New Zealand becomes the second team from Group D after South Africa to qualify for the Super 8 in the 2026 T20 World Cup. They defeated Canada by a heavy margin of 8 wickets at the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 17. And this has finalized Afghanistan's exit from the tournament. 

 

Yuvraj Samra Shines, But Canada Falters

 

In a Group D clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, Canada posted 173/4, powered largely by an extraordinary innings from Yuvraj Samra. Samra’s 110 off 65 balls was a beacon of brilliance, hitting 11 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 169.23.

 

Yet, his teammates could not keep pace, with Dilpreet Bajwa scoring 36 off 39 and Nicholas Kirton managing just 2 off 3, leaving Canada’s overall strike rate significantly below expectations. This stark contrast highlighted Canada’s inability to capitalize on Samra’s heroics, effectively tarnishing the value of the century.

 

Samra’s knock, while spectacular, also places him in a rarefied statistic: he became only the second centurion in T20 World Cup history to end on the losing side. The only other player to share this distinction is Chris Gayle, whose 117 off 57 balls against South Africa in the inaugural 2007 World Cup remains legendary. 

 

Read also: Watch: Shivam Sharma's stunning catch in CANvsNZ match dismissing Finn Allen

 

Ravindra Returns, New Zealand Cruises

 

Chasing 174, New Zealand displayed a dominant performance, reaching 176/2 in just 15.1 overs to win by 8 wickets with 29 balls to spare. The opening exchanges saw early setbacks, with Tim Seifert and Finn Allen departing cheaply. However, Rachin Ravindra, who had struggled in the initial phase of the tournament, found form at the perfect moment. His 59* off 39 balls, complemented by Glenn Phillips’ explosive 76* from 36 deliveries, anchored New Zealand’s innings and ensured a comfortable victory.

 

Phillips’ innings, peppered with 4 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 211.11, along with timely contributions from Ravindra, allowed New Zealand to chase down the target with remarkable ease. Dilon Heyliger took the only key wicket of Finn Allen, but New Zealand’s batsmen never let pressure build. The match exemplified how New Zealand’s depth and adaptability outclassed Canada’s dependency on a single player, cementing the Kiwis’ spot as one of the dominant sides heading into the Super 8 phase.

 

Following this, Ireland will be facing Zimbabwe in a rain-struck Colombo—a match Australia will be looking forward to see their qualification scenario. While Zimbabwe would love to have the rain continue, Australia will hope for Ireland to defeat Zimbabwe to qualify.