The CAN vs NZ 31st T20 match in the T20 World Cup 2026 delivered an exciting contest, but New Zealand made the chase look effortless as they defeated Canada by 8 wickets in Chennai. New Zealand successfully chased down a target of 174 runs, finishing at 176/2 in just 15.1 overs, showcasing a powerful batting display.
Canada had earlier posted 173/4 in 20 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat. The match took place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, a venue known for its spin-friendly conditions, but the New Zealand batters countered the bowling attack with clean hitting and smart stroke play.
The highlight of the match was a dominant partnership between Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, who remained unbeaten to guide New Zealand to a comfortable victory.
Canada Post Competitive 173/4 After Strong Top-Order Display
Canada started their innings with intent and managed to put up a competitive total of 173/4 in their full 20 overs. Their innings was powered by a remarkable century from Yuvraj Samra, who played one of the best knocks for Canada in the tournament so far.
Samra scored a brilliant 110 runs off 65 balls, smashing 11 fours and 6 sixes. His strike rate of 169.23 gave Canada a strong platform, especially as wickets fell at the other end.
Captain Dilpreet Bajwa added 36 runs off 39 balls with 4 boundaries. While his strike rate of 92.31 was on the slower side, he played an important role in holding the innings together.
Navneet Dhaliwal chipped in with 10 runs off 7 balls at a strike rate of 142.86. Nicholas Kirton struggled and was dismissed for just 2 runs off 3 balls.
Harsh Thaker remained not out with 3 runs off 3 balls, while Dilon Heyliger stayed unbeaten on 8 runs off 3 balls, striking at an impressive rate of 266.67 to add late momentum.
Canada also benefited from extras, which contributed 14 runs, including wides and no-balls.
The total looked strong on paper, but New Zealand’s aggressive chase quickly shifted the momentum of the game.
New Zealand Bowling Unit Keeps Canada Under Control
Despite Yuvraj Samra’s century, New Zealand’s bowling attack ensured Canada did not cross the 180-run mark. Their bowlers delivered timely breakthroughs and maintained pressure during the death overs.
Matt Henry was one of the most economical bowlers, conceding only 28 runs in his 4 overs while taking 1 wicket. Jacob Duffy also impressed with figures of 4 overs, 25 runs, and 1 wicket, maintaining an excellent economy of 6.25.
Kyle Jamieson bowled 4 overs and conceded 41 runs, taking 1 wicket. While his economy was higher, he contributed with a key breakthrough.
Jimmy Neesham gave away 38 runs in 4 overs and took 1 wicket. Cole McConchie bowled 3 overs and conceded 34 runs at an economy of 11.33.
Glenn Phillips even bowled 1 over, conceding 6 runs, adding flexibility to New Zealand’s bowling options.
Canada’s late hitting helped them reach 173, but New Zealand’s bowlers ensured the match remained within chaseable limits.
Phillips and Ravindra Dominate as New Zealand Chase in 15.1 Overs
New Zealand’s response was explosive from the start. They chased down the target of 174 with ease, reaching 176/2 in 15.1 overs, winning the match by 8 wickets.
Glenn Phillips was the star of the chase, remaining unbeaten on 76 runs off 36 balls. His innings included 4 fours and 6 massive sixes, with a stunning strike rate of 211.11. Phillips attacked the Canadian bowlers from the middle overs onwards, finishing the chase with authority.
Rachin Ravindra played a crucial supporting role and remained not out on 59 runs off 39 balls. His innings featured 4 fours and 3 sixes, striking at 151.28. Ravindra’s calm approach allowed Phillips to play freely, and their partnership completely took the match away from Canada.
Earlier, wicketkeeper Tim Seifert scored 6 runs off 10 balls but was dismissed. Finn Allen provided an aggressive start with 21 runs off 8 balls, smashing 3 fours and 1 six at a strike rate of 262.50.
After the early wickets, Phillips and Ravindra built a match-winning stand and ensured New Zealand crossed the finish line with 29 balls remaining.
Canada Bowlers Struggle Against New Zealand’s Aggressive Batting
Canada’s bowlers found it difficult to defend their total as New Zealand’s batters attacked from the start. The bowling unit struggled to control the run rate, and the pressure increased rapidly.
Jaskaran Singh Buttar bowled 2.1 overs and conceded 31 runs at an economy of 14.31. Dilon Heyliger bowled 4 overs, conceding 42 runs while taking 1 wicket.
Saad Bin Zafar delivered a decent spell, taking 1 wicket while giving away 29 runs in 3 overs at an economy of 9.67.
Captain Dilpreet Bajwa bowled 2 overs and conceded 26 runs. Ansh Patel bowled 2 overs and gave away 24 runs, while Shivam Sharma bowled 2 overs for 23 runs.
Despite some effort from Saad Bin Zafar and Heyliger, the Canadian attack lacked the penetration needed to stop Phillips and Ravindra.
New Zealand’s chase was one of the fastest in the tournament so far, underlining their strong batting depth.
Match Venue, Broadcast and Key Takeaways
The CAN vs NZ 31st T20 match was played on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The match was broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar.
Canada showed fighting spirit with Yuvraj Samra’s powerful century, but New Zealand’s experienced batting lineup proved too strong.
New Zealand’s victory by 8 wickets strengthens their momentum in the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, while Canada will need to improve their bowling execution in upcoming matches.
Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten partnership will be remembered as one of the most dominant chases of the tournament.