Trial by spin for New Zealand against Afghans

CHENNAI: The MA Chidambaram Stadium here has undergone a makeover with the outfield completely dug up and relaid. The pitches, however, remain untouched, and Chepauk has not hosted a competitive game since IPL 2025 in April.

With no recent competitive action to offer clear cues, it adds spice to the opening Group D clash of the T20 World Cup between New Zealand and Afghanistan on a Sunday morning. Group D also features South Africa, and with only two teams qualifying for the Super-8s, it is being dubbed as the Group of Death for a reason.

The 11am start eliminates any dew factor and further favours the spinners on a venue traditionally known for assisting turn. Afghanistan will pin their hopes on the familiar spin quartet of skipper Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and seasoned Mohammad Nabi to turn the screws on a solid NZ batting unit.

No one in the Afghan line-up knows Chepauk better than Noor, the crafty chinaman who has enjoyed considerable success at this venue during his IPL stint with Chennai Super Kings. They also have offie Darwish Rasooli and left-arm spinner Shahidullah Kamal in their ranks.

That depth of spin is something captain Rashid Khan is well aware of, though he is quick to stress execution over reputation. “Yes, we do have good spinners, but we still have to bowl well and hit the right areas. They have a strong batting line-up, and the pitch looks good to bat on. But we have to use that knowledge and experience of playing IPL and bowl our best,” Rashid said on the eve of the match.

His caution is well placed. While Rashid & Co. hold the spin edge, the Kiwis, led by Mitchell Santner, arrive with their own firepower at the top despite a chastening 1-4 series defeat to co-hosts India ahead of the World Cup. Their three-week stint in India for the series was disrupted by injuries and unavailability. But those concerns have since eased.

“I think we do have all 15, which is nice, because at one stage we thought we were going to field nine in that warm-up game. So yes, I think we’re ready to go, which is good,” the skipper said.

The return of explosive opener Finn Allen bolsters their line-up significantly; he has the ability to tackle spin even in tough chases. Paired with wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, the opening duo could prove lethal in the powerplay against Afghanistan. They also have proven match-winners in Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell and Jimmy Neesham. Their pace-heavy bowling unit adds solid balance to the attack.

That said, Santner feels the ‘Chepauk pitch has changed over time’. “Chepauk has changed a little over time. In the last couple of years, it’s (the pitch) been nice and flat, especially during the IPL. For us, it’s about seeing what it looks like tomorrow,” Santner said.



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