New Zealand Playing XI vs Afghanistan Playing XI marks the most competitive lineup against each other for the first time in this T20 World Cup. While New Zealand is facing consecutive defeats to India, Afghanistan have landed themselves on their feet in 2024 after humiliating the Kiwis.
Both of these teams, New Zealand and Afghanistan, have participated in several games on Indian soil, and the players are well aware of the conditions at the venue. With one match each against South Africa, one of these two teams would like to take an early lead in the group.
This article provides the probable playing XI of New Zealand vs Afghanistan for the fourth match of the World Cup clash in 2026. This article covers possible player combinations and important players to watch on the spin-friendly track of the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
New Zealand Playing XI vs Afghanistan Playing XI, Match No. 4 – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand Playing XI vs Afghanistan – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Finn Allen and Tim Seifert
Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are once again the most explosive batsmen of the New Zealand team. As seen in many teams, the opening pair usually consists of a dynamic batting pair that can make use of fielding restrictions during the powerplay.
Middle-order batsmen: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman.
Rachin Ravindra became the anchor member of New Zealand’s batting line-up; However, he is not in great touch. Also, Ravindra has not been effective when chasing big scores when the team needs to score runs very quickly.
Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell are the most reliable scorers in New Zealand’s middle order. Phillips and Mitchell have not only been the backbone of their batting but have also been the frontline chasers for the Kiwis. Michael Bracewell is expected to return in the T20 World Cup.
Bowlers: Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson
While Bracewell’s return will strengthen their bowling depth, their batting depth has also increased as captain Santner has been moved down the order. 8. Three fast bowlers Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry will form the fast bowling core of the team.
New Zealand Playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson.
Afghanistan Playing XI vs New Zealand – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is likely to return to Afghanistan; However, he was not seen batting in the last practice match for the Afghans. Ibrahim Zadran, on the other hand, has been consistent for them, although Gurbaz has mostly been given the role of opening the pace, and Zadran often plays the secondary role of providing stability to the innings.
Middle-order batsmen: Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib.
The middle-order is filled with several talented players, including newcomers Sediqullah Atal, Datwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan’s MVP in the last few years.
Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib will bring with them a wealth of experience. Nabi has been a part of the XI for more than two decades and both these players are still effective with both bat and ball.
Bowlers: Rashid Khan (captain), Abdullah Ahmadzai/Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmed and Fazalhaq Farooqui.
Rashid Khan has once again been given the captaincy of the team. On the other hand, Noor Ahmed and Fazalhaq Farooqui will attack the front line with the ball. Naveen Ul Haq returns from international retirement but has been sidelined due to injuries; However, if he fails to play, Abdullah Ahmadzai is the likely man to take the ball in his place.
Afghanistan’s playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (captain), Abdullah Ahmadzai/Fazalhaq Farooqui, Noor Ahmed and Naveen Ul Haq.
Also read: Before T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan took a shocking U-turn, ready to face India