New Zealand vs Afghanistan live streaming: Where to watch T20 WC 2026 match
New Zealand, who lost their recent series against India 1-4, will aim to seek an early form revival in the tournament
Afghanistan produced a composed and aggressive batting effort against New Zealand in Match 4 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, posting a competitive 182 for 6 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Batting first, the Afghans laid down a strong marker as New Zealand look to avoid a second consecutive defeat against them in T20 World Cup history.
Solid opening before Ferguson strikes
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Afghanistan started positively, with the openers adding 35 runs for the first wicket. However, New Zealand clawed back momentum through Lockie Ferguson, who struck twice at crucial moments in the powerplay to remove Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ensuring the innings did not run away early.
Naib–Atal partnership steadies innings
Afghanistan regrouped through a fluent partnership between Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal, who stitched together a vital half-century stand for the third wicket. Naib took charge of the scoring, bringing up a brisk half-century off just 29 deliveries, while Atal played the supporting role to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Middle-order momentum keeps pressure on New Zealand
New Zealand found relief when Jacob Duffy dismissed Atal, but Naib continued to dominate before falling to Rachin Ravindra for a well-made 63. Matt Henry then removed Darwish Rasooli, briefly slowing Afghanistan’s charge heading into the final phase.
Late flourish pushes Afghanistan past 180
The finishing touches were provided by Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, who added valuable late runs with aggressive intent. Their quick contribution ensured Afghanistan crossed the 180 mark, giving their bowlers a strong platform to defend in the second innings.
Afghanistan scorecard:
| Afghanistan (20 ovs maximum) | ||||||
| Batting | Dismissal | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz † | b Ferguson | 27 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 122.72 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | c Phillips b Ferguson | 10 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 83.33 |
| Gulbadin Naib | c †Seifert b Ravindra | 63 | 35 | 3 | 4 | 180 |
| Sediqullah Atal | c †Seifert b Duffy | 29 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 120.83 |
| Darwish Rasooli | c Phillips b Henry | 20 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 153.84 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | run out (Neesham/Ferguson) | 14 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 200 |
| Mohammad Nabi | not out | 10 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 142.85 |
| Extras | (lb 3, w 6) 9 | |||||
| Total | 20 Ov (RR: 9.10) 182/6 | |||||
| Bowling | O | M | R | W | ECON | 0s |
| Matt Henry | 4 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 6.75 | 11 |
| Jacob Duffy | 3 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 10 | 8 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 4 | 0 | 40 | 2 | 10 | 6 |
| James Neesham | 3 | 0 | 33 | 0 | 11 | 3 |
| Mitchell Santner | 4 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 5.75 | 6 |
| Glenn Phillips | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| Rachin Ravindra | 1 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 14 | 2 |
The coin flip of the match went in Afghanistan's way who opted to bat first Captain's take after toss: Mitchell Santner (NZ): We were thinking about it, some grass here, not much in Chennai. We've had a series against India, travelled all around the country, then spent some time in Mumbai and we're here. Everyone are up, which is nice - we were struggling with some of our personnel. Ish Sodhi, Bracewell, Conway and Jamieson miss out. Rashid Khan (AFG): We will like to bat first. First game for us, fresh wicket, put runs on the boards nd I think there will be more help for our spinners later on. We've much experience, have players who've played all around the globe, we're fully ready for it. Myself, Mujeeb and Nabi, the three spinners, but think there'll be help for the pacers as well. We'll have to bat well and then set it up for the bowlers. We have three pacers as well. New Zealand vs Afghanistan ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Playing 11 New Zealand playing 11: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert(w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy Afghanistan playing 11: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(c), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi
But how can fans across the globe witness the marquee ICC tournament action live without visiting the stadium? Take a look.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Broadcasting details
| ICC T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand vs Afghanistan broadcasting details | ||
| Country / Region | TV Telecast Channel | Live Streaming Platform |
| India | Star Sports Network | JioHotstar (app & website) |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports | Tamasha, Myco, ARY ZAP |
| Netherlands | — | ICC.tv |
| Sri Lanka | Dialog TV, TV Supreme | Dialog Play, ThePapare |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Cricket | Sky Go, NOW TV |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV | Willow TV App, ESPN+ |
| Australia | — | Amazon Prime Video |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Sport Now |
| South Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport App |
| UAE & MENA | CricLife Max | STARZPLAY |
| Caribbean | ESPN Caribbean | ESPN Play Caribbean |
| Rest of the World | — | ICC.tv (geo-restrictions apply) |
New Zealand vs Afghanistan ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s match live streaming and telecast details
When will the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The New Zealand vs Afghanistan match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on Sunday, February 8.
What will be the venue for the New Zealand T20 vs Afghanistan T20 match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
The New Zealand vs Afghanistan match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
What time will the toss for the New Zealand T20 vs Afghanistan T20 match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The toss for the New Zealand T20 vs Afghanistan T20 match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place at 10.30 am IST.
What time will the first ball of the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 be bowled?
The first ball of the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be bowled at 11 am IST.
Where to watch the live telecast of the New Zealand T20 vs Afghanistan T20 match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India?
The live telecast of the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be available on the Star Sports Network in India.
Where to watch the live streaming of the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India?
The live streaming of the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.