Chennai, Feb. 17, 2026 — In a standout moment of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Canadian cricketer Yuvraj Samra etched his name into golfing history by becoming the youngest batter to score a century in the tournament’s history and the first player from an Associate nation to post a T20 World Cup hundred. His remarkable innings came during Canada’s Group D match against New Zealand at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
At 19 years and 141 days, Samra blasted a career-best 110 runs off 65 balls, featuring 11 fours and six sixes, as he powered Canada to a competitive total of 173 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.
The innings marked several significant firsts: not only did Samra become the youngest centurion in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but he also became the first batter from an Associate nation to reach three figures in the competition. Previously, Pakistani batsman Ahmed Shehzad held the youngest World Cup hundred record, having achieved his feat at age 22 in 2014.
Samra’s performance was the cornerstone of Canada’s strong bat first effort. Opening the batting alongside captain Dilpreet Bajwa, who contributed 36 runs off 39 balls, the pair put on a 116-run opening partnership that laid the foundation for Canada’s total.
Historic Feat On a Global Stage
Named after former Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh by his cricket-loving father, the teenager’s innings sparked widespread admiration and discussion across the cricketing world. Samra reflected on the moment after his innings, saying he had visualized such an achievement since Canada qualified for the World Cup and called it a “dream come true.”
His knock was notable not only for the runs scored but also for its context in the game: Samra brought up his century in just 58 deliveries, putting Canada in a competitive position against one of the tournament’s higher-ranked teams.
The score of 110 also ranks among the top individual scores in Men’s T20 World Cup history, and it stands as the highest by any player representing an Associate nation in the T20 World Cup format. Prior benchmarks for Associate teams included scores such as Aaron Jones’s 94 not out for the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Match Impact and Reaction
Despite Samra’s spectacular innings, the match ultimately swung in favor of New Zealand in the later stages. In the chase, New Zealand’s batting unit, led by Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, responded effectively, steering their side to victory and securing a spot in the Super 8 phase of the tournament.
However, the individual brilliance of Samra’s effort drew praise both on and off the field. Observers highlighted the significance of an Associate nation player reaching such a landmark against a full member country with a seasoned bowling attack.
Cricket analysts and fans alike pointed to the performance as a potential catalyst for increased recognition of talent emerging from non-traditional cricketing nations like Canada. Samra’s feat has been lauded as a demonstration of the expanding depth and global reach of the sport.
Looking Ahead
Samra’s century adds a new chapter to T20 World Cup lore, one that celebrates youth, talent, and the growing influence of Associate nations in international cricket. As the tournament progresses, his achievement will remain a highlight — a testament to what emerging cricketers can accomplish on the world stage.
His performance also sets up intriguing possibilities for his future, with many predicting opportunities in global T20 leagues and further contributions on the international stage as Canada continues its campaign.