New Zealand’s match against Afghanistan is the first meeting between the most competitive lineups at this T20 World Cup. New Zealand suffered back-to-back defeats to India, while Afghanistan found themselves on a firmer footing after a humiliating defeat to New Zealand in 2024.

Both teams, New Zealand and Afghanistan, have played several matches on Indian soil and the players are well aware of the conditions at this venue. Both teams will face South Africa, so they are expected to have an upper hand in the group.

This article provides a possible lineup for New Zealand’s match against Afghanistan in the fourth match of the 2026 World Cup. This article includes the possible player combinations and the key players to watch out for on the spin-friendly track at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

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New Zealand vs Afghanistan, Match 4 – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand vs Afghanistan – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Opening Match: Finn Allen and Tim Seifert

Opening batsmen Finn Allen and Tim Seifert were once again New Zealand’s most explosive batsmen. As seen with many teams, the opening duo usually consists of a dynamic batting duo who can exploit defensive constraints in the powerplay.

Middle-order batsmen: Rajin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman

Rachin Ravindra emerged as a core member of the New Zealand batting order; however, he was not at his best. Moreover, when the team needs to score quickly and chase big scores, Ravindra’s efficiency is not high.

Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell are New Zealand’s most reliable scorers in the middle order. Phillips and Mitchell are not only their batting mainstays but also the frontline players that New Zealand are chasing. Michael Bracewell is expected to return in the T20 World Cup.

Bowlers: Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Locke Ferguson and Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson

While the return of Bracewell will strengthen the bowling depth, their batting depth has also been improved as captain Santner has been pushed to No. 3. 8. The three pacers of Jocob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry will form the team’s walking bowling core.

New Zealand starting lineup: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Locke Ferguson and Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson.

Afghanistan vs New Zealand- ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Opener: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran

Rahmanullah Gulbaaz is likely to return to Afghanistan; however, he did not bat in the Afghans’ final warm-up match. Ibrahim Zadran, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer for them, although Gurbaz has mostly handed over the role for quick starts, with Zadran often playing a minor role providing stability to the innings.

Middle-order batsmen: Seedikulla Atal, Darwish Rasouli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib

The middle position is filled with several talented players, including newcomers Sediqullah Atal, Datwish Rasooli and Afghanistan MVP Azmatullah Omarzai of the past few years.

Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib will bring a wealth of experience. Nabi has been part of the XI for over two decades now and both players are still very effective with bat and ball.

Bowlers: Rashid Khan (C), Abdullah Ahmedzai/Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmed and Fazal-ul-Haq Farooqi

Rashid Khan captained the team again. On the other hand, Noor Ahmed and Fazal Haq Faruqi will form the frontline to carry the ball in attack. Naveen Ul Haq returns from international duty but is out injured; however, if he fails to feature, Abdullah Ahmedzai is likely to take his place.

Afghanistan starting lineup: Rahmanullah Gubaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Abdullah Ahmadzai/Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad and Naveen Ul Haq.

Also read: Pakistan undergoes shocking U-turn ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup to compete with India