NZ vs CAN

2:20 PM local time and IST: So, as you have it, New Zealand have qualified for the Super 8s of T20 World Cup, 2026, as the second team from Group D. Now, the action shifts to Pallekele, where Ireland take on Zimbabwe. If Zimbabwe win, they go through with Sri Lanka, from Group B. Will that happen? You can find that out, right here. This is Pradeep and Bidipto taking your leave. Keep following Sportskeeda! 

Daryl Mitchell [New Zealand captain]: "(On Mitchell Santner's fitness) Mitch Santner should be fine for the next one! (On the century scored in the 1st innings by Yuvraj Samra) Yuvraj Samra played beautifully! To keep them down to under 175 on that wicket, with him scoring a hundred, I think we did well. But, full credit to him! We have a batting line up which is capable of doing the job, no matter who is out there. (On playing in Chennai) Love playing here at Chepauk, some of us have played for CSK, so, that helps! Stephen Fleming is like a king here! Now, we look forward to the Super 8s in Colombo." 

Dilpreet Bajwa [Canada captain]: "(On assessing 173 and bowling resources) We were reasonably confident with 173 on the board, especially with some assistance for spin. The ball was turning when our spinners operated, so we felt we were in the contest. However, being one bowler short — particularly missing someone of Kleem Sana’s experience — made things difficult and limited our options at key moments. (On the opening partnership and Yuvraj Samra’s century) Our top order had struggled in the previous two games, losing early wickets, so the plan was simple: bat deep and give ourselves a platform. Yuvraj was outstanding. For a 19-year-old to score a hundred on this stage is a proud moment for him and for Canadian cricket. A century and a strong opening partnership against one of the top teams in the world is something we’ll take great belief from. (On pressure during New Zealand’s chase) When we removed a couple of key batters early, there was genuine hope. But chasing sides like New Zealand put constant pressure on your bowlers. With one less bowling option, we were forced to juggle plans, and that hurt us in the middle phase. (On associate cricket and Canada’s growth) Matches like this show that associate nations can compete, but we need more regular cricket against top sides to bridge the gap. The more exposure we get at this level, the closer we’ll come to winning these contests. Performances like Yuvraj’s will inspire more people back home to follow Canadian cricket, and that’s a big positive. (On the final group game) We’ve got one more opportunity against Afghanistan, and we’ll approach it with nothing to lose. The intent is simple — go out, compete hard, and aim for a win to finish strongly.

Glenn Phillips is the Player of the Match! Here's what he has to say: "(On his unbeaten 76 and approach) It was pleasing to get on a run towards the end, but the focus was simply on sticking to our processes and playing one ball at a time. We lost a couple of early wickets, which put us under a bit of pressure, so it was about making good decisions and rebuilding calmly. Some days the ball comes into your zone more often, and today was one of those days. (On building the partnership) The partnership was crucial. As we spent time together in the middle, it grew naturally. The key was clarity — commit to each delivery and not look too far ahead. That rhythm allowed us to shift momentum back in our favour. (On Rachin’s contribution and team depth) Rachin was outstanding. He’s worked incredibly hard on his T20 game over the last few years, and it’s great to see him get rewarded. Even when the top order doesn’t fire, we have confidence in the middle order to step up. It’s a collective effort — some days it’s the top, some days it’s the middle, but the belief runs through the whole group. (On Yuvraj Samra’s century) Full credit to Yuvraj Samra — he struck the ball beautifully and paced his innings superbly. For a 19-year-old to play with that clarity and composure speaks volumes. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.

2:02 PM local time and IST: New Zealand win by 8 wickets with 29 balls to spare, and, qualify for the Super 8s! 

Glenn Phillips 76* (36) | Jacob Duffy - 1/25 (4)
Yuvraj Samra 110 (65) | Saad Bin Zafar - 1/29 (3)

Group D is done and dusted! In terms of Super-8s qualification, that is! New Zealand join South Africa into the next phase, thanks to a superb 146-run unbeaten partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips! 

There was a slight stutter, when two wickets fell at the score of 30. Both the New Zealand opening batters were back in the hutch. It felt as though that wicket maiden by Saad Bin Zafar and that outstanding low catch by Shivam Sharma, can lead us to something unthinkable! 

But, it was all put to bed, when Phillips decided to take the Canadian bowling on, with Ravindra for company! The ball-striking from both batters was so clean today! Anything ever so slightly loose, got taken to the sword. 

What helps New Zealand here is the fact that Ravindra scored a half-century, after being out of form for quite some time! Augers well for the Blackcaps heading into the business-end of the tournament! 

And what do we say about Phillips! Fastest fifty for New Zealand in T20 World Cup history, with that signature, switch-hit for six! Yes, he is making left-hand batting look dangerous! 

Canada's discipline with the ball was not up to the mark, and the fielding too didn't look sharp. However, it was a spirited effort overall, and they can hold their head high. 

15.1 Jaskaran Singh Buttar to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! GAME, SET AND MATCH! New Zealand storm into the Super 8s with a thumping win. Canada had runs on the board, but after the first two wickets, they were never in the game. Back of a length outside the off-stump. Ravindra swipes it hard, through mid-wicket and finds the ropes.

15.1 Jaskaran Singh Buttar to Glenn Phillips, WIDE! Low full toss, strays down the leg-side. Keeper can't collect neatly and they pick up a bye.

Jaskaran Singh Buttar [2.0-0-24-0] comes back into the attack.

So, we have another over here. New Zealand though, have been quite convincing with the bat! After those two quick wickets, these two batters have handled things expertly! 

14.5 Shivam Sharma to Glenn Phillips, gets into position for a switch hit, Shivam goes short and Phillips swipes it to deep covers for just one.