Published on: Feb 16, 2026 2:50 pm IST | Updated on: Feb 16, 2026 2:54 pm IST
The Blackcaps are all set for their next game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They will be taking on the minnows Canada in the next Group D game to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. New Zealand is just a win away from securing a spot in the Super 8s, and they should fancy themselves to do so against a team like Canada, who is yet to open their winning account in this tournament. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 31st match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
New Zealand should start as the outright favorites to win this contest. They are among the favorites in this group to proceed to the Super 8s stage, along with South Africa. A win in this game will seal their spot for the next stage, and this is something they would be hoping for and gain motivation from for sure. The win probability meter, therefore, should favor the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup runner-up. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 31st match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
NZ: 100% win chance CAN: 00% win chance
The Blackcaps opener already scored a match-winning unbeaten 84 in the game against Afghanistan at this very venue. Expect him to score freely in this game as well.
The Kiwi opener is also the leading run-getter in this tournament so far with 167 runs to his name from 3 innings, including twin fifties. Expect him to score heavily in this game yet again.
The New Zealand number 4 has done decently well with the bat in recent times. Ahead of this World Cup, he had a good run in the 5-match T20I series against India. In his last 8 T20Is, Phillips has scored 219 runs at a strike-rate of 153.14.
Fresh off a fifty in the last game against UAE, Harsh Thakker should back himself to score in this game as well. Expect Thakker to score 20 or more in this game.
Check out our prediction for the NZ vs CAN 31st Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
New Zealand stands on the brink of qualification for the Super 8s as they prepare to face Canada in their next Group D encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a venue that has already proven to be a happy hunting ground for the Blackcaps. Having defeated Afghanistan by five wickets and the UAE by ten wickets at this ground, New Zealand will be eyeing a third consecutive victory here to seal their progression.
The Chepauk pitch is expected to favor spinners, which could further tilt the contest in New Zealand’s favor given their depth in bowling. With momentum on their side and confidence high, the Blackcaps will be determined to secure qualification early and avoid any last-minute complications. A win here would not only confirm their Super 8s berth but also strengthen their reputation as one of the most consistent teams in this edition of the World Cup.
Canada’s challenge against New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 looks daunting, to say the least. The Blackcaps have established themselves as one of the most consistent sides in the tournament, combining disciplined bowling with a reliable batting unit. Canada, meanwhile, are yet to register a victory and have struggled to adapt to the demands of high-pressure cricket at this level.
The venue, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, has already witnessed New Zealand’s dominance, with the team securing convincing wins over Afghanistan and UAE. Their spinners thrive on the slow, turning surface, while their batters have shown the patience required to build partnerships and chase totals with ease. Canada’s inexperienced batting lineup is likely to find the conditions even more challenging, especially against New Zealand’s varied bowling attack.
For Canada, it is about salvaging pride and gaining valuable exposure against a world-class opponent. On current form and balance, the gulf between the two sides is evident, making New Zealand overwhelming favorites to extend their winning run. Let’s dive in to check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 00 NZ won: 0 CAN won: 0 No Result: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form NEW ZEALAND: W L W W L RECENT form CANADA: W W W L L
The Blackcaps have never collided with the Canadians in any format of the game. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides in any international format.
How will the two teams, i.e., New Zealand and Canada, fare in the 31st Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Let’s take a look.
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra/Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (C), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
Dilpreet Bajwa (C), Yuvraj Samra, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton/Ravindrpal Singh, Shreyas Movva (WK), Harsh Thaker, Saad Bin Zafar, Jaskaran Singh/Shivam Sharma, Dilon Heyliger, Kaleem Sana, Ansh Patel
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 31st Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between New Zealand and Canada at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai:
The toss at Chennai will be crucial, especially in a day game. The wicket in this tournament hasn’t been turning from the outset, as the ball is coming onto the bat pretty nicely in the first innings. Win the toss and batting first should be the way to go forward, as the wicket might slow down as the game progresses in a day game.
The online live streaming of the 31st Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this World Cup will take place on Star Sports Network channels.
Despite losing their last game to South Africa, New Zealand still starts as the overwhelming favorite against the minnows Canada. The Canadians are a no match against the Blackcaps, especially when they have lost all their games so far in this tournament. Expect the Blackcaps to dominate at will against Canada. Therefore, as per our prediction, New Zealand is expected to win the NZ vs CAN, 31st Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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