New Zealand booked their place in the Super Eight of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Chennai on Tuesday, beating Canada by eight wickets after calmly chasing a competitive total.
Canada posted their highest score of the tournament at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, reaching 173 for four and briefly putting pressure on a New Zealand side that needed a clean win. New Zealand responded with authority, reaching 176 for two with 29 balls to spare.
The chase did not start smoothly. New Zealand lost both openers inside four overs, gifting Canada a flicker of belief and a roar from the crowd.
That noise faded quickly once Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips took control. They shut the door completely, rotating strike smartly and punishing anything loose.
Their unbeaten stand of 146 from 73 balls turned the contest into a procession. Ravindra anchored the innings with an unbeaten 59 from 39 balls, while Phillips played the aggressor with 76 not out from 36 deliveries.
Phillips, in particular, smashed the momentum out of Canada’s hands. Six sixes and four fours ensured New Zealand never flirted with danger again.
Earlier, Canada actually won the opening act. Yuvraj Singh Samra and Dilpreet Bajwa put on a century stand that gave their side real substance.
Samra carved his name into World Cup history with the youngest century of the tournament. He blasted 110 from 65 balls, mixing clean hitting with impressive control.
Once he fell, Canada lost their grip. Wickets tumbled late, and the innings lost the final surge it needed to truly threaten an elite chasing side.
