Afghanistan are preparing to take on New Zealand in a Group D encounter of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday in Chennai. Having soaring confidence and recent performances backing their belief, Rashid Khan’s side will be confident of challenging experienced New Zealand.

Over the last few years, Afghanistan have steadily transformed from spirited underdogs into a formidable white-ball outfit. Their campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup was a clear statement of intent as they reached the semi-finals in that tournament, showcasing their maturity in handling high-pressure situations. 

Chennai holds special significance for the Afghan squad. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, they produced one of the most memorable victories in their cricketing history, comprehensively defeating Pakistan. Those memories will serve as motivation for them. Their build-up to this World Cup has been encouraging, registering wins in both of their warm-up matches, overcoming Scotland and West Indies. 

Batting-wise, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz continues to be a key figure at the top of the order. Alongside him, vice-captain Ibrahim Zadran brings stability. The inclusion of young talents such as Darwish Rasooli and Sediqullah Atal will add more firepower 

One of Afghanistan’s greatest strengths lies in their impressive range of all-round options. Rashid Khan remains the heartbeat of the side, contributing not just with his world-class leg spin but also with valuable lower-order runs. Mohammad Nabi’s experience further strengthens the spin department. In the pace department, Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai will be solid.

New Zealand, meanwhile, come into this encounter eager to reset after a forgettable 2024 T20 World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage. The Black Caps will be keen to turn the page.

However, the New Zealand camp does have a few question marks. All-rounder Michael Bracewell is dealing with a calf issue, and his fitness remains under scrutiny ahead of the match. His absence, if confirmed, could disrupt the balance of the side.

At the top of the order, the opening combination of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen will play a crucial role. In the middle order, much will depend on Daryl Mitchell, who is a vital cog in New Zealand’s batting lineup.

In the bowling department, spin responsibilities are expected to fall primarily on captain Mitchell Santner and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, with support from Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. On the pace front, Kyle Jamieson’s bounce and accuracy will be key.

Head-to-head

Matches - 3

NZ won - 1

AFG won - 1

No result - 1

NZ possible XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

AFG possible XI: 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