The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai became the epicentre of cricketing history on February 17, 2026, as Canada squared off against New Zealand in a high-stakes Group D encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. In a tournament known for its unpredictability, 19-year-old sensation Yuvraj Samra delivered a performance for the ages, hammering a breathtaking century that left the Black Caps reeling and the global cricket fraternity in absolute awe.
The atmosphere in Chennai was electric as Canada, often labeled the underdogs, decided to bat first after winning the toss. What followed was a masterclass in aggressive batsmanship. Samra, showing maturity far beyond his nineteen years, didn’t just play an innings; he dictated the tempo of the entire match.
Yuvraj Samra smashes sensational century against New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026
His journey to the milestone reached its crescendo in the 17th over when he faced the towering Kyle Jamieson. With a deft under-edge on a delivery outside off-stump that raced to the deep backward point boundary, Samra reached the triple-figure mark off just 58 deliveries. The celebration was as poignant as the knock itself—Samra removed his helmet, revealing a young face framed by a thick beard, and raised his bat to the heavens as the Chennai crowd rose in a standing ovation.
Samra’s innings was a blend of technical finesse and raw power. Finishing with a magnificent 110 off 65 balls, his knock included 9 boundaries and 2 towering sixes, striking at a formidable rate of 169.23. He anchored the Canadian innings from the start, forging a massive 116-run opening partnership with skipper Dilpreet Bajwa. While Bajwa played a supportive role with a steady 36, it was Samra who capitalized on the Powerplay, propelling Canada to 50 runs within the first six overs.
The New Zealand bowling attack, featuring seasoned veterans like Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy, struggled to find answers to Samra’s innovative shot selection. Even the bounce of Jamieson proved ineffective against the teenager’s clinical precision. Samra reached his half-century in 36 balls and then accelerated exponentially, shifting gears to bring up his maiden World Cup ton. By the time he was eventually caught by Glenn Phillips off the bowling of Duffy in the final over, he had already placed Canada in a position of unprecedented strength.
Here’s how fans reacted:
🚨 HISTORY BY 19-YEAR-OLD YUVRAJ SAMRA 🚨
He becomes the youngest batter to score a Hundred in T20 World Cup history. pic.twitter.com/qzpLoqIEdh
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 17, 2026
Yuvraj Samra said “Yuvraj Singh is someone I have looked up to since I was a kid so to even be mentioned in the same breath is special”. 🥹♥️ pic.twitter.com/lMUoVHew5e
— Gyanu Gautam (@gyanudatt8) February 17, 2026
Yuvraj. Chepauk. Centuries 💯✨
Beautifully played, Samra! 💛
Anbuden applauds 👏#WhistlePodu #T20WorldCup
📷 : ICC pic.twitter.com/nY41drxJn2— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 17, 2026
YUVRAJ SAMRA – YOUNGEST IN T20 WORLD CUP HISTORY TO SCORE A HUNDRED.
– He’s named after Yuvraj Singh. 😄❤️ pic.twitter.com/DE1TcuHalq
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 17, 2026
CHEPAUK CROWD GIVING A STANDING OVATION TO YUVRAJ SAMRA 💛#nzvscan pic.twitter.com/eABsucc9NE
— Gopal (@NandgopalK28724) February 17, 2026
Yuvraj Samra said – “I just wish my dad was here today watching me from back home, this one’s for him”. 🥹
– Yuvraj Samra dedicated his Hundred to his father! pic.twitter.com/KGP5ZUdkzG
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) February 17, 2026
🚨 HISTORY BY 19-YEAR-OLD YUVRAJ SAMRA 🚨
He becomes the youngest batter to score a Hundred in T20 World Cup history. pic.twitter.com/zrwKxpahEf
— Gyanu Gautam (@gyanudatt8) February 17, 2026
🚨Youngest to score a hundred in T20 WCs :
19y 141d – Yuvraj Samra (CAN) vs NZ, Chennai, 2026*
22y 127d – Ahmed Shehzad (PAK) vs BAN, Mirpur, 2014
23y 156d – Suresh Raina (IND) vs SA, Gros Islet, 2010
25y 83d – Alex Hales (ENG) vs SL, Chattogram, 2014
25y 327d – Glenn Phillips… pic.twitter.com/ZZI5o9Uc2D— Vaishanvi Cricket (@Vaishnvii05) February 17, 2026
Named after Yuvraj Singh, Canada’s opening batter Yuvraj Samra becomes the youngest centurion in the history of T20Is#NZvsCan pic.twitter.com/x7jMin5FjZ
— Naresh Tanwar (@nareshtanwar_) February 17, 2026
Highest Score in T20 Worldcup
123 – Brendon McCullum (v BAN, 2012)
117 – Chris Gayle (v SA, 2007)
116* – Alex Hales (v SL, 2014)
111* – Ahmed Shahzad (v BAN, 2014)
110 – Yuvraj Samra (v NZ, 2026)* pic.twitter.com/rlVRt6a4Zl— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) February 17, 2026
Canada posts formidable total to challenge New Zealand’s dominance
Supported by Samra’s heroics, Canada finished their 20 overs with a highly competitive total of 173/4. The match flow illustrated a team playing with newfound confidence; they crossed the 100-run mark in the 13th over and maintained a scoring rate of over 8.5 runs per over throughout the innings. Despite a slight wobble in the middle order—where Navneet Dhaliwal and Nicholas Kirton fell in quick succession—Harsh Thaker and Dilon Heyliger provided a late flourish to ensure the momentum remained with the North American side.
For New Zealand, the scorecard made for difficult reading. Jamieson was particularly expensive, conceding 41 runs in his four overs, while the spin of Cole McConchie was taken for 34. As the teams headed into the innings break, the win probability for Canada jumped to a respectable 35.40%, a testament to the scoreboard pressure created by Samra. With a target of 174 on a Chennai surface that traditionally offers grip for the bowlers, the stage is now set for a historic upset.
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