NZ vs CAN Dream11 Prediction: T20 World Cup 2026 Match 31 Chennai Pitch Report, Playing 11 & Fantasy Cricket Tips
Get the best NZ vs CAN Dream11 prediction for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Match 31 in Chennai. Expert analysis on pitch report, weather, and top captain picks.
Introduction
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reaches a critical juncture in Group D as New Zealand takes on Canada at the historic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. For the Black Caps, this is a must-win encounter to solidify their claim for the Super 8s after a recent stumble against South Africa. Canada, currently winless in the tournament, faces a knockout threat and will be looking to play spoilsport in what is their first-ever T20I meeting against the Kiwis.
Data Suite: Match Essentials
Match Info
| Feature | Details |
| Teams | New Zealand (NZ) vs Canada (CAN) |
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (Match 31) |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai |
| Date & Time | February 17, 2026 |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar App & Website |
Pitch Report
The Chepauk surface for this morning’s game is expected to be balanced yet challenging. While the initial moisture might assist Death-over specialists and swing bowlers, the track traditionally slows down as the sun beats down.
- Spin vs Pace: Spinners are expected to dominate the middle overs (Overs 7–15).
- Fantasy Impact: Batting is easiest during the Powerplay impact period before the ball loses its hardness and the pitch begins to offer more grip.
Weather Update
According to Google Weather data for Chennai:
- Temperature: 26°C (Feels like 28°C)
- Rain Chance: 0% (Clear sunny skies)
- Humidity: 66%
- Effect: High humidity will test the players’ endurance, but the lack of dew in this morning fixture makes batting first a tactical advantage.
Last 5 Matches (Recent Form)
| Team | Form (Most Recent First) |
| New Zealand | L, W, W, L, L |
| Canada | L, L, W, W, W |
Head-to-Head (H2H)
- Total T20Is: 0
- Note: This is the maiden T20I encounter between these two nations. They have previously met only in ODI World Cups (3 matches, NZ won all 3).
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand (NZ)
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.
Team News: Lockie Ferguson is RULED OUT due to paternity leave. Kyle Jamieson is set to make his T20 World Cup debut.
Canada (CAN)
Dilpreet Bajwa (c), Yuvraj Samra, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva (wk), Harsh Thaker, Saad Bin Zafar, Jaskaran Singh, Dilon Heyliger, Kaleem Sana, Ansh Patel.
Dream11 Prediction Section
Small League (Safe Combination)
- Wicket-Keeper: Tim Seifert (Safe), Shreyas Movva
- Batters: Finn Allen (Must-have), Glenn Phillips, Navneet Dhaliwal
- All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner (C), Rachin Ravindra, Harsh Thaker
- Bowlers: Matt Henry (VC), Kyle Jamieson, Saad Bin Zafar
Grand League (Risky/Differential)
- Differential Pick: Jacob Duffy (Can exploit early moisture).
- High-Ceiling Option: Glenn Phillips (Boundary clearing ability + off-spin value).
- C/VC Risk: Rachin Ravindra as Captain if NZ bats first.
Key Player Analysis
- Mitchell Santner: His Economy rate at Chepauk is legendary. Expect him to exploit the turn in the middle overs.
- Finn Allen: A high Powerplay impact player. If he survives the first 4 overs, he can take the game away from Canada quickly.
- Harsh Thaker: Canada’s most consistent performer. His ability to anchor the innings and chip in with wickets makes him a vital budget pick.
Expert’s Verdict (E-E-A-T)
Verdict: “For today’s match, the Tactical substitution of Kyle Jamieson for Ferguson adds height and bounce which might trouble Canadian batters on a dual-paced track. My top C/VC recommendation is Mitchell Santner. His familiarity with Chennai (CSK experience) and the day-game conditions make him a lethal asset.”
Final Dream11 Team (Balanced)
- WK: Tim Seifert
- BAT: Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Nicholas Kirton
- ALL: Mitchell Santner (C), Rachin Ravindra (VC), Harsh Thaker, Saad Bin Zafar
- BOWL: Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Kaleem Sana
FAQs
1. Who will win today’s NZ vs CAN match?
New Zealand has an 85% win probability given their superior squad depth and experience in Indian conditions.
2. Is dew a factor in the NZ vs CAN Chennai match?
No. Since it is an 11:00 AM local start, dew will not impact the game. The pitch may actually get slower in the second innings.
3. Who are the best Captaincy picks for Dream11?
Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra are the safest bets due to their all-round capabilities on a spin-friendly track.
4. What is a good score at Chepauk for this match?
A first-innings score of 165–175 is considered competitive here.
5. Are there any major injury updates?
Lockie Ferguson is unavailable for NZ. Canada is expected to play an unchanged XI.
6. Where can I join the Battingfirst community?
Follow the Battingfirst channel on WhatsApp for live updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb1iF1X9hXF4o5HF2V0z
