Afghanistan vs New Zealand Prediction: Who Will Win AFG vs NZ 4th T20 Match on 8th February 2026?
The Afghanistan vs New Zealand prediction for the 4th T20 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 brings together two dangerous, well-balanced sides at the spin-friendly M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. This contest is being viewed as a “clash of dark horses,” where both teams possess the skill and temperament to defeat any heavyweight on their day. Afghanistan enter this fixture with growing confidence after recent global performances, while New Zealand arrive with a powerful batting unit eager to dominate early in the tournament.
The Chepauk surface has traditionally favored spinners, and that tilts the tactical battle in Afghanistan’s favor. Their bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, is arguably one of the best spin arsenals in world cricket. On slow, turning tracks, Afghanistan thrive by choking runs in the middle overs and forcing batters into mistakes. Their batting, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, has also matured, with Darwish Rasooli emerging as a reliable run-getter.
New Zealand, represented by the New Zealand national cricket team, will rely heavily on aggressive powerplay batting. Players like Finn Allen, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips can change the course of a match in a few overs. However, their challenge will be handling sustained spin pressure on a surface that slows down quickly.
The average first-innings score at Chepauk in recent T20Is is around 171, indicating that teams must bat smart rather than explosive. With Afghanistan’s spin strength and New Zealand’s batting firepower, this match could hinge on which side adapts better to conditions. Cricketwebs provides complete match analysis, fantasy tips, pitch report, toss prediction, and final winner for AFG vs NZ 4th T20 2026.
- Afghanistan’s world-class spin attack is perfectly suited to Chennai conditions and could dominate the middle overs.
- New Zealand’s explosive batting lineup will look to attack early and neutralize spin pressure.
- Darwish Rasooli and Glenn Phillips come into this match in excellent recent form.
- The team winning the spin battle is likely to control this Group D encounter.
Match Details
| Match | Afghanistan vs New Zealand, 4th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 8th February 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM (IST) |
| Venue | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup |
Team Previews
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan have established themselves as one of the most dangerous T20 sides in world cricket. Their journey to the semifinals of the previous T20 World Cup was no fluke; it was the result of a well-defined strategy built around elite spin bowling and disciplined batting. Heading into this World Cup, Afghanistan look even more settled and confident.
The batting unit follows a clear template. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provide the foundation. Gurbaz’s aggressive intent in the powerplay complements Zadran’s composure, allowing Afghanistan to balance risk and stability. Both players were among the top run-scorers in the previous edition, and their ability to handle pace and spin alike gives Afghanistan solid starts.
The emergence of Darwish Rasooli has added a new dimension. Rasooli has scored 156 runs in his last three T20Is, including multiple half-centuries, and has shown maturity beyond his years. His role at number four is crucial, especially against quality attacks like New Zealand’s. Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi bring experience and finishing ability, ensuring Afghanistan can accelerate in the final overs.
Afghanistan’s bowling is their biggest weapon, particularly in Chennai. Rashid Khan remains the heartbeat of the side, capable of breaking partnerships and controlling run flow. Alongside him, Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s variations and Noor Ahmad’s left-arm spin provide relentless pressure. Few teams can handle four quality spinners operating in tandem.
In the pace department, Fazalhaq Farooqi offers swing with the new ball, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib provide seam options. On a surface that rewards patience and accuracy, Afghanistan’s bowlers are well-equipped to defend even modest totals. If they bat sensibly and apply their usual discipline with the ball, Afghanistan have a genuine chance to upset New Zealand early in the tournament.
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand enter the World Cup with a reputation for consistency and adaptability in global tournaments. While recent results against stronger opposition may not have gone their way, the Blackcaps have shown promising signs, especially with the bat. Their challenge in this fixture will be adjusting to Chepauk’s slow, spin-friendly conditions.
The top order is packed with firepower. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are expected to open the innings, and their role will be crucial in the powerplay. New Zealand ideally need 60–70 runs in the first six overs to put Afghanistan’s spinners under pressure. Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell form a reliable middle order, capable of rotating strike and finding boundaries when needed.
Glenn Phillips has been in excellent touch, scoring 176 runs in his last five T20Is. His ability to attack spin could be New Zealand’s biggest asset in Chennai. Mark Chapman and James Neesham add further depth, allowing flexibility depending on match situations.
Bowling, however, remains a concern. New Zealand are likely to field multiple spinners, including Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, to counter Afghanistan’s strength on turning tracks. Santner’s control and leadership will be vital, while Sodhi’s wicket-taking ability in the middle overs could prove decisive.
The pace attack, led by Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy, must strike early before the pitch slows down. New Zealand’s success will depend on disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, areas where they have traditionally excelled.
Overall, New Zealand possess the experience and batting depth to challenge Afghanistan, but their ability to handle sustained spin pressure will ultimately decide their fate in this encounter.
Team Squads
Afghanistan Squad:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Ishaq, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Abdullah Ahmadzai
New Zealand Squad:
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, Mark Chapman, Kyle Jamieson
Probable Playing XI
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
Afghanistan vs New Zealand Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Devon Conway, Darwish Rasooli, Glenn Phillips |
| All-rounders | Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mitchell Santner |
| Bowlers | Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry |
The fantasy team should prioritize spinners and spin-friendly all-rounders given the Chennai conditions. Rashid Khan is a must-pick due to his wicket-taking ability and lower-order hitting. Darwish Rasooli and Glenn Phillips are in strong recent form and can provide consistent fantasy points. Mohammad Nabi and Mitchell Santner add dual value with bat and ball. Among bowlers, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad are expected to exploit the turning track, while Ish Sodhi offers wicket-taking potential for New Zealand.
Captain Choices: Rashid Khan, Glenn Phillips
Vice-Captain Choices: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi
Players to Avoid: Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson (conditions not ideal for express pace)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match – Afghanistan (Why?)
Afghanistan enter this match as the favourite due to conditions perfectly aligning with their core strengths. The slow and turning surface at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium significantly enhances the effectiveness of Afghanistan’s world-class spin attack. With Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad operating together, Afghanistan can choke the opposition during the middle overs, a phase where New Zealand have occasionally struggled against quality spin.
Batting-wise, Afghanistan’s top order has matured considerably. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provide solid starts, while Darwish Rasooli’s recent consistency adds stability through the middle overs. Unlike New Zealand, Afghanistan are tactically built for low-to-mid scoring games. Their familiarity with subcontinental conditions, combined with disciplined bowling and improved batting depth, makes Afghanistan the stronger side on paper for this Chennai encounter.
Afghanistan T20 History
| Matches | Wins | Losses | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 159 | 96 | 62 | 1 |
Afghanistan have built a strong T20 record through spin dominance and fearless batting.
New Zealand T20 History
| Matches | Wins | Losses | NR | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 251 | 129 | 110 | 11 | 1 |
New Zealand are known for consistency and tactical adaptability in T20 cricket.
Head-to-Head: Afghanistan vs New Zealand
| Matches | AFG Won | NZ Won |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 |
Both teams have won one match each, making this contest evenly poised historically.
Also Check: Afghanistan vs New Zealand Head to Head in T20 – Records, Team & Players Stats
Pitch Report – M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
The Chepauk pitch is traditionally slow and spin-friendly, offering substantial assistance to spinners as the match progresses. Batting becomes challenging once the ball gets older, with grip and turn making stroke play difficult. Power hitters must rely on timing rather than brute force. The average first-innings score in recent T20Is here is around 165–170, making any total above 175 highly competitive. Teams batting first usually have an advantage, as chasing under lights becomes tricky against quality spin bowling.
Weather Report
The weather in Chennai is expected to be hot and humid, with temperatures around 29–31°C. There is no forecast of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play throughout the Afghanistan vs New Zealand 4th T20 match.
Broadcast Details
The Afghanistan vs New Zealand 4th T20 will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network, while digital live streaming will be available on JioHotstar for viewers in India.
Toss Prediction
The toss could play a crucial role at Chepauk. Teams generally prefer batting first to avoid chasing against spin. Toss Winner Prediction: New Zealand, who may look to set a target and apply scoreboard pressure.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Batsman:
Darwish Rasooli is Afghanistan’s most in-form batter, having scored consistently in recent T20Is. His ability to rotate strike against spin and accelerate when needed makes him a key asset. For New Zealand, Glenn Phillips stands out due to his aggressive intent and proven ability to counter spin bowling.
Probable Bowler:
Rashid Khan is expected to be the most influential bowler in this match. On a turning Chennai track, his variations, pace control, and accuracy can dismantle any batting lineup. From New Zealand’s side, Ish Sodhi is the bowler to watch, as his leg-spin could exploit the surface and fetch crucial middle-over wickets.
Match Prediction
Considering pitch conditions, squad balance, and recent form, Afghanistan hold a clear edge over New Zealand in this contest. Their superior spin attack and familiarity with subcontinental surfaces give them a decisive advantage. If Afghanistan bat sensibly and apply spin pressure, they should control the game. Our Prediction: Afghanistan will win the 4th T20 against New Zealand.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – AFG vs NZ 4th T20
When is the Afghanistan vs New Zealand 4th T20 match?
The match will be played on Sunday, 8th February 2026.
Where is the AFG vs NZ 4th T20 being held?
The match is scheduled at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
What time does the match start?
The match will begin at 11:00 AM IST.
Which team is favourite to win today’s match?
Afghanistan are favourites due to spin-friendly conditions and better adaptation to Chennai pitches.
What is the average T20 score at Chepauk?
The average first-innings score is around 165–170 in recent T20Is.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
Rashid Khan, Darwish Rasooli, Glenn Phillips, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are key players.
Which team has a better bowling attack for these conditions?
Afghanistan, due to their multiple high-quality spinners.
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