The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai witnessed a high-octane encounter in the 31st match of Group D. T20 World Cup 2026 February 17. While the said narrative was expected to favor the Black Caps, the cricketing world was momentarily stunned by the spectacular batting display. Canadarising star, Yuvraj Samra. Despite a century of history that brought the associative nation to a competitive conclusion, New Zealand‘s middle order, controlled by a robber Glenn PhillipsHe ensured that the Kiwis chased down the goal with clinical efficiency.
Yuvraj Samra makes mysterious history against New Zealand in Chennai
Electing to bat first, Canada showed no signs of fear against the world-class New Zealand pace attack. The opening duet of Samra and the skipper Dilpreet Bajwa (36 off 39) provided a solid platform by putting on a 116-run stand for the first wicket. Samra was the main aggressor, moving with elegance and brute force in the Powerplay to take Canada to 50/0 in the first six overs.
Samra’s shots were a master class in timing and placement. He reached his half-century in just 36 balls, but his acceleration in the second half caught the Kiwis off guard. He destroyed the likes Kyle Jamieson and James NeeshamHe reached his 100th run in 58 deliveries. He was eventually caught by Phillips Jacob DuffyBowling in the final, Samra scored a magnificent 110 off 65 balls laced with 9 boundaries and 6 powerful sixes. His efforts took Canada to a respectable 173/4, giving the underdogs a real glimmer of hope.
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Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra shatter Canada’s dreams in T20 World Cup 2026 encounter
The hope ignited by Samra’s tone was quickly extinguished by a New Zealand side playing on a different surface. Despite an early swing that saw both Tim Seifert (6) and Find Allen (21) depart at first 3.1 – leave the Kiwis at 30/2 – the pair once the chase was never in doubt. Racine Ravindra and Phillips joined forces.
Phillips in particular was in a destructive mood. He neglected Canada’s bowling attack, reaching his half-century off 50 balls in just 22 deliveries. His ability to clear the ropes at will meant that the required run rate was not an afterthought. Ravindra, on the other hand, played the perfect foil, spinning the batting before finding his rhythm to finish with an unbeaten 59 off 39 balls.
The duo put on a 146-run partnership for the third wicket, characterized by aggressive runs and 15 combined boundaries. New Zealand finished at 176/2 to reach their target of 174 in just 15.1 overs. Phillips remained unbeaten on 76 off 36 balls, scoring 211 overs. This 29-ball 8-wicket victory not only cemented New Zealand’s position in Group D, but also served as a reminder of the difference between top-tier nations and even emerging rivals.
New Zealand took their place in the Super Eight 🙌#NZvsCAN #T20WorldCup2026 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/ec0sM4kxvS
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 17, 2026
Man of the Match for a reason 🙌#GlennPhillips #T20WorldCup2026 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Vrr522DPhk
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 17, 2026
