Excitement will be high in Chennai as Afghanistan take on New Zealand in the fourth match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on 8thth February 11:00 AM IST.
Get the best NZ vs AFG Dream11 predictions, fantasy cricket tips, possible line-ups and 4 match insightsth ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Expert analysis, etc.
NZ vs AFG match preview:
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will continue the drama of its early group stages as New Zealand take on Afghanistan in the fourth match of the tournament on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Therefore, this Group D match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and will start at 11:00 am IST, adding early morning matches to the World Cup schedule.
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New Zealand will come into this match with solid preparation, having strategically raised their game in recent warm-up games and the T20 series, while Afghanistan will bring fearless aggression backed by experienced match-winners. Additionally, conditions in Chennai have historically aided spin and stroke play, so both teams will need to adapt to the pitch and conditions quickly.
New Zealand have depth in batting and all-round options, while Afghanistan have a strong bowling unit and explosive batsmen who could wreak havoc if given an opportunity early on. Therefore, this clash may come down to which team controls the momentum in the midfield. Furthermore, New Zealand’s leadership and tactical awareness could balance Afghanistan’s fearless attitude, especially as both sides are eager to start their Group D campaign with a win. As such, viewers should expect a tactical battle full of dynamic shifts and strategic play.
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NZ vs AFG head to head record:
|
team |
win the game |
|
New Zealand |
1 |
|
Afghanistan |
1 |
NZ vs AFG Weather and Pitch Report:
|
temperature |
23℃ |
|
weather forecast |
sunny |
|
pitching behavior |
batting friendly |
|
most suitable |
pace |
|
Average score in first inning |
165 |
Chase team record:
|
Record |
OK |
|
Winning rate % |
62% |
NZ vs AFG 11 seconds to play (prediction):
New Zealand Top 11:
1) Finn Allen (week)
2) Tim Seifert
3) Devin Conway
4) Mark Chapman
5) Glenn Phillips
6) Darryl Mitchell
7) Mitchell Santner©
8) Michael Bracewell
9) Jacob Duffy
10) Rocky Ferguson
11) Ish Sodhi
Afghanistan fights 11:
1) Rahmanullah Gulbaaz (week)
2) Ibrahim Zadran
3) Azmatullah Omarzai
4) Shahidullah Kamal
5) Mohammad Ishaq
6) Mohammad Nabi
7) Rashid Khan©
8) Mujibur Ur Rahman
9) Noor Ahmed
10) Fazal Haq Farooqi
11) Navin Haque
Top picks predictions and fantasy cricket tips for NZ vs AFG Dream11:
Captain’s Picks:
|
Finn Allen – A right-handed batsman and part-time off-spin option for New Zealand, he has amassed 1,365 runs in 53 T20Is, most recently displaying his power with a stunning 80 against India in January 2026. |
|
Glenn Phillips – Providing strong all-round versatility to the Black Caps, the right-handed batsman and off-spin bowler has scored 2,105 runs and taken 6 wickets in 88 T20I games and recently became the fourth New Zealander to cross the 2,000-run mark in the format. |
Top picks:
|
Glenn Phillips – Providing strong all-round versatility to the Black Caps, the right-handed batsman and off-spin bowler has scored 2,105 runs and taken 6 wickets in 88 T20I games and recently became the fourth New Zealander to cross the 2,000-run mark in the format. |
|
Rahmanullah Gubaz – Consolidated Afghanistan’s status as a top-order right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman as he amassed 2,143 runs in 72 T20Is, including 1950s, underlining his reputation as one of the most productive young openers in the game. |
Budget options:
|
Gulbadin Naib – Represents Afghanistan as a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler, who provides valuable all-round depth with his steady batting and disciplined seam bowling at crucial stages. |
|
Tim Seifert – The right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman for New Zealand, he brought the attacking intent over the top in the first innings and added a reliable glove behind the stumps. |
NZ vs AFG ICC T20 2026 World Cup Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
|
team leader |
Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips |
|
Vice captain |
Azmatullah Omarzai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- The Guardian – Finn Allen ©, Rahmanullah Gubaz
- Batsmen – Daryl Mitchell, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasouli
- All-rounders – Mohammad Nabi, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Azmatullah Omarzai (vc)
- Bowlers – Matt Henry, Rashid Khan

NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Goalkeepers – Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rahmanullah Gubaz (VC)
- Batsmen – Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasouli
- All-rounders – Gulbadin Naib, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips ©, Azmatullah Omarzai
- Bowlers – Matt Henry, Rashid Khan

NZ vs AFG Dream11 Today Prediction Match 4 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Players to avoid:
|
player |
Dream 11 Producers |
Dream11 points (last game) |
|
Muhammad Ishaq |
7.0 credits |
That |
|
Mark Chapman |
7.5 credits |
That |
NZ vs AFG Dream11 Today Prediction Match 4 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Expert Advice:
|
SL captain selection |
find alan |
|
GL captain selection |
Glenn Phillips |
|
Punt Picks |
Gulbadin Naib and Tim Seifert |
|
Dream 11 combination |
2-3-4-2 |
NZ vs AFG Match Winner Prediction:
A strong line-up will put New Zealand in a strong position going into this match.







