T20 WC 2026: New Zealand vs Afghanistan preview, toss time, live streaming
New Zealand enter the Group D opener searching for momentum after an inconsistent build-up in the India series
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 action continues today with New Zealand taking on Afghanistan in match 4 of the season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in a Group D clash. Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan wins the toss and invites Mitchell Santner led New Zealand to bowl first.
Check all the live updates of New Zealand vs Afghanistan ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match here
New Zealand team news
New Zealand enter the Group D opener searching for momentum after an inconsistent build-up. The return of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen has added urgency at the top, but the onus is on the middle order—Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman and Devon Conway—to provide stability and acceleration.
Their struggles to control tempo against India exposed a key concern that needs immediate fixing. With South Africa also in the group, Mitchell Santner’s side cannot afford an early slip-up. On the bowling front, Lockie Ferguson’s added pace and variations, supported by Santner and Ish Sodhi, will be crucial on a spin-friendly Chepauk surface.
Afghanistan team news
Afghanistan begin their campaign brimming with confidence after a dominant series win over the West Indies. Their biggest asset remains match-winners spread across the XI, led by skipper Rashid Khan, who continues to be a force despite carrying leadership responsibilities. Support from Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad will be vital in spin-assisting conditions.
With the bat, Afghanistan rely on Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, while Sediqullah Atal’s consistency adds depth to an increasingly dangerous T20 line-up.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan 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
New Zealand vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026: Head-to-head stats in T20Is
- Matches: 2
- New Zealand won: 1
- Afghanistan won: 1
- Tie: 0
New Zealand vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026: Full squad
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ishaq Rahimi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
New Zealand vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026: 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 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 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 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.
Check all the live updates of New Zealand vs Afghanistan ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match here