MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report, Weather Report for NZ vs AFG Match 4- ICC T20 World Cup 2026

NZ vs AFG, T20 World Cup game will be played in Chennai [Source: mohanstatsman/X.com]

In the first match of Day 2 of the T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand will take on Afghanistan in the Group D fixture at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, at 11 AM (IST).

The Blackcaps have spent over a month in India to prepare for the competition, playing three ODIs and five T20Is as all their important players gradually joined them. Afghanistan travelled to Dubai to face the two-time champions, West Indies, in a three-match series, followed by two wins in two practice matches to gear up for the tournament.

As the two sides in quest of their first title start their campaign in South India, here's what to expect from the pitch and weather.

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Pitch Report for NZ vs AFG - Match 4, T20 World Cup 2026

Historically, the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, is known for assisting spin bowlers. However, since the pitches were relaid, the venue has gotten flatter, and batters have enjoyed batting here, and the scoring rate has gone higher with every passing year. It is the home of the Chennai Super Kings; hence, not too many T20Is are played here.

In only 3 T20Is played, teams batting first have won 2 of the matches. Notably, neither of the three was a day match, which changes the dynamics of the match. The pacers will get a bit of help with the new ball for the first couple of overs before the batters get to unleash at the venue.

The surface could still grip a bit, with NZ captain Mitchell Santner and Noor Ahmed having experience of playing here for CSK. The team winning the toss could still look to know what they will chase in the second innings. Around 175 to 185 could be a par score batting first.

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Weather Report NZ vs AFG - Match 4, T20 World Cup 2026

According to Accuweather, Chennai will be hot and humid on February 8, with a temperature of 30°C, feels like of 35°C and humidity is forecasted to be 64%. There will be occasional wind gusts, which might help the ball carry out of the ground if the batters use it well. Considering it is an afternoon match, the ball will come nicely onto the bat as the bat progresses.

There is no probability of rain, and the cloud cover is just 5%, which promises a full match without any rain delays.

Conclusion

The first match at the venue in Chennai between New Zealand and Afghanistan promises to be a seamless encounter, and the teams would like to start the tournament on a high note. The weather is not expected to alter the playing conditions too much, apart from just helping the surface settle in.

The match will be played during the day, which could get the players, especially the Kiwis, uncomfortable in scorching heat. However, as IPL regulars and having spent over a month in India, it will not affect their performances too much.

Apart from these two sides, South Africa is also involved in the group, and it will be of utmost importance for them to get off to a winning start here. The Kiwis look like the more suited unit to start their tournament with a win.