AFG vs CAN: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

• Fixture: Afghanistan vs Canada
• Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group D
• Match: 39th Match, Group D
• Date & Time: 19 February 2026, 7:00 PM IST
• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai, India

Match Preview

Afghanistan are playing against Canada in Group D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Chennai. Afghanistan have entered this match having won one of their three group matches so far, including a close loss to New Zealand and a competitive win against the United Arab Emirates. Their team includes experienced spin and batting players like Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who are key players in shaping Afghanistan’s tactical strategy.

Canada’s journey in Group D has been challenging as they have lost all three of their group matches against South Africa, UAE and New Zealand. However, there have been positive glimpses of real quality. Nineteen-year-old opener Yuvraj Samara became the youngest T20 World Cup centurion in history and the first associate player to score a century in the event, and will be remembered for his stellar performance for Canada.

Afghanistan will be aiming to end their group stage on a winning note and build confidence for whatever comes next. Canada will look to emphasise their quality and try to beat a higher-ranked team in their final group match.

AFG vs CAN: Head to Head (T20Is)

Note: Historical T20I head-to-head records show that Afghanistan have won both matches against Canada when the teams have clashed, including the T20 World Cup qualifying match.

AFG vs CAN – Squad List

Pitch Report – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Team Analysis

Afghanistan

Afghanistan have a high-quality spin attack led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman that controls the middle overs and suppresses the run rate. Their top batting talents like Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are both leading run scorers with consistent performances in the group stage of the tournament. They have a balance with all-round options like Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib who can bat and bowl usefully.

Their concern is the inconsistent results in the group stage which shows that they need to strengthen their approach in pressure situations.

Key players to watch out for are Ibrahim Zadran who has been a consistent top-order run generator in all matches. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is an aggressive opener with a high strike rate which sets the platform. Rashid Khan is a strike bowler and the leader of the entire bowling attack who takes wickets at crucial moments.

Canada

Canada has a real star in Yuvraj Samara who has explosive batting ability and became the youngest player to score a century in the history of the T20 World Cup. All-round contributions from players like Harsh Thackeray and Nicholas Kirton have added depth to the team in the batting positions.

Their concern is that Canada has lost all the group matches and the pressure is on them to perform and prove themselves in this match. Their bowling depth will be tested by Afghanistan’s quality batting lineup during the twenty overs.

Key players to watch include Yuvraj Samara who is the opening batsman and leading run scorer for Canada in the tournament. Harsh Thackeray provides flexibility in the middle order and batting order. Shivam Sharma and Kaleem Sana are bowlers with wicket-taking ability who can trouble Afghanistan if the conditions help.

Toss Prediction

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk provides a batting-friendly ground where evening matches get a chance to settle scores under lights. The captain who wins the toss can choose to bat first and post a competitive score to defeat the opposition. Posting a score of 160 or more puts serious scoreboard pressure on any team chasing at this venue.

Cricbites Match Prediction

Cricbites Prediction: Afghanistan will win due to a strong balance of bowling and batting, but Canada’s explosive batsmen can pose a threat if they bowl early.

Final Thoughts

In this Group D match, Afghanistan will aim to enter the World Cup group stage strongly while Canada will rely on Yuvraj Samra’s historic century and other promising individual performances throughout the tournament. Expect interesting spin battles on the turning surface of Chepauk. Aggressive batting starts from both teams in the powerplay overs. Strategic bowling phases in the middle overs that will determine the pace and final total.

Afghanistan needs this win to end the group stage on a positive note. Canada will look to prove their worth against a strong opponent. Both the teams will compete hard in the group stage despite their different positions.

Also Read: SL vs ZIM: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

Disclaimer

This preview and prediction is based on verified team information, recent player form, historical head to head record and expected pitch conditions at MA Chidambaram Stadium. The actual match results may vary depending on toss results, weather and individual performance of any player of any team on that day.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is the captain of Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

The captain of Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Rashid Khan.

Q2. Who is the captain of Canada in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

The captain of Canada in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Dilpreet Bajwa.

Q3. When and at what time will AFG vs CAN be played?

Afghanistan will face Canada on 19 February 2026. This match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST.

Q4. Where is the match being played?

The AFG vs CAN T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India.

Q5. What is the match number of AFG vs CAN in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

This match is the 39th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in the Group D stage.