Men's T20 World Cup, Group D, Chennai
Canada 173-4 (20 overs): Samra 110 (65); Duffy 1-25
New Zealand 176-2 (15.2 overs): Phillips 76* (36), Ravindra 59* (39)
New Zealand won by eight wickets
Yuvraj Samra, representing Canada in his 19th T20 international since his debut in March 2025, became the first player from an associate nation to score a century in a T20 World Cup match. Despite his remarkable innings, Canada was defeated by New Zealand by eight wickets, with the Kiwis securing their place in the Super 8 phase.
Samra scored 110 runs off 65 balls, including 11 fours and six sixes, helping Canada post a total of 173 for 4 in their 20 overs. He reached his century off 58 balls, surpassing the previous highest score by an associate player, which was 94 not out by USA's Aaron Jones against Canada in the last World Cup.
At 19 years and 141 days old, Samra also became the youngest player to score a T20 World Cup century, breaking the record previously held by Pakistan's Ahmed Shehzad, who was 22 years and 127 days old when he scored a century against Bangladesh in 2014.
Samra was eventually dismissed by Jacob Duffy, caught behind square leg by Glenn Phillips, and received a standing ovation from the crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
"I manifested this moment ever since we qualified for the World Cup. Every single day, I dreamed about scoring a hundred on this stage," said Samra, who is named after former India batter Yuvraj Singh.
"To do it here, in my first appearance [in Chennai], and as the youngest player in this World Cup – it's truly a dream come true."
Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa, who shared a 116-run opening partnership with Samra, commented:
"Hats off to Yuvraj, he finished with a hundred in this match and it's a proud moment for him and all Canadians."
New Zealand's bowling attack saw wickets taken by Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jimmy Neesham, and Jacob Duffy, each claiming one wicket.
During New Zealand's chase, they experienced an early setback losing openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen in quick succession, falling to 30 for 2. However, Canada's bowlers could not capitalize on this advantage. An unbroken 146-run partnership for the third wicket between Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips guided New Zealand to victory with 29 balls remaining.
Phillips top-scored with an aggressive 76 not out from 36 balls, while Ravindra remained unbeaten on 59 from 39 deliveries.
With this win, New Zealand advanced to the Super 8 stage, while Canada, along with the UAE and Afghanistan, were eliminated from the tournament.
