The high-stakes ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D clash between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium witnessed a moment of raw, unbridled emotion on Sunday. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan made headlines not just for his bowling, but for a fiery verbal send-off directed at Kiwi batter Glenn Phillips that has since gone viral.
The incident occurred in the 9.2 over of New Zealand’s chase. Phillips, who was looking dangerous after smashing 42 off 25 balls, attempted a big shot against Rashid but misjudged the length. The ball took an inside edge and crashed into the stumps. As the bail flew, a pumped-up Rashid was reportedly caught on camera shouting, “Fk off!”** as he celebrated the crucial breakthrough.
The Match Context
Despite Rashid’s heroics and the early double-strike by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, New Zealand secured a historic 5-wicket victory, successfully chasing down 183—their highest-ever successful chase in T20 World Cup history.
| Feature | Afghanistan | New Zealand |
| Total Score | 182/6 (20 overs) | 183/5 (17.5 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Gulbadin Naib (63 off 35) | Tim Seifert (65 off 42) |
| Best Bowler | Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/31) | Lockie Ferguson (2/40) |
| Result | Lost by 5 wickets | Won by 5 wickets |
Reactions to the “Send-Off”
While some fans on social media criticized the outburst as “unsportsmanlike,” the majority of the cricketing community defended the Afghan skipper, citing the intense pressure of the tournament. Many noted that Phillips himself is a highly competitive player and that such “heat of the moment” exchanges are part of the game’s entertainment value.
The win provides New Zealand with a vital revenge victory, following their humiliating loss to Afghanistan in the 2024 edition of the tournament. For Afghanistan, the defeat serves as a wake-up call regarding their mid-innings bowling execution, despite a strong batting performance led by Gulbadin Naib.