In a dominant display at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, New Zealand stormed into the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Canada in their final Group D encounter. This emphatic win capped off a strong group campaign for the Kiwis, who finished with three victories from four matches, their only loss coming against South Africa by seven wickets.
Canada, electing to bat first after winning the toss, posted a competitive 173 for four in their 20 overs. Opener Yuvraj Sharma starred with a blistering 110 off just 65 balls, anchoring a sensational 116-run opening stand with captain Dilpreet Bajwa, who scored a patient 36 off 39 deliveries. Despite the solid platform, New Zealand’s bowlers struck back, with Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, and James Neesham each claiming a wicket to restrict the scoring in the latter stages.
Chasing 174, New Zealand got off to a shaky start, losing opener Tim Seifert for 6 off 10 balls to Saad Bin Zafar, followed quickly by Finn Allen, who smashed 21 off 8 before departing. At 30 for two, the match seemed poised for a contest, but Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips turned the tide with an unbeaten partnership.
Ravindra’s composed 59 off 39 balls, laced with four fours and three sixes, provided stability, while Phillips unleashed havoc, blistering 76 off 36 deliveries with four boundaries and six massive sixes. The duo chased down the target in just 15.1 overs, sealing New Zealand’s progression alongside South Africa from Group D.
For Canada, this loss marked their third consecutive defeat, leaving them to face Afghanistan in their final group game with pride on the line. New Zealand’s clinical performance underscores their pedigree as T20 contenders, setting the stage for thrilling Super 8 battles ahead.