CHENNAI: The Black Caps produced a sharp all-round performance to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights. The New Zealand cricket team beat Canada by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. The Black Caps chased 174 to seal the match in 15.1 overs. This was the third consecutive victory for the Black Caps in Group D.
Glenn Phillips starred with an unbeaten 76 off 36 deliveries to make the chase one-sided. Phillips scored the 100-run partnership with the classy Rachin Ravindra, who tore the Canadian bowlers apart. Ravindra gave the perfect support to Phillips with a composed 59 off 39 deliveries. The New Zealand duo sped to the target with 29 balls to spare.
Canada got off to a steadier but not spectacular start. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen got the initial 30 runs for the Black Caps. Both of them got out in quick succession, opening a window of opportunity for the home team. Seifert was dismissed by Saad Bin Zafar, while Allen was dismissed by Dillon Heyliger after scoring a brisk 21.
Phillips and Ravindra absorbed the early pressure before unleashing a calculated onslaught. Phillips scored four boundaries and six sixes in the process, showcasing the ability to change gears at will. The knock was also Phillips’s 12th half-century in a T20 International.
Canada’s innings began with a strong 173, with Yuvraj Samra’s magnificent century being the main highlight. The opener was the main stay of the Canadian innings, scoring 110 off 65 deliveries with 11 fours. He was well-supported by captain Dilpreet Bajwa, who contributed a patient 36 as Canada crossed the 100-run mark with minimal risk.
However, New Zealand struck at the right moments to stall Canada’s charge. Matt Henry broke the partnership by removing the well-settled Navneet Dhaliwal. Jimmy Neesham and Jacob Duffy struck at the end to stop Canada’s charge to 180.
In the end, Canada realized the target was well below par against a ruthless New Zealand batting lineup. The large win not only secured Canada’s qualification but also helped the Black Caps improve their net run rate. The message to the other contenders was clear: New Zealand are here to stay.
With momentum firmly on their side and key players hitting form at the right time, New Zealand now march into the Super Eights looking like one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the tournament.
