HIGHLIGHTS New Zealand vs Canada, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 31 T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for New Zealand's reply. The two umpires and players have made their way out to the centre. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert will open the innings for New Zealand. Jaskarandeep Singh will start with the new ball. Seifert will face the first ball from the right-arm quick. Let's go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Will 173 be enough? Towards the end, you could sense the tiredness setting in for Yuvraj, and once the 116-run opening stand was broken, those who followed could not quite deliver the finish Canada were hoping for. UAE also put up 173 in their fixture against New Zealand here at this venue, which the Kiwis chased down in a canter with an unbeaten opening stand on a similar surface. With the sun beating down, it remains to be seen whether that has any impact on how the pitch behaves in the second innings. Back in a bit for the chase.

Yuvraj Samra led the way - While Samra kept the scoreboard ticking, at the other end, Canada's skipper Dilpreet Bajwa struggled to match the tempo. That meant New Zealand were able to wrest back some control, conceding just 33 runs in the six overs following the Powerplay. The acceleration followed soon after, with Samra putting his feet down, and along the way, the 19-year-old became the youngest batter in T20 World Cups to score a century.

Steady beginning - Earlier, there wasn't much assistance for the pacers, either through the air or off the seam, and whenever there was width on offer, Yuvraj Samra in particular did not hesitate to cash in. For the first time in this World Cup, Canada navigated the Powerplay without losing a wicket and capped it off in style with an 18-run over to finish the phase strongly.

Finish fizzled out - Just 23 runs in the last 3 overs for Canada. They haven't finished as strongly as they would have liked, and while the total is competitive, they will need to bowl exceptionally well against a power-packed New Zealand batting unit. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be pleased with the way they closed out the innings, especially in these energy-sapping conditions that demanded plenty from the fielding side.

Jacob Duffy to Dilon Heyliger, Just one to end the innings! Jacob Duffy pitches it up, outside off, Dilon Heyliger carves it to sweeper cover for a run. Canada finish on 173/4.

Jacob Duffy to Harsh Thaker, Low full toss, on off, Thaker hits it down to long on for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Dilon Heyliger, Good length and on middle, Dilon Heyliger looks to heave it to the leg side but gets an inside edge towards short fine for one.

Jacob Duffy to Dilon Heyliger, SIX! BOOM! Dilon Heyliger clears the fence with ease. Hard length and just around off. Dilon Heyliger uses his bottom hand and drags his slog over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen. He's a strong man and showed his muscle power.

Yuvraj Samra walks off to a standing ovation. Dilon Heyliger is the new batter.

Jacob Duffy to Yuvraj Samra, OUT! CAUGHT! End of a brilliant knock from Yuvraj Samra. Jacob Duffy bangs this into the pitch, on off, takes pace off again. Yuvraj Samra tries to get inside the line of it and hook it over short fine but the ball just gets big on him. He ends up hitting it much squarer towards deep square leg, where Glenn Phillips comes forward, dives to grab it but it spills out for a second. However, he keeps his eyes on the ball and takes it on the second attempt while falling over. Yuvraj departs for a sensational 110 off 65.

Jacob Duffy to Harsh Thaker, An off-cutter, back of a length and around off, Harsh Thaker punches it to extra cover for a single.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, A wide yorker, outside off, Yuvraj Samra squeezes it out towards deep point and puts the pressure on the fielder for the second. Glenn Phillips comes charging in but fails to pick up the ball, allowing an easy second. Yes, you read that right, Phillips has let one through in the field.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, Another excellent yorker, on middle, Yuvraj Samra gets his bat down and only manages to dig it back to the bowler.

James Neesham to Harsh Thaker, Short of a length and around leg, slower again, Harsh Thaker pulls it away to deep square leg for a run.

James Neesham looks spent out in the middle. Seems like the heat has got to him. He will have to push himself through these last 3 balls. Harsh Thaker walks out to bat.

James Neesham to Nicholas Kirton, OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! James Neesham nails the yorker, on middle. Nicholas Kirton gets a bit too far across to play the scoop and fails to get his bat in line with the ball, getting rapped on the pads right in front of the stumps. There is a shout for LBW, and up goes the finger without hesitation. However, Kirton has taken the review but more in desperation. The replay shows there is a big gap between bat and ball, and Ball Tracking comes up with two reds, with the ball hitting the middle stump. Pitching did not matter here as the ball hit the pads on the full. The on-field decision stands, and Canada are 160/3 now.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, Fuller and outside off again, takes pace off, Yuvraj Samra slices it wide of extra cover for a run.

James Neesham to Nicholas Kirton, Hard length and outside off, Nicholas Kirton punches it through covers for a single.

James Neesham will bowl the 19th over. He has a chance to redeem himself after dropping Yuvraj Samra on the last ball of the previous over. With the ball too, he has not quite been at his best. 3-0-33-0 so far for Neesham.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, DROPPED AND FOUR! You don't see Kiwis put down catches very often, and this shows they are under pressure here. A low full toss, on middle, Yuvraj Samra lofts it down the ground but does not get the desired elevation and hits it towards long on. James Neesham is standing a few yards ahead of the ropes, moves to his right and tries to reverse cup it above his head, but the ball bursts through his hands and trickles to the fence for a boundary.

Matt Henry to Nicholas Kirton, Back of a length and around off, Nicholas Kirton punches it through cover-point for one.

Out goes Navneet Dhaliwal and in walks Nicholas Kirton.

Matt Henry to Navneet Dhaliwal, OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Matt Henry strikes now. He bowls this full but well outside off, keeping it away from the arc of the batter. Navneet Dhaliwal tries to reach out and throws the kitchen sink at it, but loses his shape and hits it to the longer side as well. The ball flies to deep cover, where Glenn Phillips comes forward and takes his second catch of the match. Canada are 153/2 now.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, On a length and on middle, Yuvraj Samra flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, A clever slower bouncer, outside off, Yuvraj Samra has to wait an eternity and tries to upper cut it but misses.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, WIDE! A full toss down the leg side, Yuvraj Samra tries to whip it away but misses. Called a wide but could have been worse for Henry.

Matt Henry to Navneet Dhaliwal, Back of a length and on middle, Navneet Dhaliwal pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, FOUR! HUNDRED FOR YUVRAJ SAMRA! What a moment for the 19-year-old, and this has been an incredible knock from him. Short of a length and outside off. Samra slashes at it but gets a bottom edge that races past the short third fielder for a boundary. Samra takes off his helmet and points to his teammates, who are elated. He also becomes the youngest player to score a century in T20 World Cups, as mentioned by Danny Morrison on air.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, Fullish and outside off, slower again, Yuvraj Samra drills it wide of sweeper cover. Glenn Phillips runs to his left and dives to make the stop. Two taken. Samra moves to 98 now.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, A good yorker, around off, Yuvraj Samra digs it out to short extra cover. A little bit of hesitation between the batters and they decide against the run.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, SIX! Just over! Change of pace from Kyle Jamieson, pitches it up, outside off. Yuvraj Samra reaches out and lifts it wide of long off but does not get the timing right. Matt Henry moves to his right and tries to grab it with his outstretched right hand but only parries it over the fence for a biggie.

Kyle Jamieson to Navneet Dhaliwal, Full again and angling into the pads, Navneet Dhaliwal swipes it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, Fuller and around off, Yuvraj Samra slices across it and mistimes his lofted shot towards long off for a single. He moves into the 90s now.

James Neesham kicks the turf in frustration after receiving the cap from the umpire. What could have been a decent over from New Zealand's perspective ends up going for 13 runs. Kyle Jamieson will bowl out now. 3-0-27-1 so far for Jamieson.

James Neesham to Navneet Dhaliwal, SIX! Right out of the screws! James Neesham dishes out another slower one, but serves this right in the slot. Navneet Dhaliwal waits for it, gets his front foot out of the way and launches it over the long on fence for a biggie.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, A full toss, angling into the pads, Yuvraj Samra flicks it to deep mid-wicket for another run. He misses out there as it was there to be put away.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, Right in the blockhole, outside off, Yuvraj Samra jams it out but straight to cover-point.

James Neesham to Navneet Dhaliwal, A slower one, full and on middle, Navneet Dhaliwal clears his front leg and lofts it but does not get enough power. It goes on the bounce to long on for a run.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, Fuller delivery, on middle, Yuvraj Samra backs away and drills it down to long off for a single.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, FOUR! Put away! Short of a length and outside off, pace on. Yuvraj Samra gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it over point for a boundary.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, Across off, on a length, Samra swings with all his might. Ends up slicing it off the outer half to deep third for one.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, FOUR! Up and over! Short, slower ball, wide on off. Yuvraj does back away again but this time, he waits for the ball to arrive before slamming it over the man at mid off for a four.

Matt Henry to Navneet Dhaliwal, Pace off and on a shortish length, outside off. Navneet mistimes the pull to deep mid-wicket. Takes a single and gets off the mark.

Matt Henry to Navneet Dhaliwal, On top of off, on a back of a length. Dhaliwal taps it back on the strip.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, Henry switches to over the wicket and bangs it in short, on off. Samra flat bats it to long on for a single.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, Samra shows his cards early as he backs away. Henry bowls the off-cutter and keeps it away from the batter. Yuvraj fails to connect.

DRINKS! New Zealand have finally managed to get the much-needed breakthrough right at the stroke of Drinks. It was a special 116-run opening stand between Yuvraj Samra and Dilpreet Bajwa, the highest for Canada for any wicket in T20 World Cups. Samra is still out there batting on 77 off 45, and he will be key for them if they want to get a big score here. They have to make the most of this platform and cannot let it go to waste. New Zealand will be a bit relieved that they have got a wicket, and they will look to build on this now. Also, Navneet Dhaliwal walks out to bat at number 3.

Kyle Jamieson to Dilpreet Bajwa, OUT! CAUGHT! Dilpreet Bajwa picks out the fielder in the deep. Kyle Jamieson is down on his haunches. Looks like he is struggling in this Chennai heat. Jamieson gets it right up there, almost in the blockhole, outside off. Dilpreet stays leg side and tries to go big on the off side. He fails to get the desired elevation, and it is not wide enough of the deep fielder either. Hits it flat towards Glenn Phillips. Glenn runs in initially at deep cover before he stops, steadies himself and takes the catch close to his chest.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, Jamieson is lucky to get away with it! Errs in line as this is on the pads, on a length, Samra misses out on the glance. The ball grazes the inside edge before hitting his pads and dribbling square on the leg side. They cross.

Kyle Jamieson to Dilpreet Bajwa, Nails the yorker, outside off, Dilpreet squeezes it out to deep backward point for one.

Kyle Jamieson to Dilpreet Bajwa, FOUR! Smart batting! Cross-seam delivery, on a length, around the off stump, Bajwa walks inside the line and lifts his front leg before picking it up over short fine leg for a four.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, Pace on now, on a back of a length, Samra dabs it wide of point and picks up a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, SIX! In the slot and dispatched! Back-of-the-hand slower one attempted but this is too full, on off. Samra collapses his back knee, gets under the ball and tonks it towards the sight screen for his 5th six.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, Wide! Kyle Jamieson bangs it in short, it is the pace off option, over middle. Samra walks inside the line to help the pull but he goes through the shot early and the ball balloons over his head.

The last over has given some momentum back to Canada. Daryl Mitchell brings Kyle Jamieson (2-0-13-0) back to break this incredible opening stand.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, Darted in, on a length, on off, Yuvraj has a big swing at it but mistimes the pull in front of square for one. 19 runs off the over!

Cole McConchie to Dilpreet Bajwa, Full and on off, Bajwa clips it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, Shorter and on off, Samra cuts it to deep cover for a single. 100 is up for Canada!

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, FOUR! Samra keeps finding the fence. 16 runs off the first 3 balls. This is fired in, full and on off, Yuvraj gives himself a bit of room and opens up the front hip to go inside out over cover for a four.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, SIX! And again! 400th six of this World Cup. McConchie gives the ball a bit of air and this is on middle, Samra backs away slightly and slams it over long on for another six.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, SIX! Clean strike! Flighted delivery from around the wicket, full and outside off,  Samra swings through the line cleanly and deposits it back over the bowler's head for a six.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, Duffy keeps it away from the batter's arc, on a short of a length. Bajwa throws his hands at it but gets an underedge. Tim Seifert is caught wrong-footed but he does well to get low to his left and make the stop. Good last 3 overs for New Zealand, just 10 runs off them.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, Nearly went to hand! Another slower ball bowled into the surface, outside off. Bajwa hangs back to force it away on the off side. The bat turns in his hand and he ends up hitting it on the bounce to the bowler.

Jacob Duffy to Yuvraj Samra, Jacob takes pace off and goes into the strip, on off, Yuvraj shovels it to deep backward square leg and turns the strike over.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, On a short of a good length, on middle. Bajwa swivels for the pull but gets an inside edge to short fine leg. The batters are quick to cross over.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, Bowls the off-cutter, on a back of a length, Dilpreet rides the bounce and punches well but can't beat the man at backward point.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, Duffy hits the top of off, Bajwa steers it with a slightly open bat face to backward point.

The batters are getting some fluids in to beat the heat in Chennai. Also, a change of gloves for Dilpreet Bajwa. Here is Jacob Duffy to bowl now. He has gone for 13 runs in his first two overs.

Glenn Phillips to Dilpreet Bajwa, Fuller and on middle, Bajwa pushes it to long on for a run.

Glenn Phillips to Yuvraj Samra, FIFTY FOR SAMRA! A fine knock from a stylish left-hander. Maiden T20 World Cup half-century for Yuvraj. Floated up, on off, Samra extends his hands and plays a punchy drive to deep cover for a single. He looks at the heavens before raising the bat towards the dugout.

Glenn Phillips to Dilpreet Bajwa, Drops it short, on middle, punched to long on for one more.

Glenn Phillips to Yuvraj Samra, Glenn Phillips keeps it flat and full, near the tramline. Yuvraj reaches out and cuts it to backward point, where the fielder tumbles to his left but fails to make a clean stop, allowing a single.

Glenn Phillips to Dilpreet Bajwa, Short and turning into the pads, Bajwa clips it behind square leg and crosses over.

Glenn Phillips to Yuvraj Samra, Very full first up, on off, Samra squeezes it out to long off for a single.

Glenn Phillips comes into the attack.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, Short of a length and on middle, Yuvraj Samra heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Much better over from Neesham, after going for 18 runs in his first.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, Three dots in a row! This is another slower delivery, fuller and on off, Yuvraj Samra bunts it out back to the bowler.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, Clever bowling! James Neesham sees the batter back away and serves this full, outside off, close to the tramline. Yuvraj Samra throws his bat at it but loses his shape completely and plays all over it.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, Goes around the wicket for the left-hander, lands this on a good length and on middle, keeps a bit low. Yuvraj Samra blocks it out on the pitch.

James Neesham to Dilpreet Bajwa, Touch fuller and on middle, Dilpreet Bajwa pushes it towards covers for a single.

James Neesham to Dilpreet Bajwa, A leg-cutter, on a length and on off, grips and turns away a bit. Dilpreet Bajwa tries to guide it away but misses.

Ian Smith informs on air that New Zealand have been warned once for not starting a new over on time. A third offence will result in Canada being awarded five runs. James Neesham returns. He went for 18 runs in his opening over.

Cole McConchie to Dilpreet Bajwa, Flighted, full and on off, Dilpreet Bajwa steps across and works it wide of long on for one.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, Shorter in length once more, on middle, Yuvraj Samra forces it down to long on for another run.

Cole McConchie to Dilpreet Bajwa, A loopy low full toss, on middle, Dilpreet Bajwa clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, Short again and on off, Yuvraj Samra punches it to long off for a single.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, SIX! Excellent shot! Cole McConchie drags his length slightly back, on middle. Yuvraj Samra picks up the length early, rocks back and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a flat six.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, Pushed through quicker, full and on off, angling in. Yuvraj Samra stays back to play at it but gets hurried and keeps it out to the off side.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, gives no pace at all. Yuvraj Samra uses his feet again but has to wait for it and stabs it out towards mid off for one.

Kyle Jamieson to Dilpreet Bajwa, On a length and on middle, Dilpreet Bajwa nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, Pitched up and on middle, Yuvraj Samra drills it to long on for a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, Good comeback from the bowler! Jamieson sees the batter back away again and follows him this time. He bowls this on a good length and angling into leg, gets some extra bounce as well. Yuvraj Samra has no room to work with and tries to steer it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, FOUR! Top shot! Kyle Jamieson lands this on a hard length and around off, takes pace off. Yuvraj Samra charges down the track, stays leg side of the ball, just holds his shot for a bit and smashes it through covers for a boundary.

Kyle Jamieson to Yuvraj Samra, Fuller delivery, on off, angling in, Yuvraj Samra drives it firmly but straight to mid off.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, Short again and outside off, Yuvraj Samra cuts it away to deep point for one more.

Cole McConchie to Dilpreet Bajwa, Drops it short and on leg, turns in a bit. Dilpreet Bajwa rocks back to pull but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. A leg bye taken.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, Flighted, full and on off, Yuvraj Samra drives it to long off for another run.

Cole McConchie to Dilpreet Bajwa, Tossed up, full and on off, Dilpreet Bajwa pushes it to short cover. Daryl Mitchell dives to his left but only manages to parry it towards long off. They cross.

Cole McConchie to Yuvraj Samra, Goes short and on middle, Yuvraj Samra punches it to long on for a run.

Cole McConchie to Dilpreet Bajwa, Floated, full and on middle, Dilpreet Bajwa eases it down to long on for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! Canada finish the Powerplay with a flourish. Having lost 4 and 3 wickets in the Powerplay in their previous two games, coming through this phase unscathed is a definite tick in the box. The two openers have been watchful, but at the same time, quick to pounce on anything loose. Not much on offer for the pacers so far, so discipline will be key. As expected, Daryl Mitchell turns to spin immediately after the break. Here's the offie Cole McConchie.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, SIX! BANG! What a finish to the Powerplay! James Neesham lands this short of a length and well outside off. Yuvraj Samra makes room, frees his arms and slaps it over point and it goes all the way for a biggie. 18 runs off the over, and 50 is also up for Canada.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries! Fuller in length and on middle, Yuvraj Samra backs away a bit and slams it down the pitch. James Neesham gets down on his follow-through and is on the deck, but it is hit so hard that the ball goes through and races to the fence down the ground for four more runs.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, FOUR MORE! Fine shot! Back of a length and on middle, not short enough to trouble the batter. Yuvraj Samra picks up the length early, gets on top of it and pulls it with authority over mid-wicket for another boundary.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, FOUR! Nicely done! James Neesham bangs this into the pitch, on middle and leg, angling in a bit. Yuvraj Samra moves across to get inside the line of it and helps it on its way to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, Follows the batter, serves this full and angling into leg. Yuvraj Samra backs away but gets cramped up for room and blocks it back to the bowler.

James Neesham to Yuvraj Samra, James Neesham comes around the wicket, lands this on a good length, on middle. Yuvraj Samra gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Kyle Jamieson to Dilpreet Bajwa, Takes pace off again, full and at the sticks. Bajwa drops it in front of cover and he is keen for a single but Samra sends him back.

Kyle Jamieson to Dilpreet Bajwa, Pace off by Jamieson, full and on the pads. Dilpreet flicks it off the legs to the left of deep square leg and comes charging back for the second run.

Kyle Jamieson to Dilpreet Bajwa, On a back of a length, outside off, Dilpreet punches it to cover-point from the crease.

Kyle Jamieson to Dilpreet Bajwa, Pushes the length up, full and on off, Dilpreet drives it without much timing to cover.

Kyle Jamieson to Dilpreet Bajwa, Much better from Jamieson! Kyle hits the deck hard and gets the ball to jag back in with a bit of extra bounce. Bajwa stands tall to punch it away but the ball cuts back in to go past the inside edge.

Kyle Jamieson to Dilpreet Bajwa, FOUR! Kyle Jamieson is greeted with a boundary! A real loose ball first up by Jamieson. A juicy half-volley, around the off stump. Bajwa needs no second invitation as he leans on and creams the drive to the right of cover for a four.

Will we see the first bowling change? Yes, Kyle Jamieson replaces Matt Henry.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, Duffy bashes the hard length, on off, Dilpreet runs it down to deep third for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, FOUR! Lovely shot! Moving away in the air, on a length, outside off. Bajwa presses half-forward and lets his hands flow into the lofted drive. Plays it over cover and picks up a boundary.

Jacob Duffy to Yuvraj Samra, Into the surface, at the bodyline, Samra gets his hands high and fends it in front of square leg for a run.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, On a good length, outside off, Bajwa plays it down to deep third and crosses over.

Jacob Duffy to Yuvraj Samra, Attacking the front pad, on a length, Samra's head falls over while playing the flick. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads and the ball dribbles to the left of mid-wicket. They cross.

Jacob Duffy to Yuvraj Samra, Swinging back in, on a good length, on middle and leg. Yuvraj moves away from the stumps towards the leg side and has a swing at it. He is tucked up for room and ends up chopping it down the strip.

Matt Henry to Dilpreet Bajwa, In and around the off stump, fractionally wide, on a short of a length. Dilpreet extends his hands and punches it through covers for a couple of runs. A couple of fielders give chase and mop it up.

Matt Henry to Dilpreet Bajwa, Hits the good length, on off and middle. Bajwa presents a straight bat and keeps it out.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, On top of off, Yuvraj uses his feet and punches it on the up between cover and mid off for a run.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, Around the off pole at 134 kph, on a length, Samra attempts the flick but mistimes it to mid-wicket.

Matt Henry to Dilpreet Bajwa, Good running! On a length, on middle, Dilpreet knocks it in front of mid on and pinches a quick single.

Matt Henry to Dilpreet Bajwa, Wide! Too full and down leg, Dilpreet misses out on the tickle.

Matt Henry to Dilpreet Bajwa, Full and straight, attacking the sticks, Dilpreet pats it back to Henry with a straight bat.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, On a back of a length, outside off, Bajwa runs it to deep third for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, FOUR! Easy pickings! Duffy tries to bring the ball back into the right-hander but the line is too straight. Sprays a length ball on the pads. Bajwa tickles it fine to deep fine leg for a four to get off the mark. It brushed the pads before racing away but it looks like the batter got some bat on it too.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, Oh, hello! Duffy goes wide on the crease and keeps the stumps in play. On a good length, Bajwa taps it beside the strip on the leg side and waits for the ball to go past Duffy. Jacob does well to get around and picks the ball up with his right hand. He spots Dilpreet out of the crease and has a shy at the batting end but misses.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, Hits the hard length, on off, Dilpreet angles it off the back foot to backward poimt.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, Honing in on the off pole, on a length, Bajwa watchfully defends.

Jacob Duffy to Dilpreet Bajwa, A loose waft and Bajwa gets away with it! The ball moves away a touch, on a good length, in the channel. Dilpreet's feet go nowhere and he just pokes away from his body. He is lucky not to nick this one behind.

Jacob Duffy to share the attack.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, FOUR MORE! Nicely done! Henry pulls the length back and brings the closer to the off pole. Samra stands tall on his toes in the crease and rides the bounce to punch it through covers for back-to-back boundaries. 8 runs off the first over!

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, FOUR! Yuvraj Samra is up and running. Henry bowls it on a length, outside off. Yuvraj backs away and dances down the track. Carves it over cover for the first boundary of the contest.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, Angled away this time, on a good length. Samra lets the ball come to him and defends it close to his body.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, Rapped on the pads! A hint of shape back in, on a good length, on middle. Yuvraj is beaten on the flick and gets hit high on the front pad. The LBW shout dies down quickly as that looked high.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, Across off again but this is on  back of a length, Samra stands tall and gets on top of it before punching it to point.

Matt Henry to Yuvraj Samra, Pushed across the left-hander, on a length. Yuvraj Samra stabs it down on the off side off the front foot.

We are done with the pre-match formalities, and it is time for the action to begin. The two umpires make their way out to the middle, followed by Daryl Mitchell and his men. Canada's skipper, Dilpreet Bajwa, walks out to open alongside Yuvraj Samra. Matt Henry will kickstart the proceedings with the new ball. Henry to Samra. A slip in place. Here we go!

We are moments away from the first ball, but before that, the two teams will line up for the national anthems. The match officials lead the way before Daryl Mitchell and Dilpreet Bajwa lead their respective sides out. It will be Canada's national anthem first, followed by that of New Zealand.

PITCH REPORT -  Former West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree is near the deck. He shares that the weather is set fair and in terms of the boundary dimensions, there is a disparity square of the wicket, with 60 metres on one side and 73 metres on the other, while the straight hit is 75 metres. Former Kiwi wicket-keeper Katey Martin joins him and says that it is a belter and this is the same wicket that was used for the New Zealand and UAE game. Adds that as it is a morning game, there is some stickiness and some stud marks near the landing area. She reckons there might be something for the bowlers early on, but as the sun bakes the surface, it will become easier for batting. Ends by saying that she expects a lot of runs.

Day game brings a different challenge - New Zealand's skipper for this game, Daryl Mitchell, informs that Mitchell Santner has a stomach bug and hopes that he will be good to go in 24 hours. Mentions that they are excited for Lockie Ferguson, who has gone back home for the birth of his first child. Kyle Jamieson replaces him and Cole McConchie replaces Santner. Believes that the day game serves a different challenge, but they have guys who have a fair bit of experience playing in Chennai, and that should serve them well.

Expects turn later in the day - Canada's captain Dilpreet Bajwa says the expectation of more turn later in the day is one of the reasons behind opting to bat first. Mentions that they have played a night game here but reckons their spinners have more chance in these conditions. Informs that Kaleem Sena has an injury, and Shivam Sharma comes in for him.

Canada (Playing XI) - Yuvraj Samra, Dilpreet Bajwa (C), Navneet Dhaliwal, Harsh Thaker, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva (WK), Saad Bin Zafar, Shivam Sharma (In for Kaleem Sana), Dilon Heyliger, Jaskarandeep Singh, Ansh Patel.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell (C), Cole McConchie (In for Mitchell Santner), James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson (In for Lockie Ferguson), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

TOSS - Well, well, no Mitchell Santner at the toss for the Kiwis. Daryl Mitchell is standing alongside Canada's Dilpreet Bajwa. Bajwa calls it correctly. Canada elect to BAT first.

Permutations at play - Afghanistan and the UAE will be quietly watching this contest, hoping for a New Zealand slip-up that would ignite late drama in the group. Canada have struggled to string together complete performances over longer stretches. Although Dilpreet Bajwa's side is yet to play in Chennai during the group stage, they played both their warm-up fixtures at this venue, which should at least give them a degree of familiarity with the conditions. Stay tuned for the toss and team news.

Chennai awaits a new chapter - While Canada and New Zealand have met three times before in ODI World Cups, with the Kiwis winning all of them convincingly, this will be their first encounter in T20Is. The shortest format has a way of shrinking gaps and injecting unpredictability, irrespective of rankings, and let's hope it delivers a contest to remember.

What's on the menu? First up, Canada take on New Zealand in Chennai, with the Kiwis eyeing qualification to the next round with a win. Later in the day, Ireland face Zimbabwe in Pallekele, where a victory for Sikandar Raza and his men would send them through to the Super 8s and knock Australia out of the race. We will end the day in Mumbai, where Scotland and Nepal will play for pride and look to sign off their campaigns on a high.

Tuesday's dose of entertainment - Hello and a warm welcome, everyone! Hope your week has started well. We have another cracking day of action lined up. With just 10 matches left in the group stage, 5 teams (India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, England and South Africa) have already sealed their spots in the Super 8s. Two more could join them today, depending on how the results unfold.

... MATCH DAY ...

Match intro - As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 enters the critical backend phase of the group stage, Match 31 features a fascinating David vs Goliath encounter between New Zealand and Canada at the historic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. New Zealand, the perennial dark horses who have become masters of consistency, face off against a Canadian side looking to claim the biggest scalp in their cricketing history. New Zealand look to bounce back - New Zealand enter this fixture on the back of a hefty defeat against the Proteas. However, having already secured dominant victories over Afghanistan and the UAE, the Black Caps are still breathing down the necks of South Africa for the top spot in Group D. After a disappointing early exit in 2024, the Kiwis have returned to their spin-heavy blueprint, which has proved lethal on Indian tracks. The Kiwis are generally very adaptable to different surfaces and after playing a five-match T20I series in India before the start of the World Cup, one expected them to be well versed with the conditions. They were excellent in the first two matches but the Proteas really gave them a reality check. When the top order misfires, the middle order seems a bit vulnerable and their pacers haven't bowled well as a unit. A few tweaks are needed if New Zealand want to confirm a place in the Super 8 and one would expect them to do just that. Canada's chance to stun the world - Canada, led by Dilpreet Bajwa, arrive in Chennai as the clear underdogs but with nothing to lose. While they’ve struggled against the heavyweights like South Africa earlier in the tournament, their unbeaten run in the Americas Qualifiers showed they possess the grit to challenge established nations if the conditions offer a bit of grip and turn. Their last match against the UAE was a humdinger of a contest in which Canada let things slip out of their grasp and ended up on the losing side. They have shown flashes of brilliance and their spin attack in the middle phase can be very effective. The likes of Navneet Dhaliwal and Harsh Thaker have shown promise as well in that middle order and it is now up to Dilpreet Bajwa to lead from the front with the bat. Form (Last 5 T20Is, most recent first) -  NZ - LWWLW | CAN - LLWWW. What to expect? The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is generally synonymous with spin. Recent matches in this tournament have shown that while the ball comes on nicely under lights, the morning matches often see the pitch offering grip more as the moisture dries up. Both teams have good spin options but the Kiwis have already played in Chennai during the morning and know what's coming. Can Canada push the Kiwis and put them under pressure? Or will Mitchell Santner and co get back to winning ways without a fuss? Only time will tell.