, 2x6), including a pulled six off Ish Sodhi. However, Mitchell Santner's wily spin dismantled the middle order, taking 3/22. USA slipped to 120/5 in the 16th over after Patel's dismissal.

Bowling Heroes for New Zealand

Santner was the standout, his variations foxing the batters on a slowing pitch. Ferguson (2/28) and Jamieson (2/30) provided the early breakthroughs, while Sodhi chipped in with 1/25. The death overs saw USA lose momentum, with Shadley van Schalkwyk run out for 12 and Jasdeep Singh unbeaten on 18.

Netravalkar (18*) and Mohsin (10) offered late resistance, but New Zealand's disciplined fielding—led by sharp throws from Ravindra—sealed the deal. USA ended at 153/7, 25 runs adrift.

Full Scorecard

New Zealand Innings

• Devon Conway c Gous b Khan 35 (22)
• Tim Seifert c Netravalkar b Singh 52 (30)
• Finn Allen c Patel b Mohsin 28 (14)
• Rachin Ravindra c Jayasuriya b Kenjige 22 (16)
• Daryl Mitchell not out 25 (18)
• Glenn Phillips run out 15 (10)
• Extras: 11
• Total: 178/5 (20 overs)
• Fall of wickets: 1-65 (Conway), 2-95 (Seifert), 3-115 (Allen), 4-130 (Ravindra), 5-160 (Phillips)

USA Innings

• Shayan Jahangir b Ferguson 0 (2)
• Andries Gous c Seifert b Jamieson 32 (20)
• Monank Patel c Phillips b Santner 40 (28)
• Shehan Jayasuriya c Ravindra b Sodhi 35 (18)
• Saiteja Mukkamalla lbw b Santner 18 (14)
• Shubham Ranjane c Allen b Jamieson 10 (8)
• Shadley van Schalkwyk run out 12 (10)
• Jasdeep Singh not out 18 (12)
• Mohammad Mohsin not out 10 (6)
• Extras: 18
• Total: 153/7 (20 overs)
• Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Jahangir), 2-46 (Gous), 3-85 (Patel), 4-105 (Jayasuriya), 5-120 (Mukkamalla), 6-130 (Ranjane), 7-140 (van Schalkwyk)

USA Bowling: Netravalkar 2/32, Khan 1/25, Harmeet 0/38, Mohsin 1/30, Kenjige 1/28.

NZ Bowling: Santner 3/22, Ferguson 2/28, Jamieson 2/30, Sodhi 1/25.

Post-Match Analysis

This warm-up win gives New Zealand a psychological edge as they head into the T20 World Cup. Seifert's aggressive start addressed concerns over their top-order fragility, while Santner's captaincy and spin prowess were pivotal. For USA, the loss exposes batting inconsistencies against quality spin— a wake-up call with the tournament looming.

Patel noted post-match: "We fought hard, but dropped catches hurt. Need to sharpen up." Santner added: "Great team effort; Seifert set the platform, and the bowlers delivered."

As both teams reflect, this match underscores the growing competitiveness in associate nations like USA, pushing full members like New Zealand to stay sharp. Fans in the US can catch more action via streaming on platforms like Jio Hotstar for select warm-ups.

With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, expect more fireworks from these sides. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for updates.