New Zealand vs Canada: Predicting Playing XI for the T20 World Cup Match 31

New Zealand will take on Canada in a Group D fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 17 February, with the match scheduled to start at 11:00 AM IST. New Zealand enter as one of the stronger and more balanced sides though they come on the back of a loss against South Africa in Ahmedabad. 

Canada will rely on discipline to compete against a much stronger opponent. They are still looking for their first victory of the tournament, having lost their two matches so far. New Zealand have won two out of their three matches and would look to seal a spot in super 8 with a win over Canada. The Kiwis secured their both wins in Chennai only.

Predicted New Zealand Playing XI

Top Order: Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen

New Zealand are likely to open with the aggressive Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. Both batters have shown the ability to take advantage of powerplay scoring opportunities, putting pressure on the new ball. Seifert currently leads the run-scoring charts with 167 in three innings at a strike rate of 179.97.

Finn Allen is nowhere a second fiddle in the partnership, having struck one half-century and scored 116 runs at a strike rate of 168.12 in three innings. Their intent and ability to find gaps early in the innings will be critical for setting the tone.

Middle Order: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman

Ravindra brings composure and clever stroke play, though he has not been among runs in his recent outings. He would look to capitalise his chance against Canada, while Phillips and Chapman offer power and versatility in the middle overalls and have been impressive in the tournament recently. The trio provides New Zealand with options to either stabilise or accelerate depending on the match situation, with Philips also adding another dimension with his bowling.

All-Rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C)

Mitchell’s ability to bat deep and rotate strike will add resilience, while Santner’s captaincy and spin bowling control will be crucial against Canada’s middle order. Santner has been quite effective in containing the batter with just going with an economy of 6.58 in three innings thus far. His leadership will guide New Zealand’s bowling strategy.

Bowlers:  Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi

The bowling attack mixes pace and spin, with Henry and Duffy expected to generate early movement Henry has picked up three wickets thus far at an economy rate of 8.5. Duffy would look to make a comeback after a poor outing against the Proteas. Sodhi would be controlling spin in middle overs. Sodhi’s leg spin could come in handy in Chennai which would aid his bowling style. Jamieson’s all-round capabilities provide additional flexibility. New Zealand will, however, be without Lockie Ferguson, who has been granted parental leave for the birth of his first child

New Zeaand T20 World Cup 2026 squad:

Mitchell Santner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson

Also read: IND vs NED: India Predicted Playing XI – T20 World Cup Match 36

Predicted Canada Playing XI

Top Order: Yuvraj Samra, Dilpreet Bajwa (c), Navneet Dhaliwal

Samra and Bajwa will look to provide early intent, while Dhaliwal will add composure and his confidence would be high after a good knock against UAE in the last match where he scored 34 off 28. Their top-three must lay a solid foundation to keep Canada in the contest early on.

Middle Order: Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva (WK), Harsh Thaker

Kirton’s hitting ability and Movva’s role as wicketkeeper batter offer balance. Harsh Thaker provides depth to Canada’s batting line up, in their last match against UAE he scored 50 off 41 to help Canada post a competitive total.

Lower Order: Jaskaran Singh, Ajayveer Hundal, Saad Bin Zafar

Jaskaran Singh, Ajayveer Hundal and Saad Bin Zafar will be tasked with finishing strongly and providing late-innings hitting on favourable deliveries, and contributing with the ball when needed. Saad was phenomenal in the last game where he picked up three wickets and gave away just 14 runs in his quota.

Bowlers: Dilon Heyliger, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Kaleem Sana

Heyliger’s pace and variations make him Canada’s strike bowler, supported by Tathgur and Kaleem Sana, who can bowl tight spells and make breakthroughs. A disciplined bowling attack will be key against a powerful New Zealand lineup.

Canada T20 World Cup 2026 squad:

Dilpreet Bajwa (c), Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Yuvraj Samra, Shreyas Movva (wk), Saad Bin Zafar, Dilon Heyliger, Jaskaran Singh, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Ajayveer Hundal, Kaleem Sana

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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