Emotional highs defined match 31 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as Canada’s Yuvraj Samra, just 19, blazed 110 runs off 65 deliveries against New Zealand in Chennai. The debutant’s ton – laced with 11 fours and 6 sixes – made him the tournament’s youngest centurion and record-holder for associate nations.
Key alliances fueled Canada’s 173/4: a match-defining 116-run partnership with Dilpreet Bajwa and a late flourish of 22 with Navneet Dhaliwal. Samra’s composure turned heads on the big stage.
New Zealand, reduced to 30/2 early, staged a comeback via Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips’ 146-run unbroken stand, wrapping victory in 15.1 overs. But Samra emerged the undisputed hero.
Post-match, tears welled as he recounted, ‘Since qualification, I’ve lived this dream daily. Scoring a century on debut as the youngest player here – it’s magical.’
The personal touch? Named by his Yuvraj Singh-obsessed father, Samra reveres the legend. ‘This innings is electric. Can’t express the emotions. Watched him since childhood. For my dad at home, this one’s yours.’
Beyond stats, Samra’s story embodies cricket’s inclusive spirit, proving associate talents can shine brightest. As Canada pushes forward, this prodigy, blending skill and sentiment, has cricket lovers hooked.