New Zealand face Afghanistan in the 4th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on February 8, 2026.
This Group D opener features two evenly matched sides with contrasting strengths.
Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack suits Chepauk conditions perfectly, while New Zealand brings batting depth and pace variety.
The NZ vs AFG 4th match Dream11 prediction today t20 wc hinges on pitch behavior, toss outcome, and fantasy team balance between spin and power-hitting.
NZ vs AFG 4th Match Dream11 Prediction Today
Both teams arrive with strong warm-up performances. Morning start and deteriorating pitch make captain and vice-captain choices critical for fantasy success.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Match Preview
This match opens the Group D campaigns for both teams. New Zealand recently completed a 5-match T20I series in India, giving them a crucial acclimatization advantage.
Afghanistan enter as 2024 semi-finalists with unbeaten warm-up form. Their 84-run victory over New Zealand at the 2024 World Cup adds psychological edge.
Group D features New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, and the UAE. Strong performances in opening matches set the qualification tone for tournament progression.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | New Zealand vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup 4th Match |
| Date | 08 February 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM IST / 5:30 AM GMT |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Context | Group D opener for both teams |
Pitch Report
MA Chidambaram Stadium offers classic spin-friendly conditions. Red-soil surface provides initial pace and bounce before slowing significantly as the match progresses.
Spinners extract sharp turn and grip from a deteriorating surface. Fast bowlers find early movement with the new ball, but cutters become the primary weapon in middle and death overs.
Pitch develops cracks and footmarks during the second innings, making stroke-making increasingly difficult. Teams batting first typically hold an advantage at this venue.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Spin-friendly, slows down progressively |
| Average 1st Innings Score | Around 170-174 in T20Is |
| Pace vs Spin | Spin dominates, especially later in match |
| Toss Impact | Bat first preferred, pitch deteriorates |
| Surface Behavior | Good bounce early, turns as match progresses |
Weather Report
Chennai offers ideal cricket conditions for a February 8 morning start. Temperature ranges from 21°C to 33°C, with match-time conditions around 28-30°C.
Mostly sunny weather is expected with 8 hours of sunshine. Humidity levels remain moderate at 60-70%, comfortable for player performance.
Minimal rain chance ensures uninterrupted cricket. Morning start favors batting before the heat intensifies and the pitch deteriorates under sun exposure.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 21-33°C |
| Match-time Temperature | 28-30°C |
| Rain Chance | Minimal |
| Humidity | 60-70% |
| Overall Conditions | Good conditions for cricket |
Toss Prediction
- Batting First Advantage: Chepauk pitch deteriorates significantly during the second innings. Cracks and footmarks develop, making run-scoring increasingly difficult. Teams posting competitive first-innings totals gain a substantial advantage through scoreboard pressure.
- Morning Start Impact: Early morning conditions favor strokeplay with better pitch bounce and pace. The ball comes onto the bat cleanly before the surface slows. Power-hitters maximize boundary opportunities during powerplay phase.
- Fantasy Team Strategy: First-innings batters hold higher fantasy value at this venue. Top-order batsmen and opening bowlers provide consistent returns. Second-innings spinners become match-winners as the pitch breaks up.
Injury Updates
- New Zealand Squad Update:
Adam Milne ruled out with a hamstring injury, replaced by Kyle Jamieson. Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry are scheduled for paternity leave at different tournament stages.
Jacob Duffy leads pace attack after exceptional 2025 season with 81 international wickets. Finn Allen returns from finger and hamstring concerns, maintaining a strike rate above 189 in recent T20Is.
Tim Seifert scored 66 off 31 balls in a warm-up against the USA. Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell showed strong form with quick-fire contributions.
- Afghanistan Squad Update:
Gulbadin Naib and Naveen-ul-Haq strengthen the squad after successful returns. Naveen recovered from a shoulder injury, adding pace depth.
Ibrahim Zadran scored 366 runs at 52.28 average in the last 9 T20Is. Rahmanullah Gurbaz accumulated 301 runs at 33.44 average, providing an explosive opening partnership.
Rashid Khan leads a world-class spin unit featuring Mujeeb Ur Rahman (16 wickets at 6.19 economy), Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi. Chepauk conditions suit their bowling strengths perfectly.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Records In T20Is
New Zealand and Afghanistan have contested only two T20I matches, splitting results 1-1. Their limited history makes this encounter particularly intriguing for fantasy planners.
Afghanistan’s dominant 84-run victory at 2024 T20 World Cup shifted momentum in their favor. New Zealand won their 2021 encounter by 8 wickets with a comfortable margin.
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 2 |
| New Zealand Wins | 1 |
| Afghanistan Wins | 1 |
| No Result | 0 |
| T20 World Cup Meetings | 1-1 |
| Last Result | Afghanistan won by 84 runs (2024) |
Last Three T20I Meetings
- 2024 T20 World Cup – Guyana: Afghanistan dominated with a comprehensive 84-run victory. Rashid Khan’s 4/17 demolished the New Zealand batting lineup. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a crucial 80 off 56 balls.
- 2022 T20 World Cup – Melbourne: Match abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain. No fantasy points available from this fixture.
- 2021 T20 World Cup – Abu Dhabi: New Zealand won by 8 wickets with 11 balls remaining. Comfortable chase showcased their batting depth and composure.
Top Picks For The Match
| Player | Team | Role | Why Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Khan | AFG | Captain/Spinner | 4/17 in last NZ meeting, Chepauk conditions ideal for leg-spin |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | AFG | Opener/WK | 301 runs in last 9 T20Is, explosive powerplay option |
| Ibrahim Zadran | AFG | Opener | 366 runs at 52.28 average, consistent anchor role |
| Noor Ahmad | AFG | Spinner | 16 wickets at 6.19 economy, pitch-perfect conditions |
| Tim Seifert | NZ | WK/Opener | 66 off 31 in warm-up, attacking intent at top |
| Glenn Phillips | NZ | Middle-order | Power-hitter with part-time spin option |
| Jacob Duffy | NZ | Pacer | 81 international wickets in 2025, leads pace attack |
Conclusion:
- Match Timing Advantage: Morning start at 11:00 AM IST favors teams batting first. Pitch offers better bounce and pace before deteriorating under sun exposure.
- Venue Behavior Impact: Chepauk spin-friendly conditions heavily favor Afghanistan’s world-class spin quartet. New Zealand must counter with aggressive powerplay batting and Jacob Duffy’s early breakthroughs.
- Fantasy Team Balance: Prioritize Afghanistan spinners as captain options, especially Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. Stack opening batsmen from both teams for powerplay points.
- Risk vs Safe Picks: Safe picks include Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, and Tim Seifert for consistent returns. Risky differential picks include Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Glenn Phillips for tournament-winning scores. Balance team with 4 batsmen, 3 all-rounders, and 4 bowlers for optimal coverage.
Also Check:
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- All Teams Squads for Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Live Streaming
- ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
- ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Tickets
- ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Commentators List
- IND vs USA 3rd T20I WC 2026 Match Odds, Preview & Prediction
- IND vs USA 3rd Match Dream11 Prediction Today T20 WC
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