A Toss, a Gamble, and a Showdown in Chennai
News Desk
Chennai: Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan chose to bat first after winning the toss against New Zealand in a daytime T20 World Cup 2026 clash at Chennai on Sunday, backing his side’s batting depth and spin-heavy attack on a surface offering unknown conditions.
The 11am start, with dew unlikely to play a role, appeared to influence Afghanistan’s decision as they looked to put runs on the board and apply scoreboard pressure later in the match.
Rashid led a three-pronged spin attack that included Mujeeb Ur Rahman and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi.
Left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad, despite his recent success at the Chepauk with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, was left out as Afghanistan opted for balance in their XI.
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With Naveen-ul-Haq ruled out through injury, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi was drafted into the side, while Fazalhaq Farooqi was selected as the frontline left-arm seamer. Seam-bowling all-rounders Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib provided additional pace options.
New Zealand, in contrast, leaned heavily on pace on a pitch showing some grass, naming only one specialist spinner in captain Mitchell Santner. Wristspinner Ish Sodhi was omitted as Matt Henry led a pace attack that also featured Lockie Ferguson and Jacob Duffy.
The Black Caps welcomed back Rachin Ravindra at No. 3 after he recovered from illness, giving them an extra spin option with his left-arm fingerspin. Finn Allen also returned at the top of the order following a shoulder niggle, partnering Tim Seifert. However, all-rounder Michael Bracewell missed out as he continues to manage a calf injury.
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The match is being played at a Chepauk venue that recently underwent a major outfield relaying, while the pitches remain unused since the IPL in April 2025. Even local franchise Chennai Super Kings have acknowledged difficulty in reading the surface in recent months, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest.
With Afghanistan backing spin and New Zealand trusting pace on a revamped ground, the clash promised a tactical battle shaped as much by conditions as by form.
Teams:
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (capt), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
