For the 31st match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand Playing XI vs Canada Playing XI will face each other in a high-voltage game in Group D. New Zealand is one of the favorites to face the underdogs of Group D.
This article provides the probable playing XI for New Zealand vs South Africa for the 31st match of the World Cup clash in 2026. This article contains possible player combinations and best possible XIs to watch on the spin-friendly track of 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 opening batsmen Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are the most dynamic pair in the shortest format of the game. Both of them are known as two of the most explosive batsmen in the world in recent times and once they get going, they become the most dangerous pair in the powerplay.
Middle-order: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham.
New Zealand team’s rising star Rachin Ravindra has been placed in the middle order of New Zealand, as he is important 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, could be the most versatile cricketer in the White Ferns team. Captain Mitchell Santner is a true all-rounder with both bat and ball; However, Neesham had a fortunate return to the team after Michael Bracewell was ruled out with injury.
Bowlers: Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry
New Zealand’s fast bowling trio has been effective despite hosting the World Cup in the subcontinent. While Duffy and Henry have been economical options for New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson has been their main strike bowler.
New Zealand’s 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 opening batsman, Yuvraj Samra and young captain Dilpreet Bajwa, both are the leading opening batsmen of the national team. He has been opening the innings throughout this tournament, but has not been able to get a solid start yet. Going into the final game, the captain will be looking to perform well before leaving the subcontinent.
Middle-order batsmen: Navneet Dhaliwal, Harsh Thaker, Shreyas Movva, Nicholas Kirton, Jaskarandeep Singh
While Navneet Dhaliwal is one of the most reliable and most experienced batsmen in the Canadian camp, Harsh Thakar is currently the in-form player with the bat. Thakar also performed brilliantly against South Africa and UAE. Former captain Nicholas Kirton is very experienced, but like the opening pair, he too has not found good form in this competition so far.
Bowlers: Saad Bin Zafar, Dilon Heiliger, Ansh Patel and Kaleem Sana
The bowling deck is not looking too good, especially as they failed to defend the set target after Saad Bin Zafar completed his quota of overs. The spinner has been exceptionally effective. Kaleem Sana remains their most experienced and reliable option with the new ball; He will face dangerous looking Kiwi openers.
Canada Playing XI: Yuvraj Samra, Dilpreet Bajwa (captain), Navneet Dhaliwal, Harsh Thaker, Shreyas Movva/Kanwarpal Tathgur, Nicholas Kirton, Jaskarandeep Singh, Saad Bin Zafar, Dilon Heiliger, Ansh Patel and Kaleem Sana.
Also read: Salman Ali Aga prayed for the return of Abhishek Sharma in IND vs PAK, wants to replace Sanju Samson.
