Afghanistan vs Canada – 19 Feb 2026, 7:00 PM, Chennai
Cricket fever continues in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Afghanistan takes on Canada in the 39th match of Group D. The exciting contest will be played at the iconic M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with the match scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM today.
As the group stage intensifies, both teams will be eager to strengthen their position and carry momentum into the next phase of the tournament. While Afghanistan enters the contest as a strong T20 side known for its spin dominance, Canada will aim to rise to the occasion and deliver a spirited performance on the big stage.
Match Preview
Afghanistan has built a reputation in T20 cricket for its aggressive batting and world-class spin attack. With experienced campaigners and explosive young talent in their ranks, they will look to dominate proceedings from the outset. On the other hand, Canada has shown steady growth in international cricket. Therefore, this encounter presents a valuable opportunity for them to challenge a top-tier side and showcase their progress.
Moreover, the Chepauk pitch traditionally assists spinners, which could play directly into Afghanistan’s strengths. However, if Canada’s batters settle in early, they can certainly make this an evenly contested battle.
Afghanistan Squad
Afghanistan features a balanced squad packed with match-winners:
- Rashid Khan (c) – Captain and world-class leg-spinner
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w) – Explosive wicketkeeper-batter
- Ibrahim Zadran – Reliable top-order batter
- Mohammad Nabi – Experienced all-rounder
- Azmatullah Omarzai – Dynamic all-round option
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Skilled mystery spinner
- Noor Ahmad – Promising young spinner
- Fazalhaq Farooqi – Key pace bowler
- Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal
With depth in both batting and bowling, Afghanistan will aim to control the tempo of the match from the powerplay through the death overs.
Canada Squad
Canada enters with a determined lineup eager to compete:
- Dilpreet Bajwa (c) – Leading from the front
- Shreyas Movva (w) – Wicketkeeper-batter
- Navneet Dhaliwal – Experienced top-order presence
- Nicholas Kirton – Middle-order anchor
- Saad Bin Zafar – All-round capability
- Dilon Heyliger – Pace attack leader
- Harsh Thaker, Yuvraj Samra, Shivam Sharma, Jaskaran Singh, Ansh Patel, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Ajayveer Hundal, Kaleem Sana, Ravinderpal Singh
Although Canada may be seen as underdogs, T20 cricket is unpredictable. Consequently, one strong partnership or a disciplined bowling spell can shift momentum instantly.
Key Factors to Watch
- Afghanistan’s spin trio could dominate on the Chennai surface.
- Canada’s top order must counter early pressure.
- Powerplay performance will likely define the direction of the match.
- Fielding standards and death-over execution may prove decisive.
In conclusion, this Group D clash promises competitive cricket, tactical battles, and moments of brilliance under the lights in Chennai. Fans can expect an entertaining evening as Afghanistan and Canada lock horns in this crucial World Cup fixture.
