New ZealandNew Zealand and Afghanistan face off in the first game of the highly competitive Group stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The match holds crucial value for both teams because the group winner will achieve essential benefits through their victory. New Zealand, a previous World Cup semi-finalist, is looking to exact revenge for their loss to Afghanistan in the 2024 group stage.
The match results carry vital importance because South Africa competes in the same group, which creates a situation where the losing team could get knocked out before reaching the Super-8 stage. The match will show great competition because both teams want to begin their tournaments by winning.
Afghanistan’s spin-heavy lineup could trouble New Zealand’s batsmen, while Afghanistan’s batting lineup will look to take advantage of New Zealand’s bowling attack. The match result will establish the initial direction that both teams will take throughout the tournament.
According to ESPNcricinfo, New Zealand and Afghanistan have never played against each other outside of T20 World Cup matches in their shortest-format contests. The two teams have competed against each other two times in the tournament and they each won one match. The Afghan team won their most recent matchup in 2024.
Match Details
| Match | New Zealand vs Afghanistan , Match 4, T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date and Time (IST) | Sunday, February 8, 11:00 AM |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium |
| Broadcast and Live-streaming | JioStar Network Channels and JioHotstar (App & Website) |
New Zealand Strengths
New Zealand, a previous World Cup semi-finalist, brings strong T20 experience. Their batting lineup, led by players like Rachin Ravindra, is formidable. The Kiwi bowlers, including Matt Henry, can trouble Afghanistan’s batsmen.
New Zealand Weaknesses
Afghanistan’s spin-heavy lineup could be a challenge for New Zealand’s batsmen. They’ll need to adapt quickly to the conditions.
Afghanistan Strengths
Afghanistan’s spin attack, led by Rashid Khan, is a major threat. Their batting lineup, featuring Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has explosive power.
Afghanistan Weaknesses
Afghanistan’s inconsistency in big matches could be a concern. They’ll need to maintain focus and intensity.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan: Predicted Playing XIs
New Zealand (Probable XI): Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry.
Afghanistan (Probable XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad.