The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has delivered its first major “I was there” moment, and it didn’t come from a traditional powerhouse. Instead, it was Canada’s 19-year-old sensation, Yuvraj Samra, who etched his name into cricket folklore by becoming the youngest centurion in T20 World Cup history. The historic feat, achieved against a world-class New Zealand attack, has sparked celebrations from Toronto to Chandigarh, leaving his family, and the global cricket community in awe of a star truly born.

Yuvraj Samra’s father reacts to his son’s feat in T20 World Cup 2026 

For Baljeet Singh, watching his son dismantle an international bowling attack was the culmination of a journey that began with an inspired choice of name nearly two decades ago. Speaking from Toronto, Baljeet’s voice carried the weight of both pride and nostalgia as he reflected on the significance of the moment.

“I was a big fan of Yuvraj Singh’s batting. So when I and my wife Hoshiar Kaur were blessed with a son, we named him after Yuvraj Singh,” Baljeet told The Indian Express.

The irony of the name is not lost on the family. The original Yuvraj Singh was the architect of T20 history in 2007; now, Canada’s Yuvraj has carved his own path.

“To see our Yuvraj hit a T20 World Cup hundred and to become the youngest batter to do so is a special feeling. I am sure Yuvraj Singh too would be proud that his namesake has created history. To play in a World Cup has been Yuvraj’s dream,” Baljeet added.

The elder Samra’s emotional reaction highlights the deep-rooted connection between the North American cricket surge and its South Asian heritage, proving that the passion for the game remains a powerful bridge across generations.

Also READ: Meet Yuvraj Samra: Canada’s ‘Yuvraj Singh’ who scripted history with record-breaking century in T20 World Cup 2026

Samra’s historic century against New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026 

While the narrative behind his name is poetic, Samra’s performance against New Zealand was pure, clinical aggression. Facing a disciplined Kiwi side, the teenager produced an innings of remarkable maturity and explosive power, finishing with a breathtaking 110 runs off just 65 deliveries.

Samra spent 92 minutes at the crease, a period during which he appeared completely unfazed by the high-stakes environment. His knock was characterized by a perfect blend of traditional stroke play and modern T20 audacity. He peppered the boundary with eleven crisp fours and cleared the ropes with six massive sixes, showcasing a range of hitting that kept the New Zealand bowlers guessing.

Maintaining a staggering strike rate of 169.23, Samra didn’t just accumulate runs; he dictated the tempo of the game. Even when he was eventually caught by Glenn Phillips off the bowling of Jacob Duffy, the damage was done. He had single-handedly dragged Canada into a position of strength, proving that the gap between the Associate nations and the Full Members is shrinking, one boundary at a time. As the 2026 tournament progresses, Samra is no longer just a young prospect. He is a marked man and a symbol of Canada’s cricket resurgence.

Also READ: Top 5 youngest centurions in T20 World Cup history ft. Yuvraj Samra

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