New Zealand vs Canada, 31st Match Pitch Report - Match Overview & Playing XI | ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026

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CFLL Staff

Published on

16 February 2026 | 10:31AM
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The 31st match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will see New Zealand take on Canada in an important group-stage fixture at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Fans tracking the NZ vs CAN Live Score can expect a competitive encounter as both teams look to secure crucial points in the tournament.


New Zealand enter the contest as one of the well-balanced sides in the competition. Their squad offers a strong combination of aggressive top-order options and adaptable middle-order players capable of finishing games effectively. Known for their tactical discipline and consistency in global tournaments, New Zealand will aim to control the tempo from the powerplay through to the death overs. Spin could play a decisive role in Chennai, and New Zealand’s ability to rotate strike and counter slower deliveries may prove vital.


Canada, meanwhile, continue to develop as a competitive T20 unit. Their lineup features promising batters and versatile players who can contribute in multiple departments. Against a higher-ranked opponent, Canada will focus on building partnerships and applying pressure during key phases of the match. Early breakthroughs and disciplined middle overs will be essential to challenge a structured New Zealand side.


With conditions likely to assist spin and strategic execution, this encounter promises tactical cricket and key momentum shifts.

New Zealand vs Canada, 31st Match Details

Series

ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026

Match

New Zealand vs Canada

Date & Time

17 February 2026, 11:00 AM

Venue

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium

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New Zealand vs Canada, 31st Match Weather Condition

10:30 am

Cloud

0%

Humidity

55%

Wind

16.2 km/h

30.4

o

Sunny

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report

Pitch Condition

--

Batting Condition

Average

Pace Bowling

Average

Spin Bowling

Average

Pace vs Spin on Venue

(Last 10 match)

The pitch at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium traditionally favors spin bowlers. The surface is generally dry and slow, offering grip and turn as the match progresses. Batters who rely on timing and placement rather than power hitting often find success here. Stroke play becomes more challenging once the ball gets older, making strike rotation crucial. Given the 11:00 AM start, dew is unlikely to play a major role. A first-innings total in the range of 150 to 170 could be competitive. Teams may prefer to bat first and defend using spin in the middle overs.

New Zealand Recent form

Last 5 Matches

LWWLW
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Canada Recent form

Last 5 Matches

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Venue Scoring Pattern

Avg 1st Innings

159

X

133

Avg 2st Innings

Highest Total

196/6 By USA vs NED

X

80/10 (17.5 Ovs) By PAKW vs ENGW

Lowest Total

Highest Chased

183/5 (17.5 Ovs) By NZ vs AFG

X

103/8 By WIW vs PAKW

Lowest Defended

Matches Won
Batting First

7

58%
|
42%
Bowling First

5

New Zealand vs Canada, 31st Match Squad

Show more

New Zealand Probable XI :

Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry

Canada Probable XI :

Navneet Dhaliwal, Dilpreet Bajwa, Yuvraj Samra, Ravinderpal Singh, Shivam Sharma, Shreyas Movva, Nicholas Kirton, Harsh Thaker, Saad Bin Zafar, Kaleem Sana, Dillon Heyliger

Conclusion

The NZ vs CAN clash is expected to be a fascinating contest between experience and ambition. New Zealand will aim to execute structured game plans, while Canada will look to seize key moments and build pressure through disciplined cricket. Powerplay management and middle-over control will likely determine the outcome. Fielding standards and composure in high-pressure situations could also prove decisive factors. With tournament progression at stake, both sides will approach the match with focus and determination. Fans can anticipate a competitive encounter filled with strategic battles and impactful performances in Chennai.