T20 World Cup: New Zealand Faces Afghanistan in Chennai Opener

Chennai. The fourth match of the T20 World Cup today will be held between New Zealand and Afghanistan in Chennai. This match will start at 11:15 AM. This is the first match of Group D.

New Zealand defeated the USA by 7 runs in a warm-up match. However, the Kiwi team had to face a 4-1 series defeat against India before the World Cup. On the other hand, Afghanistan defeated the West Indies by 23 runs in a practice match.

• Even Contest Between Both Teams

So far, both teams have played 3 matches in T20 Internationals. In which Afghanistan has won 1 match, and New Zealand has also won 1 match. 1 match was canceled. 

The last encounter between both teams took place in the previous World Cup, which Afghanistan won by 84 runs. In that match, New Zealand was all out for 75 runs in response to Afghanistan's 159 runs.

• Mitchell Scores Most Runs in Last 10 Matches

Glenn Phillips plays an important role in batting for the New Zealand team. He is the top scorer for the team in the T20 World Cup squad. He has scored 2105 runs in 88 matches so far, with his highest score being 108 runs. 

Apart from him, Daryl Mitchell is also in excellent form and has scored the most runs, 207, in the last 10 matches. 

In bowling, Ish Sodhi is a big strength for the team. He has taken 162 wickets in 137 matches.

• Focus on Zadran, Gurbaz, and Nabi

Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran has scored the most runs for the team, 366, in the last 9 matches. Gurbaz has scored 301 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 143.33. 

Similarly, in the overall record, Mohammad Nabi is the top scorer for the team. He has scored over 2400 runs in 148 matches. 

In bowling, captain Rashid Khan is at the top. He has taken 185 wickets in 110 matches. His economy is also 5.96. 

• Spinners Benefit at Chepauk

The pitch at Chennai's Chepauk Stadium is considered 'spin-friendly'. As the match progresses, the pitch becomes slower and drier, which helps the spinners. 

3 T20 matches have been played here. The team batting first has won 1 match, while the team chasing the target has won 2 matches. The average score of the first innings is 171 runs.

• Chennai Weather to be Clear

The weather in Chennai on Sunday is expected to be hot and mostly clear. The day's temperature may reach around 31 to 32 degrees Celsius. 

There will be humidity in the air. In the evening, the temperature may drop to 18 to 23 degrees. There is no chance of rain.

Probable Playing-XI of Both Teams

• New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry. 

• Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasuli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (Captain), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, and Naveen-ul-Haq.