New Zealand are the predicted winners with a 55% win probability in this Canada vs New Zealand match prediction for the 31st Match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The slight edge comes from their deeper bowling attack and stronger finishing core suited to Chepauk’s dual-paced surface. While Canada have shown resilience, NZ’s spin control and explosive top order give them the tactical advantage. This preview covers pitch behavior, playing XI insights, tactical battles, and fantasy cricket tips for CAN vs NZ.
Canada vs New Zealand Match Details
Match | Canada vs New Zealand | 31st Match | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
Date | 17/02/2026 (Tuesday) |
Time | BDT 11:30 AM / PKT 10:30 AM / INR 11:00 AM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai |
Recent performance | Canada – W W W L L, New Zealand – W L W W L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the CAN vs NZ Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai Pitch Report
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai
The Chepauk surface has displayed a dual personality during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Traditionally spin-friendly, it has also allowed stroke-makers to capitalize once set. In this pitch report, expect early grip for spinners like Mitchell Santner and Saad Bin Zafar. Scores around 180 are competitive, but teams crossing 190 gain a significant edge.
Weather Report
Weather report are expected to be sunny and warm during the day with clear skies at night. Dew could slightly reduce grip in the second innings, impacting spin control. In this Canada vs New Zealand preview, chasing may become marginally easier if dew settles, but Chepauk historically still rewards disciplined bowling.
CAN vs NZ Head-to-Head Records
Canada and New Zealand have never played a T20I before, making their February 17, 2026 ICC World Cup Match 31 a historic first-ever fixture, with both teams at 0 wins.
Canada vs New Zealand Team Preview & Squads
Canada
Captain Dilpreet Bajwa carries dual responsibility as leader and all-round contributor. His balance between calculated aggression and bowling utility shapes Canada’s match tempo. In this Canada vs New Zealand prediction, his captaincy decisions, especially bowling rotations, will be decisive.
Batting revolves around Harsh Thaker and Nicholas Kirton. Kirton is projected as the top run-scorer and six-hitter, indicating his importance in the middle overs. Canada’s structure appears dependent on partnerships rather than explosive starts, meaning stabilization after powerplay is critical.
Bowling spearhead Saad Bin Zafar is tipped as Canada’s top wicket-taker. On a Chepauk pitch, his left-arm spin becomes a tactical weapon. The all-round depth from Bajwa provides flexibility in the playing XI, but execution under pressure remains their test.
Canada Squad
Canada
Dilpreet Bajwa, Navneet Dhaliwal, Dilon Heyliger, Ajayveer Hundal, Jaskaran Singh, Kaleem Sana, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva, Ansh Patel, Ravinderpal Singh, Saad Bin Zafar, Yuvraj Samra, Shivam Sharma, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Harsh Thaker
New Zealand
Under Mitchell Santner, NZ operate with calculated efficiency. His spin-bowling leadership is especially suited for Chepauk. In this CAN vs NZ preview, Santner’s control in middle overs could dictate scoring tempo and make him the predicted top wicket-taker.
The batting engine features Finn Allen at the top and Tim Seifert, who is predicted both as top run-scorer and Player of the Match. Seifert’s aggressive intent aligns with a 190+ projected score. Their lineup blends power with adaptability, Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips provide stability and acceleration.
Bowling depth with Lockie Ferguson’s pace and Santner’s spin makes NZ tactically versatile. The combination of seam upfront and spin squeeze later fits Chepauk’s evolving conditions perfectly.
New Zealand Squad
New Zealand
Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
CAN vs NZ Prediction
Event | Canada | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
Toss Winner | – | New Zealand |
Player of the Match | – | Tim Seifert |
Top Run Scorer | Nicholas Kirton | Tim Seifert |
Top Wicket Taker | Saad Bin Zafar | Mitchell Santner |
Most Sixes | Nicholas Kirton | Tim Seifert |
Predicted Score | 150+ | 190+ |
Win Probability | 45% | 55% |
Canada vs New Zealand Winning Prediction
In this Canada vs New Zealand winning prediction, New Zealand remain favorites with a 55% win probability due to superior bowling depth and spin control tailored for Chepauk conditions. If Seifert fires and Santner controls the middle overs, NZ should edge past Canada’s competitive 180+ total. However, CAN’s all-round core keeps this closer than expected. Do you see an upset brewing? Follow JeetBuzz for more ICC Men’s T20 World Cup updates, tactical breakdowns, and fantasy cricket insights.
FAQ: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 31st Match
- What time does the Canada vs New Zealand 31st Match start?
The match begins at 11:00 AM IST on February 17, 2026.
- Where is the CAN vs NZ match being played?
The match will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai.
- Where can fans watch the live stream of Canada vs New Zealand?
Fans can watch the live stream via Sports Live Hub (SLH).
