The scene is set for an exciting Group D game in the upcoming Group D match. New Zealand takes on Afghanistan in the 4th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Fans of cricket and fantasy players alike are directing their attention towards the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai in India, where the fight between the Black Caps’ ruthless pace unit and Afghanistan’s top spin wizards promises to be an exciting spectacle.
Set for the Sunday of 8 February 2026 at 11:00 IST, this game is expected to carry significant significance. After the high-stakes opener between Pakistan and the Netherlands and both New Zealand and Afghanistan are eager to establish early momentum in what’s arguably the “Group of Death.” For New Zealand it’s all about establishing dominance early. For Afghanistan those who remember their shocking upset against New Zealand in the 2024 World Cup will be fresh and fuel their desire for another epic performance.
From a fantasy point of view it’s an opportunity to mine gold. The “NZ vs AFG Dream11” contest is a bit challenging but rewarding. The Chepauk surface is known for its grip and turn, which means your fantasy teams need to be stocked with spin possibilities. What will happen when Rashid Khan weave his magic again? Will Mitchell Santner exploit the conditions better than the Afghan trio?
This comprehensive guide will go over the essentials you require to know to create an effective fantasy team. We will cover the Chepauk pitch report, the detailed head-tohead stats, a prediction of playing XIs, as well as specific methods for Jaipur fantasy players who want to make the most of their money. Let’s get into the complete analysis of T20 World Cup 2026 Group D.
NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction: Match Preview
Before we dive into the in-depth of selection of players here are the key information for the game.
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM IST (India) / 5:30 AM GMT / 11:00 AM Local Time
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai, India
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Match: New Zealand vs Afghanistan, Match 4, Group D
- Live Broadcast: Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar (India); Sky Sports (NZ/UK)
- Weather Forecast: A typical Chennai day is waiting for. Expect hot and humid weather with temperatures that can range from 30-35 degrees. There is a 20% chance of rain but it’s not enough to wipe away the game. The humidity is likely to play a major part, possibly bringing dew into the mix at some point in the game which could help the side that is chasing.
NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction: Pitch Report & Chepauk Stats
Knowing the surface of the MA Chidambaram Stadium is crucial for your NZ against AFG Dream11 prediction. Chepauk is traditionally an ideal place for spinners. The red soil surface is generally slow and low, providing substantial control as the ball grows older.
The Chepauk Factor
In the initial 10 overs, the ball could arrive on the bat quite good, but as innings progress, the pitch is likely to slow significantly. The process of making a stroke becomes more difficult, and batsmen who attempt to hit the line usually fail.
However the “dew factor” is the wildcard. When day games begin at 11 am the dew factor is less of a problem than night games, but the humidity can make the outfield moving. Captains who win the toss usually prefer bowling first in order to determine the goal, but statistics indicate a balanced record.
Venue Stats (T20 Internationals)
| Metric | T20 Data |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 50+ |
| Batting 1st Won | 45% |
| Bowling 1st Won | 50% |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 165-175 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 160 |
| Highest Team Score | 246/5 (SRH) |
| Lowest Team Score | 70 (RCB) |
| Spinner Wickets % | 60%+ |
Fantasy Insight: Do not expect 200or more scores here. A score of 160-170 is extremely competitive. The idea of putting your team together with spinners (Rashid Khan, Mitchell Santner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman) and cutters-specialist pacers (like Matt Henry) is the best way to go.
NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction: Head-to-Head Stats
The relationship between these two teams in T20Is is becoming more competitive. Although New Zealand historically held the advantage, Afghanistan has closed the gap considerably.
- Total Matches Played: 7
- New Zealand Won: 4
- Afghanistan Won: 3
- No Result: 0
The most crucial information point concerns the 2024 World Cup encounter, where Afghanistan defeated the Black Caps. The psychological advantage, when combined with the favorable conditions for spin in Chennai will level the field.
Top Performers in H2H Matches
| Player (Team) | Runs Scored | Strike Rate | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) | 150+ | 130 | – |
| Devon Conway (NZ) | 200 | 140 | – |
| Rashid Khan (AFG) | 45 | 150 | 12 |
| Glenn Phillips (NZ) | 180 | 145 | 5 |
Analyse: Ibrahim Zadran and Devon Conway are the most regular batters in this game. Rashid Khan is an absolute threat to the Kiwis who average two wickets per game. Glenn Phillips is a dark horse, and his ability to bowl off spin is an extremely dangerous double threat when playing on this track.
NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction: Team Analysis
New Zealand Team Analysis
The Black Caps enter this tournament with a well-balanced team, that is led by Glenn Phillips. They have shifted from the Williamson time period and adopted an aggressive approach.
Strengths & Tactics
New Zealand’s strength is in their ad-hoc nature. Their top order, which includes the powerful Finn Allen and the steady Devon Conway, provides a left-right combo that is difficult to shake. The middle order is filled with all-rounders such as Rachin Ravindra as well as Daryl Mitchell, who can manage spin well.
The bowling strategy is designed specifically for Asian conditions. Mitchell Santner is arguably the most effective finger spinner in the world under these conditions as well with Ish Sodhi or Michael Bracewell likely to feature the team has 12 overs of top-quality spin.
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI
- Finn Allen: Explosive opener However, it is a risky spin at first.
- Devon Conway (wk): The anchor. The best choice for stability.
- Rachin Ravindra High Value. Bats at 3 and bowls 2 to 3 overs.
- Daryl Mitchell: Excellent against spin. Key finisher.
- Glenn Phillips (c): The whole package. Will bowl on this pitch.
- Mark Chapman: Left-handed finisher.
- Michael Bracewell: Off-spin option to counter AFG lefties.
- Mitchell Santner: Premier spinner. Must-have.
- Matt Henry: Wicket-taking pacer with variations.
- Lockie Ferguson The pace is high, but it is necessary to use cutters in this case.
- Jacob Duffy: Swing bowler for the new ball.
Full Squad: Glenn Phillips (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, James Neesham, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne.
Afghanistan Team Analysis
Afghanistan is no any more a dark horse. they are now a serious contender with respect to Asian conditions. Under the leadership of the charismatic Rashid Khan, they have an attack of bowlers that can protect any total that is over 150.
Strengths & Tactics
Their strength is in their spin department. Rashid, Mujeeb, and Noor Ahmad/Nabi form a tangle that very few teams can break. Their batting has gotten better dramatically. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have created a formidable opening duo, capable of laying platforms.
The most important issue is their fragility in the middle. If openers are injured in the early stages, the pressure will increase for the players who are all-rounders.
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbanbaz (wk): Agressive and can take away the game when it comes to powerplay.
- Ibrahim Zadran: Technical, reliable accumulator.
- Gulbadin Naib: Medium pacer and power hitter.
- Mohammad Nabi: The veteran. Important in off-spin against NZ lefties.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: A great swing bowler and a solid batter.
- Rashid Khan (c): The MVP. Batting at 6/7 and he bowled 4 crucial overs.
- Karim Janat: Hard-hitting all-rounder.
- Naveen-ulHaq: Master of slow balls to the point of death.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman Powerplay spinner.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi left-arm pacer, hits the ball with a new spin.
- Noor Ahmad: Left-arm wrist spin mystery.
Full Squad: Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Gulbadin Naib, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Karim Janat, Nangeyalia Kharote, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad.
NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction: Top Player Picks for Dream11
The right players are the first step. Based on the Chepauk’s pitch and the current form, here are the top players to have in your fantasy squad.
The “Must-Have” List
| Player | Role | Fantasy Avg | C/VC Worthy? | Why Pick? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn Phillips (NZ) | AR/Bat | 85+ Points | YES (C) | Bats among the top five bowls off-spin and is a top fielder. Point machine. |
| Rashid Khan (AFG) | Bowler | 90+ Points | YES (C) | Wicket-taker supreme. Can contribute quick 20-30 runs. |
| Devon Conway (NZ) | WK/Bat | 70+ Points | YES (VC) | Excellent spin player. High floor and a safe bet. |
| Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) | Batter | 65+ Points | No | Anchor innings. Consistent run-getter. |
| Mitchell Santner (NZ) | All-Rounder | 75+ Points | YES (VC) | Will enjoy this pitch. Economical + Wickets. |
| Mohammad Nabi (AFG) | All-Rounder | 80+ Points | Yes | Advantage in match-ups against the left-handers of New Zealand (Conway, Ravindra, Chapman). |
| Rachin Ravindra (NZ) | All-Rounder | 70+ Points | No | Top order batting and left-arm spin. |
| Naveen-ul-Haq (AFG) | Bowler | 55+ Points | No | Death on specialist. Wickets assured If AFG bowls first. |
Expert Insight: Don’t let go of Rashid Khan or Glenn Phillips. They are both high-impact players who play in a variety of aspects of the game.
NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction: Dream11 Team Suggestions
Here are three teams based on risk-aversion.
Note Important: Toss updates are important. Always ensure that your team is in order after the toss.
1. Grand League (GL) – High Risk / High Reward
This team will be playing for that they will be playing an Afghanistan shock or low scoring thriller in which spinners dominate.
- Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Devon Conway
- Batters: Finn Allen (Risk), Ibrahim Zadran
- All-Rounders: Glenn Phillips (Captain), Mohammad Nabi, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra
- Bowlers: Rashid Khan (Vice-Captain), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Matt Henry
- Strategy: Take a chance on Gurbaz firing first and Phillips dominating the ball and bat.
2. Small League (SL) – Safe & Balanced
This team has been designed to limit the risk by choosing players with high ownership.
- Wicketkeeper: Devon Conway
- Batters: Daryl Mitchell, Ibrahim Zadran, Glenn Phillips
- All-Rounders: Rashid Khan (Captain), Mitchell Santner (Vice-Captain), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai
- Bowlers: Matt Henry, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq
- Strategy: A split of 6-5 favors bowlers and all-rounders who bowl 4 overs.
3. Budget Team (For Jaipur Gamers)
If you’re playing on platforms that have budget or credit problems (<95 credits) be sure to focus on the variations.
- Differentials: Michael Bracewell (low credit potential, large spin potential), Karim Janat, Jacob Duffy.
- Drop: Finn Allen (High credit, high risk against Mujeeb).
- Captain: Mohammad Nabi (Often underrated and has enormous points-potential here).
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NZ vs AFG Fantasy Tips & Strategies
To win consistently to win consistently in “T20 World Cup 2026 Group D” matches You need a plan and not luck.
- The Spin Mandate: Chepauk = Spin. You must have at least four spinners on your team. An assortment of Rashid, Mujeeb, Santner and Nabi is not negotiable.
- Captaincy Choices:
- Batting First: Glenn Phillips or Ibrahim Zadran.
- Bowling First: Rashid Khan or Mitchell Santner.
- The Dew Factor: If the team bowls second, the spinners may struggle with wet balls. Look up the weather forecast prior to the time of toss. If the dew is thick you can stack the batsmen from the team that is chasing.
- Beware of the Pacers: Stay clear of express pace bowlers who do not have slower balls. Lockie Ferguson may struggle if he changes his speed. Prefer Naveen-ul-Haq or Matt Henry.
- Grand League Differential: Ish Sodhi (if he plays) has a stellar performance record in India. He is typically not owned by more than 20% the users.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Match Prediction
This is a war of attrition. New Zealand has the batting depth and the ability to handle pressure, which gives them a slight advantage (60-40). But, Afghanistan has the bowling attack to protect even a modest sum of 150 players on this field.
Scenario 1: New Zealand bats first.
- Predicted Score: 165-175
- The result: New Zealand wins by 15 to 15 runs.
Scenario 2: Afghanistan bats first.
- Predicted Score: 145-155
- Results: New Zealand chases it down in the 19th over four wickets left.
Official prediction: New Zealand to win in a tightly fought match however, be prepared for Afghanistan to take 7 to 8 wickets.
The NZ AFG vs NZ Dream11 prediction for the 4th match of the T20 World Cup 2026 boils down to a single factor who is able to spin better? Although the Black Caps appear to be the favorites on paper however the conditions in Chepauk have a level playing field considerably for the Afghans.
Make sure you Include Rashid Khan and Glenn Phillips in your fantasy team, as well as keep a close eye at the toss to make final adjustments. If you’re playing Head-toHead or attempting to make it in the Grand League, sticking to the information provided above will give you a head start.
Disclaimer The prediction is based on a professional analysis and statistics. Fantasy cricket can be financially risky. Please be responsible when playing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the best captain and vice-captain choices for the NZ vs AFG Dream11 team?
For the NZ AFG vs NZ AFG match the best captaincy picks is Glenn Phillips (NZ) and Rashid Khan (AFG). Both are all-rounders and are able to earn points with bat and ball. If you are looking for a vice-captain, think about Devon Conway (NZ) for his consistent batting, or Mitchell Santner (NZ) for his exceptional spin bowling skills on the Chepauk pitch.
2. What is the Chepauk pitch report for the NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 match?
The MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai generally offers an extremely slow, spin-friendly pitch. You can expect the ball to turn and grip which makes it difficult to play free-flowing strokeplay. Spinners are most likely to dominate in the first innings, and a score of 160-170 is an impressive total. Teams that win the toss may choose to bowl first.
3. What is a good Dream11 strategy for the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match?
A winning fantasy strategy for this match is to stack your team with all-rounders and spinners. With the Chepauk pitch, try to have at minimum four spin options. Choose players who are able to contribute in a variety of ways, such as Glenn Phillips, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. Don’t pick too many pace bowlers who lack good alternatives.
4. What are the predicted playing XIs for NZ vs AFG?
New Zealand (NZ) Predicted XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips (c), Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.
Afghanistan (AFG) Predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad.
5. Which players are must-picks for my NZ vs AFG Dream11 team?
Based on their form and conditions on the pitch, the most important players to watch are Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner (from NZ) as well as Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi (from AFG). These players have a great likelihood of scoring significant fantasy points by bowling, batting or both.
6. Where can I watch the NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 match live?
In India the match will be streamed live via the Star Sports Network. For streaming online, you can stream the match through the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. In other areas, look up local listings to find broadcasters such as Sky Sports.
7. Who has a better head-to-head record, New Zealand or Afghanistan?
New Zealand holds a slight advantage in head-tohead encounters winning four of the seven T20Is between both teams. But, Afghanistan won their crucial game during the 2024 World Cup, making this an extremely competitive match.
8. What are some budget-friendly or differential picks for this fantasy match?
If you are looking for Grand Leagues, consider Michael Bracewell (NZ) or Noor Ahmad (AFG). Both are spin options with low credit that could be successful in Chennai’s climate. Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG) is another fantastic all-rounder choice that is likely to be overlooked, but offers excellent value both with bat and ball.
9. What is the match prediction for New Zealand vs Afghanistan?
New Zealand are the slight favorite to win due to their batsman lineup and overall experience. But Afghanistan’s world-class spin attack on a favourable Chepauk surface can make them a formidable threat. Expect a tight, low-scoring match with NZ likely to win when they are able to navigate the trio of spin players Rashid, Mujeeb, and Nabi.
10. How important is the toss for the NZ vs AFG Dream11 prediction?
The toss is a crucial decision. With the possibility of dew later on in the day, and the benefit of chasing a predetermined goal on a difficult pitch, the captain who wins the toss is likely to choose to bowl first. The final Dream11 team should be rearranged according to which team bats first in order to ensure that death bowlers from the team playing second will be more important.