New Zealand has punched its ticket to the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup 2026 after demolishing Canada by eight wickets in a Group D clash at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium. Wrapping up their group stage with three wins in four games, the Black Caps overcame a lone defeat to South Africa, positioning themselves strongly for the knockout phase alongside the Proteas.
Opting to set a total after a toss win, Canada openers lit up the innings. Yuvraj Sharma’s explosive 110 from 65 balls formed the backbone, paired with Dilpreet Bajwa’s 36 off 39 in a 116-run first-wicket alliance. The innings slowed thereafter, ending at 173 for four, as New Zealand’s attack—featuring scalps from Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, and James Neesham—kept things tight.
New Zealand’s chase began disastrously: Tim Seifert fell for 6 (10 balls) to Saad Bin Zafar, and Finn Allen’s fiery 21 (8 balls) ended abruptly, slumping to 30 for two. Enter Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips, who scripted a match-winning, unbeaten stand. Ravindra’s 59 (39 balls, 4×4, 3×6) was elegance personified, but Phillips stole the show with 76 off 36 (4×4, 6×6), powering home in 15.1 overs.
Canada’s campaign stumbles further with a third straight loss, next facing Afghanistan. New Zealand’s resilience and firepower signal they’re ready to challenge the best in the Super 8s, where every run and wicket will count in the race for semi-final spots.