CHENNAI: Canada won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.
The decision puts immediate scoreboard pressure at a venue that has produced good batting surfaces during the tournament’s morning starts, even if the ball can grip early at Chepauk.
New Zealand have a clear route to the Super Eights: a win today would confirm their qualification from the group, after victories over Afghanistan and the UAE were followed by a setback against South Africa. Canada, meanwhile, are still searching for momentum and need a result to keep their campaign alive.
There is a notable late change for the Black Caps. Daryl Mitchell will captain the side, with regular skipper Mitchell Santner ruled out due to illness.
Canada are expected to lean on their experienced top order, with captain Dilpreet Bajwa and Navneet Dhaliwal key to setting a platform, while Saad Bin Zafar’s left-arm spin remains an important option in Chennai conditions.
New Zealand will look to strike early through their pace attack and then squeeze through the middle overs, with their batting depth designed to make chases manageable if Canada post a competitive total.
