NZ vs CAN Live: Phillips Fifty Steadies Chase

At the halfway stage of the chase at MA Chidambaram Stadium, New Zealand are rebuilding strongly after early setbacks.

Score: 123/2 (11.1 overs)
Target: 174
Runs required: 51 from 53 balls

Phillips & Ravindra Steady the Chase

After losing both openers in quick succession, the responsibility shifted to:

• Glenn Phillips – 53 (23) *

• Rachin Ravindra – 32 (27) *

Phillips brought up a blistering half-century in just 22 balls, attacking the spinners and shifting momentum back to the Black Caps. His clean hitting down the ground and over mid-wicket has eased early pressure.

Ravindra, meanwhile, is playing the stabilising role — rotating strike smartly and picking boundaries when offered width.

Key Turning Point

• 50-run partnership came up in just 30 balls

• New Zealand were 60/2 at the end of the Powerplay

• Canada’s spinners initially applied pressure but have leaked boundaries in the middle overs

Canada’s bowlers, including Ansh Patel and Saad Bin Zafar, created half-chances — including a missed stumping opportunity — but failed to break the stand.

What’s at Stake?

This Group D clash in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is crucial for New Zealand. A win secures their place in the Super Eights.

After a heavy defeat to South Africa, the Kiwis need both qualification and confidence heading into the knockout phase.

Canada, already out of contention, are playing for pride — and have shown fight, especially with their spin attack.

Current Match Equation

• Required Run Rate: Under 6 per over

• Set batters at crease

• Field restrictions lifted

At this stage, New Zealand are firm favourites — but a couple of quick wickets could still shift momentum.