NZ vs AFG Live Cricket Score, New Zealand vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 Match Today

Chennai witnessed a challenging start for Afghanistan in their opening match of the 2026 T20 World Cup against New Zealand on Sunday. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Afghanistan quickly found themselves in trouble, losing both openers, Ibrahim Zadran (10) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27), in the space of one over bowled by Lockie Ferguson. This left Afghanistan reeling at 44/2 after six overs.

A History of Upsets

This contest carries added weight given the teams’ previous encounter in a T20 World Cup group stage. In that match, held in Guyana, Afghanistan delivered a stunning upset, defeating New Zealand. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a key role, scoring 80 runs off 56 balls to help Afghanistan reach 159/6. New Zealand’s batting lineup then faltered, collapsing to a paltry 75 all out, with captain Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi each claiming four wickets.

Did You Know? Afghanistan’s previous T20 World Cup victory against New Zealand saw Rahmanullah Gurbaz score 80 runs off 56 balls.

New Zealand’s Challenges

New Zealand enters this year’s tournament facing several hurdles. Prior to the World Cup, they suffered a 4-1 series defeat against India. The squad is also dealing with a number of injury concerns. Both Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway are sidelined due to illness, while Finn Allen is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the India series. Allrounder Michael Bracewell and fast bowler Lockie Ferguson are also managing calf issues.

Expert Insight: New Zealand’s recent performance against India and the current injury situation suggest they may face an uphill battle in this tournament, particularly in the early stages as they adjust to the conditions and player availability.

Squads

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan(c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Ishaq, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Abdullah Ahmadzai

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert(w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the result of the last T20 World Cup meeting between New Zealand and Afghanistan?

Afghanistan defeated New Zealand in their last T20 World Cup group stage encounter, with Afghanistan scoring 159/6 and New Zealand being all out for 75.

What injuries are impacting the New Zealand squad?

Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway are ill, Finn Allen has a shoulder injury and Michael Bracewell and Lockie Ferguson are dealing with calf issues.

Who is the captain of the Afghanistan team?

Rashid Khan is the captain of the Afghanistan team.

Given Afghanistan’s strong recent performance against New Zealand and their early momentum in this match, could they potentially secure another upset victory, or will New Zealand’s experience and depth ultimately prevail?