T20 World Cup 2026: Predicting Afghanistan XI and New Zealand XI for Group D Clash

Afghanistan and New Zealand will lock horns in a crucial Group D fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with the match scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM IST. Group D has already been labelled the “group of death,” where even a single slip-up could potentially lead to an early exit from the tournament, placing immediate pressure on both sides.

With Chennai traditionally offering assistance to spinners while still rewarding batters who apply themselves, adaptability will be key. Afghanistan arrive with confidence following their impressive showing in the previous edition, while New Zealand will be eager to reset after a disappointing group-stage exit last time. Both teams will view this opener as an opportunity to gain early control of the group and send a strong message to their rivals.

Predicted New Zealand Playing XI

Top Order: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert

New Zealand are expected to open with Finn Allen’s explosive strokeplay paired with Tim Seifert’s ability to rotate strike against spin. The combination offers aggression without sacrificing stability in the powerplay.

Middle Order: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell

Rachin Ravindra provides left-handed touch and composure, while Glenn Phillips brings power and athleticism. Daryl Mitchell remains the backbone of the middle order, capable of anchoring or accelerating based on match demands.

Lower Order: Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner

Bracewell’s off-spin and clean hitting add flexibility, while Santner’s control and tactical awareness are expected to be vital on a slow Chennai surface.

Bowlers: Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

New Zealand’s attack blends pace and spin effectively. Matt Henry and Ferguson offer strike power, Duffy adds control, and Sodhi’s leg-spin will be crucial through the middle overs.

New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 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

Predicted Afghanistan Playing XI

Top Order: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran

Afghanistan’s batting begins with Gurbaz’s attacking intent and Zadran’s composure, a pairing designed to counter New Zealand’s new-ball threat.

Middle Order: Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi

Rahmat Shah provides stability, while Najibullah offers late-innings firepower. Nabi’s experience and off-spin remain central to Afghanistan’s combination..

Lower Order: Azmatullah Omarzai

Omarzai adds seam-bowling depth and valuable lower-order batting, giving Afghanistan balance in both disciplines.

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai

Rashid Khan leads the attack with his world-class leg-spin, supported by Noor Ahmad’s left-arm wrist spin, which could be decisive in Chennai. Farooqi provides left-arm pace, while Abdullah Ahmadzai adds raw speed and variations.

Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 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

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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