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Afghanistan vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Preview & Tips - Mitchell to lead Black Caps to World Cup win over Afghanistan

ben-darvill
Ben Darvill
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Last updated: 05 Feb 2026
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Ben Darvill 05 Feb 2026
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  • New Zealand have won one of their last two competitive T20's 
  • Daryl Mitchell averages 31.25 in T20's in 2026
  • Preview, stats & head to head 
New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell (Getty Images)
New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell (Getty Images)

Afghanistan vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Preview & Tips


Afghanistan arrive for the T20 World Cup on the back of two pre-tournament wins in their last two matches against Scotland and the West Indies. 

New Zealand were well beaten by India in their last match as they slipped to a 46-run loss at the hands of one of the World Cup's co-hosts. 

  • The Black Caps have won one of their last two T20 matches
  • Daryl Mitchell has scored 39 not out and 26 in his last two T20's 

Head To Head


The pair have met twice before, with both nations winning one match apiece. 

Afghanistan Form 


Afghanistan know that they will likely need to beat one of New Zealand or South Africa if they are to make it into the Super 8 stage of the World Cup. 

Meetings with Canada and the UAE are far more winnable, while their clash with a New Zealand side that have lost four of their last five T20's will be a meeting they feel they can win. Their game with the Black Caps this week may yet prove to be their most important match, especially if they can catch their opponents cold. 

However, Afghanistan will meet a New Zealand side that bring consistent batters and intelligent bowlers. While they have lost four of their last five, these games came against India, meaning they should be taken with a pinch of salt. 

While I predict a close game between two good sides, I am backing against Afghanistan in their opener. 

New Zealand Form 


New Zealand are aiming to begin their World Cup campaign with a win as they face a tricky test against a very good Afghanistan side. 

A run of four defeats in their last five is a worry, but facing India on the road is something that tends to end in defeat for most sides. With this in mind, their 50-run win over their opponents in the fourth T20 should be something that gives them a lot of confidence. 

While they have won one of their two previous matches against Afghanistan, the Black Caps will feel they have enough to contend with the spinning options of their opponents before accelerating away from them with the bat. 

Daryl Mitchell continues to be a consistent run scorer for the Black Caps, and I back him to go well in the opening match of New Zealand's World Cup. 

Verdict

I am backing Daryl Mitchell to go beyond the 20-run mark as he helps his New Zealand side to an important win. 

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