The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues with an exciting contest as New Zealand take on Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. This match is crucial for both teams, as the group is highly competitive and only two teams will qualify for the next stage.
Afghanistan come into the tournament with high confidence after reaching the semifinals in the previous edition, while New Zealand will be eager to bounce back after a poor run of results recently.
NZ vs AFG Match Details
| Match Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Match | New Zealand vs Afghanistan – Match 4 |
| Date | Sunday, 8 February 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM IST |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
Match Preview
New Zealand
New Zealand are known for their experience and balanced squad. However, their recent form has been disappointing, including a heavy series loss in India. The team will look to regain momentum in this opening game.
Players like Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, and Daryl Mitchell provide strong batting power, while Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi will play key roles on the spin-friendly Chennai surface.
Key Strengths
- Experienced international players
- Powerful middle order
- Quality spin options
Key Concerns
- Poor recent form
- Struggles on slow pitches
Afghanistan
Afghanistan are one of the most dangerous teams in subcontinent conditions. Their biggest strength is their world-class spin attack featuring Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi.
Their batting unit has also improved, with players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran capable of providing strong starts. Afghanistan previously defeated New Zealand in a T20 World Cup, which will give them confidence.
Key Strengths
- Best spin attack in the tournament
- Strong record batting first
- Good recent form
Key Concerns
- Chasing under pressure
- Over-dependence on spinners
Head-to-Head Record
| Teams | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | 1 |
| Afghanistan | 1 |
| No Result | 0 |
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | L, L, L, W, L |
| Afghanistan | W, W, W, W, L |
Weather & Pitch Report – Chennai
Weather
- Temperature: 26–28°C
- Humidity: 70–80%
- Rain: Low chance (5%)
Pitch
- Slow surface with turn for spinners
- Batting becomes difficult as match progresses
- Teams batting first have an advantage
- Par score around 150–160
MA Chidambaram Stadium – T20I Stats
| Record | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 10 |
| Bat First Wins | 6 |
| Bat Second Wins | 3 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 151 |
| Highest Score | 189/4 |
| Lowest Score | 80/10 |
Predicted Playing XI
New Zealand
- Finn Allen
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Mark Chapman
- Glenn Phillips
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- James Neesham
- Kyle Jamieson
- Matt Henry
- Ish Sodhi
- Jacob Duffy
Afghanistan
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Small League (Safe Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Glenn Phillips
- Daryl Mitchell
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Grand League (High-Risk Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Finn Allen
- Rashid Khan
- Mitchell Santner
- Darwish Rasooli
NZ vs AFG Dream11 Team Prediction – Who Will Win?
The Chennai pitch is expected to assist spinners, which gives Afghanistan a strong advantage. Their spin quartet can make scoring difficult, especially in the middle overs.
However, New Zealand have more overall experience and a stronger batting lineup capable of handling pressure situations. If their key batters perform, they can neutralize the spin threat.
Considering experience and squad balance, New Zealand hold a slight edge in this contest.
Predicted Winner: New Zealand
Injury Update
| Team | Status |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | No injury updates |
| Afghanistan | No injury updates |
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