Overview:
At the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the two teams will meet for the 1st time. NZ have played once here and tamed India. Afghanistan will appear in their maiden T20I here.
New Zealand and Afghanistan gear up for match number four of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting February 8. In a blockbuster 2nd day, three matches are set to be held. Besides this clash, England take on Nepal and co-hosts Sri Lanka will face Ireland.
The Kiwis and Afghanistan are both quality sides and this promises to be an enticing battle on cards. They are part of Group D which also consists of South Africa, Canada and the UAE.
New Zealand suffered a 4-1 defeat against India before the 2026 T20 World Cup. On the other hand, Afghanistan beat West Indies 2-1 last month. Thereafter, they were sharp in the two T20 World Cup warm-up matches.
In the previous edition of the World Cup, New Zealand suffered an early exit whereas Afghanistan reached the semis.
New Zealand T20I 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.
The Kiwis will want to find the right balance from a squad nicely blended with key resources all around. This is a group that boasts experience and pedigree. Skipper Mitchell Santner will know the threats Afghanistan possess and needs to be well prepared.
Afghanistan T20I 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
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Farid Ahmad Malik.
Afghanistan will count upon their experienced stars under Rashid Khan. It’s one of the best spin units and they can choke the Kiwis on a surface that will help spinners.
What is the H2H record between New Zealand and Afghanistan?
In terms of the head-to-head record, the two sides have met just twice. Both sides share a win each.
Probable XI of both teams
NZ probable XI for the match against AFG: Finn Allen Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry.
AFG probable XI for the match versus NZ: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad..
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai & Key Details of the Stadium
The MA Chidambaram Stadium is also known as the Chepauk Stadium. It was established in 1916 and is the second oldest stadium in India after the iconic Eden Gardens. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association manages the stadium. It has a capacity of 38,000-plus people. The 1st T20I was played here in 2012 between India and New Zealand.
What is the Pitch like at the MA Chidambaram Stadium?
The MA Chidambaram Stadium has historically favored spinners who can exploit grip and variation. Afghanistan possess the perfect spin unit to trouble opposition batters on such surfaces. The pitch will offer plenty of assistance from the start, making batting tricky and rewarding bowlers who maintain discipline. Afghanistan’s strategy should revolve around building pressure through spin, forcing mistakes, and restricting scoring opportunities. New Zealand too have a decent spin attacking options and pacers who can vary their pace. So altogether, a spin friendly show will be on offer.
Key Stats & Records at the MA Chidambaram Stadium
Only three T20Is have been played here. New Zealand defeated India here in 2012. England and West Indies suffered a defeat each against India. For the Afghans, they will play their first match here.
India own the highest total here at this venue, scoring 182/4 versus WI in 2018. NZ scored 167/5 here versus India in 2012.
England’s 165/9 is the lowest score here against Team India in 2025.
Former T20I stars Shikhar Dhawan and Brendon McCullum own the most runs here (92 and 91) from one match each. Among bowlers, England’s Brydon Carse and former Indian star Irfan Pathan has three scalps each.
NZ vs AFG: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
As per reports, the forecast is for clear skies in relatively hotter weather conditions than the rest of India. Both teams can expect temperatures ranging between 28 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius in Chennai. The humidity is likely to exceed the 50 percent mark, with a slight wind of around 6-8 km/h.
NZ vs AFG: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
All things considered, Afghanistan will be the slight favourites given the nature of the threat for spinners. They have plenty of arsenal in their ranks to frustrate New Zealand, who will aim to express themselves.
FAQs – Pitch Report for MA Chidambaram Stadium
What is the pitch report for MA Chidambaram Stadium
The MA Chidambaram Stadium has historically favored spinners who can exploit grip and variation. Afghanistan possess the perfect spin unit to trouble opposition batters on such surfaces. The pitch will offer plenty of assistance from the start, making batting tricky and rewarding bowlers who maintain discipline. Afghanistan’s strategy should revolve around building pressure through spin, forcing mistakes, and restricting scoring opportunities. New Zealand too have a decent spin attacking options and pacers who can vary their pace. So altogether, a spin friendly show will be on offer.
What is NZ and AFG’s record at the MA Chidambaram Stadium?
At the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the two teams will meet for the 1st time. NZ have played once here and tamed India. Afghanistan will appear in their maiden T20I here.