![NZ will face AFG in Match 4 of T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: CricCrazyJohns, RashidKhanRK19/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770455219688_MitchellSantnerRashidKhanNZ-AFG.jpg?type=hq)
NZ will face AFG in Match 4 of T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: CricCrazyJohns, RashidKhanRK19/X.com]
New Zealand and the semi-finalists from the 2024 edition, Afghanistan, are set to get their T20 World Cup campaign underway at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on February 8 at 11 am (IST).
The Kiwis are going into the tournament after playing three ODIs and five T20Is in India over the past month to get themselves ready for the event. They backed it up with a win over the USA in a nail-biting warm-up match.
On the other hand, Afghanistan defeated the West Indies in a three-match T20I series by 2-1, followed by two wins against Scotland and the Caribbeans again in Bengaluru during the warm-up fixtures. They are also beaming in confidence after their run to the semi-final in the last edition of the tournament and will once again look to make a mark in India.
NZ vs AFG current forms (Last 5 T20Is)
| Teams | Form |
| New Zealand | L, L, L, W, L |
| Afghanistan | W, W, W, W, L |
NZ vs AFG: Player battles
Glenn Phillips vs Rashid Khan
Glenn Phillips has been one of the best Kiwi batters since they reached India. He scored a quick-fire century in the ODIs and followed it up with 176 runs at a strike rate of 153.04, including a monstrous 78. He will face Rashid Khan in the middle and death overs of the match.
As the explosive middle-order batter takes on the best leg-spinner in T20 cricket's history, it will make an interesting match-up to watch out for.
Darwish Rasooli vs Mitchell Santner
Rasooli comes into the competition with 84 and 68 against the West Indies earlier in January, followed by another 84 in the warm-ups. The in-form 26-year-old, who will bat at 4 after a foundation is built by the top-3, will be up against Mitchell Santner, who concedes at just over 7 runs per over in the format and has a wealth of experience playing in Chennai.
The winner of this middle-overs battle during the Afghanistan innings will dictate how the match goes.
Tim Seifert vs Fazalhaq Farooqi
The in-form opening batter, Tim Seifert, scored 285 runs in the BBL, striking at close to 150. He also backed it up with some great cameos in India upon joining the squad. How Fazalhaq Farooqi, who will take the new ball against the Seifert and Allen duo, will play a part in how Afghanistan starts the T20 World Cup.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan top performers (among current players)
Most runs for NZ vs AFG (among squad members)
Left-hand batter Decon Conway's 44 runs in 2 innings, striking at 104.76, is the most for a New Zealand batter against Afghanistan.
Most wickets for NZ vs AFG (among squad members)
Lockie Ferguson's solitary wicket in their 2024 T20 World Cup encounter against Afghanistan is the best among the current squad members.
Most runs for AFG vs NZ (among squad members)
Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has scored 86 runs in 2 innings against New Zealand at a strike rate of 132.30. He has a fifty against them when he got 80 as the highest score.
Most wickets for AFG vs NZ (among squad members)
Captain Rashid Khan's 5 wickets in 2 innings, including a 3/17, is the best for Afghanistan against New Zealand in T20Is.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan toss prediction
Over the last few years, the Chennai wicket has not necessarily been a spin paradise like it was historically. While predominantly, T20s here are played at night, a day game could see the pitch playing well for most of it.
It is also likely to get easier to bat on as the sun beats down on the pitch, and the record of 11 wins while chasing in 16 matches since 2024 suggests that this will be a favourable venue for the chasing team.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan 1st innings score prediction
Powerplay- 47/1
Final score- 175/5
New Zealand vs Afghanistan 2nd innings score prediction
Powerplay- 52/0
Final score- 176/4
New Zealand vs Afghanistan top players prediction
New Zealand top players' prediction
Probable best batters
Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell
Probable best bowlers
Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy
Afghanistan top players' prediction
Probable best batters
Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli
Probable best bowlers
Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmed
Who will hit the most sixes in NZ vs AFG match?
Glenn Phillips
Who will hit the most fours in NZ vs AFG match?
Ibrahim Zadran
NZ vs AFG match winner prediction: Who will win in Match 4?
Ahead of the T20 World Cup opener for both teams, the Asians are coming in with better form. Nonetheless, New Zealand have faced a superior opponent in India and have gotten accustomed to the conditions. Considering the team combinations and experience of both sides, the Blackcaps look set to open their points tally in Chennai.
