Once Afghanistan posted a score of over 180 runs on the board in their first innings against New Zealand during the T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the pressure was on the Kiwis to provide a good start to their middle order, who would be able counter the opposition’s spin threat. 

But Mujeeb Ur Rahman had other plans as the Kiwis were rocked back against the off-spinner, who used all his abilities against both the right-handed and left-handed batters of the line-up. On the third delivery of the second over, Mujeeb got the massive wicket of Finn Allen for one run in two.

See Also: Watch: Rashid Khan gives aggressive send-off to Glenn Phillips in NZ vs AFG T20 WC 2026

Allen saw the ball being pitched into the middle of the surface as he went on his back foot and looked to pull the off-spinner for a big shot, but the ball skidded through to the right-handed batter and cracked onto the stumps to send the right-handed batter back in the pavilion. It was an early success for the Afghanistan side.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman picks two successive wickets in T20 WC 2026 

Mujeeb, on the very next delivery, sent back Rachin Ravindra, who played the wrong line of the ball. It was a seam-up delivery from around the wicket as it swung and went straight with the line to the southpaw, as Ravindra was pushed, and once he played the wrong line, the ball went on to break the stumps for his golden duck.

Watch the video here: 

Two in two and New Zealand are rattled! 💥

A beauty from @Mujeeb_R88 beats the defence and cleans up Rachin for a golden duck - stumps hit, celebrations lit! 🙌🕺

Afghanistan dent the chase in style. 💪

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #NZvAFG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/yo60Xej4AW pic.twitter.com/IpV2ievTyI

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026

Earlier in the game, Afghanistan posted a strong score of 182 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs as their number three batter, Gulbadin Naib, cracked a fine knock of 63 runs in 35 balls with the help of three boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 180, while they got support from the rest of the unit.

After two successive wickets, New Zealand settled thanks to the fifty-run stand for the third wicket. Glenn Phillips played a sensational knock of 42 runs in 25 balls with the help of seven boundaries and one six at 168.

Brief Scores: Afganistan 182/6 (Gulbadin Naib 63, Lockie Ferguson 2/40) vs New Zealand 153/4  (Tim Seifert 65, Mujeeb 2/31) 

The pressure and eyes were on the Afghanistan captain, Rashid Khan, to collect vital wickets during their clash against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as they were defending the score of 182 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs of the innings.

Very unnaturally, Rashid Khan didn’t have a great first over as Glenn Philips smashed the fourth ball of the leg spinner over the bowler’s head for a massive six before backing his power and hammering the short ball with a pull over the mid-wicket region for a boundary. That put massive early pressure on the veteran, who needed to make a strong comeback.

See Also: Watch: Gulbadin Naib’s muscle celebration on 50 during NZ vs AFG T20 WC 2026 goes viral

Rashid did so with the wicket of Phillips on the very next over. On the second delivery of the over, Phillips backed away on the inside-out drive against the full-length delivery on the off-stump. He went hard on the shot and lost his shape as the ball got an under edge and crashed into the stumps.

Rashid Khan pumped up at Glenn Phillips in T20 WC 2026 

Rashid roared and had an aggressive send-off to the right-handed batter, who was dismissed for 42 runs in 25 balls at a strike rate of 168 with the help of seven boundaries and one six. He left the field with the New Zealand side in trouble.

Watch the video here: 

@StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/HOCazmYlqy

— Cricket Everywhere✍🏻 (@Subhamk79241601) February 8, 2026

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan posted a massive score of 182, thanks to the 63-run knock of 35 balls with the help of three boundaries and four sixes at 180 from Gulbadin Naib, who got a promotion at number three in the batting department. Their lower order also gave a strong contribution later in the game.

Apart from Phillips, the Kiwi opener, Tim Seifert, claimed a fine knock of 65 runs in 42 balls at a strike rate of 154.76 with the help of seven boundaries and three sixes. He nailed Mohammad Nabi for two successive sixes and a boundary before being dismissed.

Brief Scores: Afganistan 182/6 (Gulbadin Naib 63, Lockie Ferguson 2/40) vs New Zealand 136/4 (Tim Seifert 65, Mujeeb 2/16) 

On the second ball of the sixth over of the innings during the fourth encounter of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Gulbadin Naib came into the middle at number. And from the very first ball, he was in an aggressive mode and made his way to his half-century and showed his muscle as the celebration went viral. 

Gulbadin Naib hammered the full-length delivery from James Neesham over the long-off region for a boundary to get going before putting Glenn Phillips into the stands as he smoked the flighted delivery over the wide-on region for a massive six. The momentum got shifted on the 13th over of the innings against Neesham.

See Also: Watch: Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoops Jacob Duffy for 6 in NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 clash

Naib bent down and swept the right-arm pacer over the short fine leg for a fine boundary before backing his power and muscling the next delivery over the deep mid-wicket for a massive six. After the drinks break, the right-handed batter belted Jacob Duffy into the stands and celebrated his half-century in just 28 balls.

Gulbadin Naib celebrates his 50 in T20 World Cup 2026 

Afghanistan didn’t get a strong start with the bat inside the powerplay as both their opening batters, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, struggled to get going against the pacers of the Kiwis side. Apart from one scoop shot for six by Gurbaz, he didn’t look threatening for his 27 runs in 22 balls with the help of two fours and one six.

Watch the video here: 

@StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/Pt1z4xaGiP

— Cricket Everywhere✍🏻 (@Subhamk79241601) February 8, 2026

Matt Henry bowled beautifully for his three overs inside the powerplay, where he ended with 0/18. Their captain, Mitchell Santner, was excellent at an economy rate of 5.75 for conceding 23 runs in four overs without any success. Meanwhile, Duffy and Neesham were smashed for combined figures of 1/63 in six overs.

Afghanistan had already crossed the 145-run mark in 17 overs, which aimed themselves towards the 180-run mark with wickets in hand. And with three premier spinners in the side. They would hope to get their second successive win over the Kiwis in the T20 WC history.

Brief Scores: Afghanistan 164/5 (Gulbadin Naib 63, Sediquallh Atal 29, Lockie Ferguson 2/32) vs New Zealand. 

When the full schedule of the T20 World Cup 2026 came out, the eyes were on the game between New Zealand and Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where the latter would be more dominant on the slow-spinning surface, and they would also have the confidence in their end due to beating the Kiwis during the last World Cup.

Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, won the toss and decided to bat first on a surface which he reckoned would be helpful for their three spinners later in the afternoon under the sun. The Kiwi captain, Mitchell Santner, wasn’t sure of his decision either and got a blessing in disguise with three pacers in the eleven.

See Also: Watch: “Aap ne earn…”- Suryakumar Yadav teases Arshdeep Singh post IND vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 match

Both the Afghanistan openers had a slow start, with Gurbaz playing one of the eye-catching shots around the park. The right-handed batter made room and went into the line of the delivery against Jacob Duffy and used the bowler’s pace to scoop in behind the wicket as the ball sailed over long leg for a massive six.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoops six during T20 World Cup 2026 

On the very next delivery, Gurbaz picked up the length delivery and swiveled across before hammering the pull through the wide mid-wicket for a strong boundary. He creamed Lockie Foerguson for a boundary as he opened up the off-side and hammered the drive through the extra-cover.

Watch the video here: 

Finally gets hold of one! 💥@RGurbaz_21 drops low, and scoops it fine! 👀

ICC Men's #T20WorldCup | #NZvAFG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/yo60Xej4AW pic.twitter.com/yPeSJ6o31E

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026

However, Ferguson had the last laugh on the very next delivery with the wicket of Gurbaz on 27 runs in 22 balls at a strike rate of 122.73, thanks to two boundaries and one four. The ball gripped on the surface and went through the defense of the right-handed batter to break the stumps as Ferguson started the over with the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran.

Matt Henry was excellent for his three overs inside the powerplay as he ended up with 0/18. That increased the pressure on the Afghanistan batters. Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal started to rescue the innings from thereon, as they aimed for a 160+ run score.  

Brief Scores: Afghanistan 115/2 (Gulbadin Naib 43, Lockie Ferguson 2/17) vs New Zealand 

New Zealand will take on Afghanistan in Match 4 of Group D at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be played on Sunday, February 8th, at the fabled MA Chidambaram Stadium. This could prove to be an important match for the sides to take a favorable lead in what seems like a competitive group.

New Zealand enters the contest off a hard-fought series loss in T20I cricket against India, but the experience of playing on some spin-friendly pitches in India could work to their advantage. Even though they managed a narrow six-run win in the warm-up match against the USA, their bowling has shown some vulnerability. Afghanistan come in very well prepared and confident, with a squad full of quality all-rounders and strong spin options. Led by Rashid Khan, they shall try to make the most of the Chennai wicket to test New Zealand and send a serious message in the tournament.

NZ vs AFG: Weather Report

The Chennai weather was predicted to be hot and dry on the day of the match. Temperatures are expected to be between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius under partly cloudy conditions. It is unlikely to rain and the fans can expect a full game without any weather-related stoppages.

NZ vs AFG: MA Chidambaram Stadium Stats (T20Is)

• Matches played: 3
• Average first-innings score: 171
• Average second-innings score: 171
• Teams winning batting first: 33%
• Teams winning bowling first: 67%
• Highest total: 182/4
• Lowest total: 165/9
• Highest chase: 182/4
• Lowest total defended: 167/5

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: NZ vs AFG Today Match Prediction – 4th Match, Who Will Win Today?

NZ vs AFG: Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand (NZ):

Mitchell Santner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham,  Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi

Afghanistan (AFG):

Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Sediq Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

In Match 4 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan will square off against New Zealand on Sunday, 8th February, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This match will be the first of the day in Group D and will be a thrilling contest of experience and spin power.

New Zealand comes into this match after a challenging tour of India, where they lost the T20I series 4-1. Although they did manage a narrow six-run win in the warm-up match against the USA, the bowling has shown some vulnerability. Led by Mitchell Santner, the Black Caps will depend on in-form players like Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, and Kyle Jamieson to step up in this crucial contest.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, have looked very confident heading into the World Cup. They won both their warm-up matches and recently beat West Indies 2-1 in a T20I series. Known for their strong spin attack, Afghanistan will enjoy the slow Chennai conditions. They also defeated New Zealand the last time these teams met in a T20 World Cup, which will give them extra belief.

NZ vs AFG: Head-to-Head in T20Is

• Matches Played: 2
  
• New Zealand Won: 1
  
• Afghanistan Won: 1
  
• No Result: 0

NZ vs AFG: Pitch Report

The Chennai pitch has always been supportive for bowlers, especially spinners. But as the game progresses, the surface normally gets slower and stroke play is not so easy. It is always tricky for teams to bat first, and they prefer to chase in day matches at this venue.

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Points table, most runs, most wickets after IND vs USA match 3

NZ vs AFG: Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand (NZ):

Mitchell Santner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham,  Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi

Afghanistan (AFG):

Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Sediq Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

New Zealand and Afghanistan are set to face off in the Group D clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. New Zealand lost the last series against India 4-1 and also struggled in the warm-up match against the USA where they won by just seven runs. They need to make a few adjustments to the lineup and they will be keen to start well. 

On the other hand, Afghanistan has been the giant killer. They reached the semis of the previous WT20 and have a very good squad once again. They beat the West Indies in the warm-up match so we can expect a competitive match. They are known for taking down big teams, and one such team they will be aiming to defeat is New Zealand. The last time these two sides met was in the 2024 T20 where Afghanistan won the match. Santner will lead the Kiwis while Rashid Khan is set to captain Afghanistan in this fixture. 

Also Read: Watch: Paul Van Meekeren bowls a double-wicket maiden over during PAK vs NED T20 World Cup 2026 clash

WI vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today: Match 2, Pitch Report, Playing XI & Fantasy Tips

NZ vs AFG Match Details

• Match: New Zealand vs Afghanistan, 4th Match

• Date: 8th February 2026

• Time: 11.00 AM IST

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai 

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar 

NZ vs AFG Weather Report

Pitch Report - MA Chidambaram Stadium

The pitch at M.A Chidambaram Stadium offers a balanced track that favours both the batters and bowlers. The average 1st innings score in the three T20Is played here is 165 runs.

Top Batters to Watch – NZ vs AFG

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): 2141 runs in T20I 

• Devon Conway (NZ): 1739 runs in T20I 

• Finn Allen (NZ): 1365 runs in T20I 

Top Bowlers to Watch – NZ vs AFG

• Rashid Khan (AFG): 187 wickets in T20I 

• Ish Sodhi (NZ): 162 wickets in T20I 

• Mitchell Santner (NZ): 135 wickets in T20I 

NZ vs AFG Recent Form

NZ vs AFG Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If AFG bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 150–165

• Match Result: NZ to win

Scenario 2: If NZ bats first

• Powerplay Score: 55–60

• Predicted Total: 170–175

• Match Result: NZ to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

NZ vs AFG Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand 

Finn Allen, Tim Siefert (Wk), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Afghanistan 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zaran, Sediullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Why New Zealand is the favourite today

• Destructive top-order 

• Good middle-order 

• Excellent spin option 

NZ vs AFG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior batting strength, New Zealand are the favourites to win this ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Finn Allen, Tim Siefert and Mitchell Santner are expected to be the key performers.

NZ vs AFG Match FAQs

NZ vs AFG Match Preview

In Chennai, New Zealand will face Afghanistan in Match 16 of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. New Zealand leads the group stage with two wins from two, including convincing 99-run and nine-wicket victories over the Netherlands and England. New Zealand have found their form in this format at the right time and look set to take their team to the next level with the return of their skipper. Despite the fact that the pitch may favor some of Afghanistan’s players. With so many strong spin bowling options, Afghanistan will consider the pitch in Chennai to be in their favor. However, their inability to score enough runs has been a problem in recent months.

NZ vs AFG Match Details

New Zealand vs Afghanistan – 16th Match

Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium – Chennai

Date & Time: 18th October 2023 at 02:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

NZ vs AFG Venue Stats

NZ vs AFG Pitch Report

In Chennai, the pitch is always one that provides a turn for spin bowlers. We anticipate a par score of around 300 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

NZ vs AFG Weather Report

The afternoon will be mostly sunny, with some cloud cover in the evening. The temperature will be in the 30s for the majority of the game, with humidity levels expected to reach 80% by the end.

NZ vs AFG Last Five Matches

NZ vs AFG Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

NZ vs AFG Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson (c), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

Afghanistan Probable Playing XIs

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Topmost Picks for NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Devon Conway – The left-handed opener has hit 184 runs already in the tournament and enjoyed playing at this ground for Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 IPL across April and May.
• Trent Boult – It was a rare wicketless ODI for the left-arm pace bowler against the Netherlands but he impressed with his accuracy throughout. He took 2-33 in the last ODI against Afghanistan last month.

Top Picks – Afghanistan

• Hashmatullah Shahidi – The left-handed skipper was very impressive on this pitch against a very strong Indian bowling attack in the last match and has been in good ODI form over the last month.
• Naveen-ul-Haq – The right-arm medium fast bowler was the most economical of Afghanistan’s bowling attack in Match 9. He went wicketless in the last game but still has an ODI strike-rate of 28.8.