Chennai: The MA Chidambaram Stadium here has undergone a makeover, with the outfield completely dug up and relaid. The pitches, however, remain untouched. The Chepauk has not hosted a competitive game since IPL-2025. With no recent competitive action to offer clear cues, it adds spice to the opening Group D clash between New Zealand and Afghanistan on 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 11:00 am start eliminates any dew factor and further favours the spinners at a venue 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 sesoned Mohammad Nabi to turn the screws on a solid NZ batting unit. No one in the Afghan lineup 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. Rashid Khan is quick to stress execution over reputation. “We do have good spinners but we still have to bowl well. They have a strong batting lineup and the pitch looks good to bat on. But we have to use the experience of playing IPL,” Rashid said.
