Chennai, Feb 17 (.) Glenn Phillips produced a scintillating unbeaten 76 off 36 balls to guide New Zealand to an eight-wicket victory over Canada in the 31st match of Group D at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Walking in after the loss of two early wickets, Phillips turned the chase into a spectacle, hammering four boundaries and six maximums at a strike rate of 211.11. His explosive knock, combined with Rachin Ravindra’s composed unbeaten 59 off 39 balls, saw New Zealand overhaul the 174-run target in just 15.1 overs, finishing at 176 for two.
The duo stitched together an unbroken 146-run stand for the third wicket, decisively shifting momentum after Tim Seifert (6) and Finn Allen (21 off 8) had fallen in quick succession. New Zealand raced to 60 in the power play and never looked back.
Earlier, Canada posted a competitive 173 for four in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bat. Yuvraj Samra dazzled with a magnificent 110 off 65 balls, striking 11 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 169.23. The 19-year-old anchored a 116-run opening partnership with captain Dilpreet Bajwa (36 off 39) as Canada reached 50 without loss in the powerplay.
However, regular strikes in the latter stages prevented Canada from breaching the 180-mark. Jacob Duffy (1/25), Matt Henry (1/28), Kyle Jamieson (1/41) and James Neesham (1/38) claimed a wicket each to keep the total within reach.
In reply, Canada’s bowlers struggled to stem the run flow, conceding 14 extras, including 11 wides. Saad Bin Zafar and Dilon Heyliger picked up a wicket apiece, but Phillips’ late assault sealed the contest emphatically.
With the comprehensive win, New Zealand strengthened their position in Group D, while Canada were left ruing missed chances despite Samra’s sparkling century.
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