In a highly anticipated Group D confrontation at the T20 World Cup, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first against New Zealand on Sunday. This match represents the first meeting between the two squads since Afghanistan’s stunning 84-run victory over the Black Caps during the 2024 T20 World Cup in Guyana.
Both teams find themselves in what analysts are calling the tournament’s ‘group of death,’ which includes last tournament’s finalist South Africa alongside associate nations Canada and the United Arab Emirates. Only the top two teams from this challenging group will advance to the Super 8 stage.
New Zealand enters the competition grappling with significant challenges, having endured multiple player injuries and illnesses during their month-long preparation in India. In contrast, Afghanistan arrives at full strength, with captain Rashid Khan poised to make history—needing just four wickets to become the first bowler to reach 700 wickets in T20 matches.
At the toss, Captain Khan expressed confidence in his team’s strategy: ‘We have a good bowling lineup and I hope it’ll help spin later on. We’ve played a lot of ICC events and it’s just about playing smart cricket and using experience.’
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner countered with his own tactical approach, noting the grassy wicket conditions that might favor his three seamers—Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Jacob Duffy—during the daytime match.
The line-ups featured Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Sediqullah Atal leading the batting order, while New Zealand countered with Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Rachin Ravindra. The match occurs amidst opening victories by Pakistan, India, and West Indies in the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.