New Zealand confirmed their Super 8 qualification in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Canada at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
Canada produced one of their strongest T20 World Cup batting displays, posting 173/4 in 20 overs on the back of Yuvraj Samra’s maiden tournament century.
However, New Zealand’s calculated middle-overs surge, led by Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, transformed a competitive chase into a controlled finish as they reached 176/2 in just 15.1 overs, sealing the result with 29 balls remaining.
NZ vs CAN ICC T20 WC 2026 Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | New Zealand vs Canada, 31st Match, Group D |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| Result | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| Canada | 173/4 (20 overs) |
| New Zealand | 176/2 (15.1 overs) |
| Toss | Canada won the toss and elected to bat |
| Match Referee | Andy Pycroft |
Canada Innings Analysis
Canada’s total was built around Yuvraj Samra’s authoritative 110 off 65 balls, an innings featuring 11 fours and six sixes, with his hundred coming in 58 deliveries. Opening alongside Dilpreet Bajwa, who contributed 36 off 39 balls, Samra anchored a 116-run stand that laid a strong foundation.
Canada was 116/0 at 13.6 overs, maintaining a healthy scoring rate above eight per over and positioning themselves for a potentially bigger finish.
They reached 153/2 in 17.4 overs, but the closing phase failed to deliver the acceleration the platform promised. Wickets fell at 153, 160, and 164, interrupting momentum and limiting the final push. Canada ultimately closed at 173/4 at a run rate of 8.65, a competitive total but slightly below what their start had indicated.
New Zealand’s bowling unit shared the responsibility, with Jacob Duffy conceding 25 in four overs while Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and James Neesham claimed one wicket each. Although containment in the middle overs proved difficult, the final stretch was managed effectively.
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Yuvraj Samra | 110 (65), 11×4, 6×6 |
| Key Support | Dilpreet Bajwa | 36 (39) |
| Best Bowler (NZ) | Jacob Duffy | 4-0-25-1 |
New Zealand Chase Analysis
New Zealand’s response began aggressively before encountering a brief disruption. The openers took the score to 29 without loss in two overs, but the dismissals of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen reduced them to 30/2. By the end of the powerplay, New Zealand were 60/2, keeping the required rate within reach.
The decisive shift occurred during the middle overs. From 60/2, New Zealand advanced to 132/2 in six overs, effectively removing scoreboard pressure. Rachin Ravindra provided stability with 59 off 39 balls, balancing strike rotation with calculated boundary options.
Glenn Phillips accelerated sharply, reaching his half-century in 22 balls — the fastest by a New Zealand batter in a T20 World Cup since 2007 — and finishing unbeaten on 76 off 36 deliveries, striking four fours and six sixes.
The 100-run third-wicket partnership ensured the required rate continued to fall rather than climb, eliminating the need for late-innings risk.
Canada’s bowlers struggled for sustained control in this phase, conceding boundaries and extras that allowed the chase to progress smoothly. New Zealand completed the pursuit at 176/2 in 15.1 overs, finishing with authority rather than tension.
Related Reads:
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Glenn Phillips | 76* (36), 4×4, 6×6 |
| Anchor Role | Rachin Ravindra | 59 (39) |
| Best Bowler (CAN) | Saad Bin Zafar | 3-1-29-1 |
