Canada delivered one of their finest batting efforts on the global stage, building a competitive total of 173 for 4 in their Group D encounter in Chennai. The innings was shaped almost entirely by a standout performance from Yuvraj Samra, whose century provided both momentum and belief.
Samra’s Landmark Knock
Yuvraj Samra produced an innings of rare authority, scoring 110 runs from 65 deliveries at a strike rate above 160. His knock included:
- 11 boundaries
- 6 sixes
- Century off 58 balls
- First hundred by an Associate batter at a men’s T20 World Cup
Samra paced his innings intelligently. He began with measured strokes in the opening overs before accelerating once set. His ability to find gaps square of the wicket and clear the boundary straight down the ground ensured Canada maintained scoring pressure through the middle phase.
Reaching his century in just 58 deliveries, Samra entered the record books as the youngest player to score a hundred in the history of the men’s T20 World Cup. The milestone reflected not only talent but composure against a Full Member bowling attack.
- Strong Opening Platform
Canada’s captain Dilpreet Bajwa played an important supporting role, contributing 36 runs from 39 balls. While Samra dominated the scoring, Bajwa ensured stability at the other end. Their partnership crossed the hundred mark and became one of Canada’s most significant stands at a T20 World Cup.
Late contributions from the middle order helped Canada push past 170, a total that keeps them firmly in the contest.
New Zealand’s Response
In reply, New Zealand moved to 14 without loss after one over, leaving them 160 runs short with 114 balls remaining. The required rate remains within reach, but Canada’s spinners are expected to come into play as the surface slows.
A Defining Performance
Samra’s innings stands as one of the standout individual efforts of the tournament so far. Beyond the numbers, it demonstrated confidence against higher-ranked opposition and reinforced Canada’s growing presence in international T20 cricket.
With 110 of the team’s 173 runs coming from his bat, Samra’s contribution shaped the match narrative and placed Canada in a competitive position. The second innings now holds the key, but the spotlight firmly belongs to a young batter who turned opportunity into a record-breaking performance in Chennai.
