New Zealand vs Canada, 31st Match, Group D

The upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 clash between New Zealand and Canada promises to be an intriguing contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. New Zealand enters the game as strong favorites, riding a wave of consistent performances in recent T20 fixtures. Their blend of experienced campaigners and dynamic youngsters has given them the edge in the group stages so far. Canada, on the other hand, while the underdog, has shown resilience and fighting spirit in their recent matches, often challenging higher-ranked teams with inspired individual displays. Head-to-head meetings between these two sides are limited due to Canada's less frequent participation in top-tier tournaments, but New Zealand has historically dominated when the teams have crossed paths. New Zealand’s key players like their accomplished batting lineup and versatile bowling attack have been instrumental in controlling the game tempo. Canada's strength lies in their emerging fast bowlers and the aggressive middle order, capable of turning games on their heads if given the opportunity. Tactically, New Zealand is likely to leverage their depth in batting and spin options to exploit the usually slow and turning pitches at the venue. Canada’s strategy might focus on tight bowling in the powerplay overs and looking to build momentum through power hitting in the death overs. Considering all factors including player form, experience, and statistical dominance, New Zealand stands as the solid favorite, although an upset is not entirely out of the realm on a good day for Canada. #### AI suggested match winner New Zealand: 78%, Canada: 22%

Should New Zealand bat first, they are expected to post a challenging total around 170-180 runs given their strong batting lineup and familiarity with Indian conditions. Their ability to accelerate in the final overs will be key on the MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch, which often slows down but aids stroke play when set up correctly. Conversely, if Canada wins the toss and chooses to bat first, a score in the 140-150 range is likely. Canada’s batting unit has struggled against quality bowling attacks but shows promise with some aggressive hitters capable of quick runs. Both teams will look to maximize powerplay overs to lay a foundation for a competitive total.

The MA Chidambaram Stadium, known for its spin-friendly track, typically offers assistance to spinners from the middle overs onwards. Historically, the average first-innings score at this ground in recent T20 internationals hovers around 160. Teams chasing here have had a winning percentage of approximately 47%, indicating a balanced contest. Weather conditions on February 17 are expected to be clear and sunny with temperatures around 30°C, providing ideal playing conditions without interference from weather. Among New Zealand players, best performances on this ground include their star all-rounder who previously took 3 wickets and scored a quickfire 40. For Canada, their leading fast bowler has made notable breakthroughs in past matches, consistently maintaining an economy below 7.5. The highest individual score in matches between these two sides at this venue is a 65-run knock from a New Zealand top-order batsman, reinforcing their dominance.

Matches Played	New Zealand Wins	Canada Wins
3	3	0

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches
New Zealand	W, W, L, W, W
Canada	L, L, W, L, W

New Zealand:

Devon Conway: Recently in stellar form, Conway has combined consistency with explosive hitting, making him a pivotal top-order presence.

Adam Milne: Known for his pace and ability to take wickets upfront, Milne has troubled batsmen with his yorkers and sharp bouncers.

Glenn Phillips: Adding valuable depth, Phillips brings aggressive middle-order hitting and dynamic fielding, often changing the game's momentum.

Canada:

Junaid Siddiqui: The all-rounder has been Canada's backbone, contributing with steady batting and crucial overs in the middle spell.

Fardeen Ali: An emerging pace bowler, Ali's recent performances show promise with his ability to bowl tight lines in pressure situations.

Ashhar Medhi: The power-hitting middle-order batsman, Medhi has showcased capability to accelerate and change the course of the innings swiftly.