For the 31st match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the New Zealand Playing XI vs the Canada Playing XI will be up against each other in a high-voltage game in Group D. New Zealand are one of the favourites who are up against the underdogs from Group D.
This article provides the probable playing XIs for New Zealand vs. South Africa for the 31st match of the World Cup clash in 2026. This article includes the likely player combinations and best possible XIs to watch out for on the spin-favouring track of the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
New Zealand Playing XI vs Canada Playing XI, Match No. 31 – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand Playing XI vs Canada— ICC T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Finn Allen and Tim Seifert
New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert form the most dynamic duo of the shortest format of the game. They are both known as two of the most explosive batters in the world of recent times and once they get going, they form the most dangerous duo in the powerplay.
Middle-order: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner and Jimmy Neesham
Rachin Ravindra, the rising star of the New Zealand side, has been slotted in the New Zealand middle order, as he is key to the team for his anchoring role. Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell bring more firepower to the middle-order, and Mark Chapman, when in form, can be the most versatile cricketer in the white ferns side. Captain Mitchell Santner is a genuine all-rounder with both the bat and ball; however, Neesham made a fortunate return to the team after Michael Bracewell was ruled out due to injury.
Bowlers: Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry
The pace trio of the New Zealand side has been effective despite the World Cup being hosted in the subcontinent. While Duffy and Henry have been the economical options for New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson is their main strike bowler.
New Zealand Probable Playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (C), Jimmy Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry.
Canada Playing XI vs New Zealand – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Yuvraj Samra and Dilpreet Bajwa
Canadian openers, Yuvraj Samra and young captain Dilpreet Bajwa, are both the frontline openers from the national side. They have been opening the innings throughout this tournament, but have yet to fire back with a convincing start for them. Going into the final game, the captain would like to deliver before he leaves the subcontinent.
Middle-Order Batters: Navneet Dhaliwal, Harsh Thaker, Shreyas Movva, Nicholas Kirton, Jaskarandeep Singh
While Navneet Dhaliwal is the most reliable and one of the most experienced batters in the Canadian camp, Harsh Thaker is currently the in-form player with the bat. Thaker had a stunning outing against the South Africans and the UAE as well. Former skipper Nicholas Kirton is vastly experienced, but he, much like the opening duo, is yet to get good form in this competition.
Bowlers: Saad Bin Zafar, Dilon Heyliger, Ansh Patel and Kaleem Sana
The bowling deck has not looked the very best, especially after they failed to defend the set target after Saad Bin Zafar finished with his quota of overs. The spinner has been exceptionally effective. Kaleem Sana remains their most experienced and trustworthy option with the new ball; he will be up against the dangerous-looking Kiwi openers.
Canada Playing XI: Yuvraj Samra, Dilpreet Bajwa (c), Navneet Dhaliwal, Harsh Thaker, Shreyas Movva/Kanwarpal Tathgur, Nicholas Kirton, Jaskarandeep Singh, Saad Bin Zafar, Dilon Heyliger, Ansh Patel and Kaleem Sana.
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