Canada opener Yuvraj Samra made history in Chennai by becoming the youngest player to score a century in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. At just 19 years and 141 days, Samra smashed 110 off 65 balls against New Zealand in a Group D clash at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, breaking Ahmed Shehzad’s previous record of 22 years and 127 days. He is also the first player from an Associate nation to record a century in the men’s T20 World Cup.
Samra’s innings set the tone early, reaching his half-century in just 36 balls and combining with captain Dilpreet Bajwa for a 116-run opening partnership. Displaying composure and calculated aggression, Samra struck 11 boundaries and six sixes, helping Canada post a competitive 173 for 4 in a crucial match. Despite a brief reprieve at 103 due to a dropped catch, he was eventually dismissed by Glenn Phillips at deep backward square leg.
This remarkable knock also made Samra only the second batter to reach three figures in the 2026 edition, after Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka. With Canada at the bottom of Group D before this game, Samra’s performance delivered a much-needed boost and showcased his potential on the world stage. His record-breaking century is set to inspire young cricketers from Associate nations and cements his name in T20 World Cup history.
