Excitement will be high in Chennai as Afghanistan takes on New Zealand in the fourth match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at 8 PM at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.th February 11:00 am IST.
Get the best NZ vs AFG Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI and match insight for 4.th ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match. Expert analysis and more.
NZ vs AFG Match Preview:
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will extend its early group stage drama as New Zealand take on Afghanistan in the fourth match of the tournament on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Hence, this Group D contest will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and will start at 11:00 AM IST, adding morning action to the World Cup schedule.
New Zealand will go into this encounter with solid preparation, having improved their game strategically in the recent practice matches and T20 series, while Afghanistan will bring fearless aggression along with experienced match-winners. Additionally, Chennai conditions have historically favored spin and stroke play equally, so both teams will have to adapt quickly to the pitch and conditions.
While New Zealand has batting depth and all-round options, Afghanistan comes with a strong bowling unit and explosive batsmen who can wreak havoc if given early opportunities. As a result, this clash could depend on which team controls the pace in the middle overs. Furthermore, New Zealand’s leadership and tactical awareness could balance Afghanistan’s fearless approach, especially as both sides are keen to start their Group D campaign with a win. Therefore, viewers should expect a tactical battle full of momentum changes and strategic plays.
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NZ vs AFG head-to-head record:
|
teams |
win the match |
|
new zealand |
1 |
|
afghanistan |
1 |
New Zealand vs AFG Weather and Pitch Report:
|
temperature |
23°C |
|
weather forecast |
sunny |
|
pitch behavior |
batting friendly |
|
Best suited for |
motion |
|
Average score of first innings |
165 |
Records of chasing teams:
|
record |
Good |
|
Victory % |
62% |
New Zealand vs AFG Playing 11 (Expected):
New Zealand playing 11:
1) Finn Allen (Wicketkeeper)
2) Tim Seifert
3) Devon Conway
4) Mark Chapman
5) Glenn Phillips
6) Daryl Mitchell
7) Mitchell Santner ©
8) Michael Bracewell
9) Jacob Duffy
10) Lockie Ferguson
11) Ish Sodhi
afghanistan playing 11: :
1) Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper)
2) Ibrahim Zadran
3) Azmatullah Omarzai
4) Shahidullah Kamal
5) Mohammad Ishaq
6) Mohammad Nabi
7) Rashid Khan ©
8) Mujeeb Ur Rahman
9)Noor Ahmed
10) Fazalhaq Farooqui
11) Naveen-ul-Haq
Hot Picks Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips for New Zealand vs AFG:
Captaincy Choice:
|
Finn Allen – A right-handed batsman and opening for New Zealand as a part-time off-spin option, he has scored 1,365 runs in 53 T20Is, most recently showcasing his power with a blistering 80 against India in January 2026. |
|
Glenn Phillips – Providing strong all-round versatility for the Black Caps, the right-handed batsman and off-break bowler has scored 2,105 runs and taken 6 wickets in 88 T20I matches, recently becoming only the fourth New Zealander to cross the 2,000-run mark in the format. |
Raises up:
|
Glenn Phillips – Providing strong all-round versatility for the Black Caps, the right-handed batsman and off-break bowler has scored 2,105 runs and taken 6 wickets in 88 T20I matches, recently becoming only the fourth New Zealander to cross the 2,000-run mark in the format. |
|
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Anchoring Afghanistan’s top order as a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, he has scored 2,143 runs in 72 T20Is, including one century and ten fifties, underscoring his reputation as one of the most productive young openers in the game. |
Budget Selection:
|
Gulbadin Naib – Representing Afghanistan as a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium pacer, he provides valuable all-round depth through steady batting and disciplined seam bowling at key stages. |
|
Tim Seifert – Opening the innings for New Zealand as a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, he brings aggressive intent at the top and adds reliable glovework behind the stumps. |
New Zealand vs AFG ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:
|
captain |
finn allen and glenn phillips |
|
vice captain |
Azmatullah Umarzai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
New Zealand vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- The Keepers – Finn Allen©, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Batsmen – Daryl Mitchell, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli
- All-rounders – Mohammad Nabi, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Azmatullah Omarzai (Vice Captain)
- Bowlers- Matt Henry, Rashid Khan
New Zealand vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keepers – Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Vice Captain)
- Batsmen- Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli
- All-rounders – Gulbadin Naib, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips©, Azmatullah Umarzai
- Bowlers- Matt Henry, Rashid Khan
New Zealand vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today Match 4 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Players to Avoid:
|
player |
dream11 credit |
Dream11 Points (Last Match) |
|
Mohammad Ishaq |
7.0 credit |
No |
|
mark chapman |
7.5 credits |
No |
New Zealand vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today Match 4 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Expert Advice:
|
sl captaincy option |
finn allen |
|
gl captaincy option |
glen phillips |
|
choice of punt |
Gulbadin Naib and Tim Seifert |
|
dream11 combination |
2-3-4-2 |
NZ vs AFG Match Winner Prediction:
A powerful team setup will put New Zealand in a strong position to win this match.