Published on: Feb 7, 2026 10:29 am IST | Updated on: Feb 5, 2026 12:35 pm IST
We are into the second day of the T20 World Cup 2026, and it’s time for match no 4. Last edition’s semifinalists Afghanistan will be taking on New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in a morning game. This is going to be the first game from Group D, which is also tipped as the group of death as there are three genuine teams in New Zealand, Afghanistan, and South Africa who could go through to the Super 8 stage. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 4th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
New Zealand will be looking to peel off their wounds given by Afghanistan in the last T20 World Cup. Afghanistan showed them the exit door in the 2024 edition in the first round itself. Two years later, the stage remains the same, and these two teams are on either side of the ring to give each other the sucker punch. Playing at a dry surface in Chennai, Afghanistan will fancy their chances courtesy of the spin attack they have in their arsenal. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to lean in their favor. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 4th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
NZ: 42% win chance AFG: 58% win chance
The Blackcaps opener was terrific in the recently concluded BBL, finishing as the top run-getter, and followed it up with a brilliant 80-odd against India in the final T20I ahead of the T20 World Cup. Allen will be a vital cog for New Zealand's chances up the order.
Daryl Mitchell has been batting too late, but remains an important player in the middle order for the Kiwis. The senior batter has scored 207 runs in his last 10 T20I outings, striking at a brilliant rate of 181.57.
The right-hand opener will be a key figure at the top for the Afghans. He is their most consistent batter in recent times and has scored 366 runs in his last 9 innings at a scintillating average of 52.29.
The Afghan no 3 will be another dependable batter like Ibrahim Zadran. Atal will be a vital wicket, as Afghanistan's batting is heavily dependent on their top 3.
Check out our prediction for the NZ vs AFG 4th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
New Zealand is set to face Afghanistan in Match 4 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. This Group D encounter is already being billed as one of the most crucial fixtures in the “group of death,” with South Africa also in contention for the Super 8 spots.
Afghanistan, semifinalists in the last edition, will carry confidence from their stunning victory over New Zealand in 2024, which knocked the Kiwis out in the first round. Their spin-heavy attack, led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, is tailor-made for Chennai’s turning tracks, and the morning heat will only add to the challenge for the Black Caps.
New Zealand, however, are known for their adaptability and resilience. With experienced batters and versatile all-rounders, they will look to counter Afghanistan’s spin threat and erase the scars of their previous defeat. The contest promises high intensity, as both sides aim to land the first blow in Group D. For New Zealand, it’s about handling the heat and spin; for Afghanistan, it’s about proving their giant-killing credentials once again.
Afghanistan enter the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with one of the most potent spin attacks in the tournament, and the conditions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai could play right into their hands. Known for its slow, turning tracks, Chepauk has historically favored spinners who can exploit grip and variation. With Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad in their ranks, Afghanistan possess the perfect arsenal to trouble opposition batters on such surfaces.
Morning matches at this venue often see the pitch offering assistance from the start, making batting tricky and rewarding bowlers who maintain discipline. Afghanistan’s strategy should revolve around building pressure through spin, forcing mistakes, and restricting scoring opportunities. Their batters, meanwhile, must adapt to rotating strike and targeting loose deliveries rather than relying solely on power hitting.
Having reached the semifinals in the 2024 edition, Afghanistan will be eager to continue their rise. If they maximize the advantage of Chennai’s slow surface, they could once again emerge as one of the most dangerous sides in the competition, capable of unsettling even the strongest opponents. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 3 NZ won: 1 AFG won: 1 No Result: 1 Tied: 0 RECENT form NEW ZEALAND: W AB W L L RECENT form AFGHANISTAN: L L L W L
New Zealand and Afghanistan have collided only thrice in T20I history. Both teams have won a game each, and one match was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Their last meeting took place in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Afghanistan secured a mammoth 84-run victory.
How will the two teams, i.e., New Zealand and Afghanistan, fare in the 4th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Let’s take a look.
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwaish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhq Farooqi
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 4th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between New Zealand and Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai:
In the morning session of the match, the toss will be decisive. With spin expected to dominate and no dew in a morning start, both captains may prefer batting first to post a competitive total. Expect a tactical call, with conditions favoring spinners as the game progresses.
The online live streaming of the 4th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this World Cup will take place on Star Sports Network channels.
A surface being dry and favoring spin is nothing but gold for Afghanistan. They are an old-school team that loves to bat first and dictate terms in the second innings with their spinners. As the match progresses, the wicket will slow down, giving Afghanistan’s spinners ample opportunity to make the match their own. Therefore, as per our prediction, Afghanistan is expected to win the NZ vs AFG, 4th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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