The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai hosts a Group D mismatch where New Zealand’s Super 8 destiny lies in their own hands, while Canada fight for the dignity of a first victory. The Black Caps were cruising back-to-back wins over Afghanistan and UAE announced them as genuine contenders before South Africa brought them back to earth with a clinical seven-wicket chase in just 17.1 overs. That defeat was a timely reminder, but it hasn’t derailed their campaign. Victory here secures their place in the next round. Canada, meanwhile, have endured a brutal tournament. Two losses to South Africa and UAE have left them rooted to the bottom of the table, their bowling attack taken apart and their batting reliant on just two men. The mathematics for Super 8 qualification are now theoretical at best. This is about pride, about taking something positive home from a chastening World Cup experience. On paper, this is the most one-sided contest of the group stage.
New Zealand vs Canada Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
NZ vs CAN, Group D T20 World Cup 2026 31st Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 31st Match, Group D |
| Date | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM (IST) |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
NZ vs CAN Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
New Zealand
New Zealand’s form is excellent (L, W, W, W, L), with two dominant tournament wins. Their key strength is an unstoppable opening pair. Tim Seifert is the tournament’s form batter (167 runs at strike rate 180). Finn Allen has struck at 168, including a blistering 89 off 42 against UAE. The middle order features Mark Chapman (48 off 26 vs SA) and Glenn Phillips, providing explosive depth. The bowling attack, even without Lockie Ferguson (personal leave), remains potent, with Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner leading. The psychological edge is clear: one win secures Super 8.
Canada
Canada’s form is dire (L, L, L, L, L), with two heavy tournament defeats. Their key strength is individual resilience. Navneet Dhaliwal has scored 98 runs in two innings at strike rate 128. Harsh Thaker has contributed 83 runs at 119. Beyond these two, the batting has collapsed. The bowling attack has been toothless, with only Saad Bin Zafar (3 wickets, economy 7.42) showing control. Their realistic objective is to compete for 40 overs and avoid another heavy defeat.
NZ vs CAN Probable Playing XI
New Zealand Probable XI-
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy.
Canada Probable XI-
Dilpreet Bajwa (C), Yuvraj Samra, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva (WK), Harsh Thaker, Saad Bin Zafar, Jaskaran Singh, Dilon Heyliger, Kaleem Sana, Ansh Patel.
NZ vs CAN Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
| Total Match Played | 00 |
| NZ Won | 00 |
| CAN Won | 00 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
NZ vs CAN Pitch Report
The Chepauk pitch offers a balanced surface that favors spin as the game progresses. The three World Cup games here have produced first-innings totals of 182-6, 173-6, and 196-6. The surface is good for batting early but begins to grip and turn in the middle overs. Batsmen must capitalize during the powerplay. A score of 190-210 is par for New Zealand batting first; Canada would be satisfied with 165-170.
NZ vs CAN Weather Report
Conditions will be hot and mostly sunny, with temperatures rising toward the low 30s. There is only a low chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted contest. Winds from the northeast will be light to moderate. Visibility will remain good throughout.
NZ vs CAN Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bat first. New Zealand, after losing chasing against South Africa, will want to post a massive total and put the game beyond Canada’s reach. Canada may prefer to bowl first and attempt to restrict the Kiwis.
NZ vs CAN Match Prediction
We are backing New Zealand to win this match comfortably. This is the most straightforward prediction of the group stage.
New Zealand’s case: They have the tournament’s most in-form opener in Tim Seifert (strike rate 180, 167 runs). Finn Allen has just smashed 89 off 42. Their middle order, even with Rachin Ravindra out of form (13 runs in three games), is deep and explosive. The bowling attack, even without Ferguson, is disciplined and varied. They have the confidence of two dominant wins and the motivation of securing Super 8 qualification.
Canada’s case: They have two genuine performers Navneet Dhaliwal and Harsh Thaker who have consistently contributed. Saad Bin Zafar’s left-arm spin (economy 7.42) could trouble New Zealand on a surface aiding turn. Yuvraj Samra, despite a quiet tournament, has the pedigree (328 runs in 10 games, strike rate 191) to explode.
However, the gulf in every other department is cavernous. Canada’s bowling attack, outside Zafar, has been taken apart. Their fielding has been sloppy. Their middle order, beyond the top two, has folded under pressure.
Expect New Zealand to approach this with professional ruthlessness Seifert and Allen attacking from ball one, the middle order consolidating, and the bowlers hunting wickets in clusters. Canada will fight, but the Kiwis’ superior class and Super 8 motivation should see them secure a comprehensive victory and book their place in the next round.
NZ vs CAN Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Tim Seifert, Shreyas Movva
- Batters: Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Navneet Dhaliwal
- All-rounders: Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Harsh Thaker
- Bowlers: Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner, Saad Bin Zafar
Captain (C) Pick: Tim Seifert, Glenn Phillips.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell.
