New Zealand secured a dominant victory over Canada, ensuring a place in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights, with Rachin Ravindra playing a decisive unbeaten innings of 59.
The Kiwi side chased Canada’s competitive total of 173 with eight wickets in hand and nearly five overs remaining, demonstrating their batting depth and ability to adapt under pressure.
Phillips Sets the Pace
Glenn Phillips provided the perfect start, racing to a 22-ball fifty while dismantling Canada’s spin attack, including a towering six over deep extra cover to assert New Zealand’s dominance early.
Ravindra, initially subdued, joined Phillips with a powerful slog-sweep six, building a partnership that brought the target within reach and left New Zealand needing only 26 runs from seven overs.
Ravindra-Phillips Partnership Breaks Canada
By the 10th over, New Zealand had recovered from an early wobble at 30 for 1, thanks to the fifty-plus stand between Phillips and Ravindra, reducing the chase to an achievable 68 runs.
The spin all-rounder punished Canada’s loose and undisciplined bowling, hitting powerful cuts and pulls to swing momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.
Canadian Century in Vain
Earlier, Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa and Yuvraj Samra had built a strong foundation, with Samra striking a 110-run knock off 65 balls, including a brief reprieve at 103 when dropped by Neesham at long off.
Samra became the first Associate batter to score a century in a men’s T20 World Cup, with a mix of aggressive drives and pulls that highlighted his talent despite his side ultimately falling short.
Changes and Key Performances
New Zealand adapted to the absence of Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson, bringing in Cole McConchie and Kyle Jamieson, while keeping Daryl Mitchell as stand-in captain and utilizing their experienced bowling unit efficiently.
For Canada, Shivam Sharma replaced Kaleem Sana, but the spinners were unable to extract the expected assistance from the pitch, leaving Samra exposed to New Zealand’s pace and power-hitting lineup.
Super Eight Qualify
With this victory, New Zealand will join South Africa in the Super Eights from Group D, while Canada faces elimination, needing wins in their remaining matches against New Zealand and Afghanistan to stay in contention.
