New Zealand vs Afghanistan, 4th Match, Group D – T20 World Cup 2026 | Live Score
New Zealand
4th Match, Group D • MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Sun, 08 Feb • 11:00 AM
Match yet to begin
Afghanistan
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 brings a high-voltage Group D encounter as New Zealand take on Afghanistan at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on February 08, 2026. With both teams known for their unique strengths, this matchup promises intense competition and crucial early points.
Match Date: Sunday, 08 February 2026
Time: 11:00 AM IST | 10:00 AM AFT | 06:30 PM NZDT
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Match Info – NZ vs AFG
| Match | New Zealand vs Afghanistan – 4th Match, Group D |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, 08 February 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM Local • 05:30 AM GMT • 10:30 AM PKT |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| Status | Match yet to begin |
Match Overview
New Zealand enter the tournament with a solid mix of experience and power hitting. Their pace attack and strong middle order give them a competitive edge, especially in big tournaments.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, rely heavily on their world-class spin attack and aggressive batters. Their ability to trouble major teams makes them a dangerous opponent, particularly on turning Chennai surfaces.
This contest is expected to be a battle between New Zealand’s pace + balance and Afghanistan’s spin power.
Head-to-Head – New Zealand vs Afghanistan (T20Is)
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Afghanistan | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Last 2 Meetings
| Date | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 08 Jun 2024 | New Zealand | Won by 9 wickets |
| 07 Nov 2021 | New Zealand | Won by 8 wickets |
Recent Form
| Team | Last 5 T20 Matches |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | L • W • W • NR • W |
| Afghanistan | L • W • W • W • W |
Points Table – Group D
| Team | M | W | L | N/R | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | – | – | – | – | – |
| Afghanistan | – | – | – | – | – |
Venue – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
The Chepauk pitch traditionally assists spinners, making it one of the most challenging venues for batters early on. However, once set, batters can score freely due to the fast outfield.
- Capacity: 50,000
- Ends: Anna Pavilion End, V Pattabhiraman Gate End
- Pitch Nature: Spin-friendly, low-bounce surface
New Zealand vs Afghanistan – Preview
New Zealand’s balanced lineup, power-hitting ability, and disciplined bowling make them favourites. Their challenge will be to navigate Afghanistan’s elite spin trio in Chennai conditions.
Afghanistan will aim to control the match through spin and early wickets. If their top order fires, they can push New Zealand hard.
This match might come down to how well New Zealand handle the turning pitch.
Match Prediction
- New Zealand hold the advantage with superior balance and ICC tournament experience.
- Afghanistan’s spin attack could cause major trouble if conditions help.
Prediction: New Zealand start as favourites.
Live Score Updates
Live score, ball-by-ball commentary, fall of wickets, and full scorecard will appear here once the match begins.