Yuvraj Samra becomes youngest T20 World Cup centurion with 110 against New Zealand
Yuvraj Samra lit up the T20 World Cup in Chennai on Tuesday, blasting an unbeaten-at-the-century 110 that made him the youngest centurion in the tournament's history. The 19-year-old’s blistering innings helped Canada post 173 for 4 in their match against New Zealand and left the Super Eights picture hanging in the balance.
Blistering century anchors Canada
Samra produced a commanding performance, finishing on 110 off 65 balls with six sixes and 11 fours. He reached his hundred in 58 deliveries during a stand-out match that became the highest individual innings of the tournament so far. Canada’s decision to bat first was rewarded early as Samra and captain Dilpreet Bajwa put on an opening partnership of 116 in just 14 overs, giving the innings a solid foundation.
Bajwa was dismissed for 36, caught by Glenn Phillips off Kyle Jamieson, but Samra pushed on and accelerated after the loss of his captain. He maintained control of the innings and kept Canada in the hunt until the final over. Samra’s innings came to an end attempting another big hit off Jacob Duffy, but his contribution had already set a challenging target for New Zealand.
Group D ramifications and Super Eights scenarios
Canada’s 173-4 leaves New Zealand requiring 174 to be assured of progression to the Super Eights alongside the group leaders. A New Zealand win would put them through, but a loss would keep Afghanistan’s hopes alive: Afghanistan face Canada in the group’s final game on Thursday, meaning the result in Chennai has significant implications for qualification permutations.
The contest exposed the fine margins that will define Group D. Canada, often viewed as underdogs, showcased an aggressive batting plan that underpinned their capacity to challenge established opponents. For New Zealand, defending 174 will test their bowling depth and execution under pressure in a match that effectively functions as a knockout for qualification ambitions.
What Samra’s century means for the tournament and his profile
Beyond the immediate scoreboard impact, Samra’s century marks a milestone for both the player and his nation. At 19, he became the youngest player to score a T20 World Cup century, a rare feat that instantly raises his international profile. The innings combined timing and power, punctuated by a mix of boundaries that showcased maturity beyond his years.
For Canada, the emergence of a match-winner in Samra provides a boost as they aim to make their mark on the global stage. The team’s strong opening stand and the capacity to post a competitive total against a top-tier opponent will be encouraging signs for their campaign going forward.
With the group stage still unfolding, Samra’s century will be remembered as one of the tournament’s standout individual displays — a youthful, audacious knock that altered the complexion of Group D and now hands the onus to New Zealand and Afghanistan to respond. The final group fixtures will determine whether this moment becomes a springboard for Canada or a highlight in a narrow exit from the competition.
