Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium becomes center of cricket history on February 17, 2026 Canada competed against new zealand In a high-risk Group D encounter ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. In a tournament known for its unpredictability, the 19-year-old sensation Yuvraj Samra Delivered a performance for the ages, hitting a breathtaking century that troubled the Black Caps and completely surprised the global cricket fraternity.
The atmosphere in Chennai was extremely tense as Canada, often touted as the underdog, won the toss and elected to bat first. What happened next was a masterclass in aggressive batting. Samra did not just play an innings, showing maturity beyond his nineteen years; He set the pace of the entire match.
Yuvraj Samra scored a sensational century against New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026
His journey to reach this point reached its peak in the 17th over when he faced big batsmen. kyle jamison. With a clever under-edge on a delivery outside the off-stump that reached the deep backward point boundary, Samra reached the triple-figure figure on just 58 balls. The celebration was as touching as the knock – Samra took off his helmet, revealing a youthful face surrounded by a bushy beard, and raised his bat skyward, as the Chennai crowd gave a standing ovation.
Samra’s innings was a mix of technical skill and raw power. Ending with a brilliant innings of 110 runs in 65 balls, his innings included 9 fours and 2 sky-scraping sixes at a staggering pace of 169.23. He took charge of the Canadian innings from the beginning and made a big partnership of 116 runs for the first wicket with the captain. Dilpreet Bajwa. While Bajwa played a supporting role by scoring 36 consecutive runs, Samra made the most of the powerplay and took Canada to 50 runs in the first six overs.
New Zealand’s bowling attack is equipped with experienced veterans like matt henry And jacob duffyStruggled to find answers to Samra’s innovative shot selection. Even Jamieson’s bounce proved ineffective against Kishore’s clinical accuracy. Samra completed his half-century in 36 balls and then accelerated to complete his maiden World Cup century. he was finally caught glen phillips He had already put Canada in a position of unprecedented strength in the final over off the bowling of Duffy.
Here’s how fans reacted:
🚨History by 19 year old Yuvraj Samra🚨
He has become the youngest batsman to score a century in T20 World Cup history. pic.twitter.com/qzpLoqIEdh
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 17 February 2026
Yuvraj Samra said, “Yuvraj Singh is someone I have respected since childhood, so to be mentioned in the same breath as him is special.” 🥹♥️ pic.twitter.com/lMUoVHew5e
– Gyanu Gautam (@gyanudatt8) 17 February 2026
Prince. Chepauk. Centuries💯🌸
Well played, Samra! 💛
Ambuden appreciated 👏#whistlepoddu #T20WorldCup
📷 : ICC pic.twitter.com/nY41drxJn2– Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) 17 February 2026
Yuvraj Samra – Youngest to score a century in T20 World Cup history.
– He is named after Yuvraj Singh. 😄❤️ pic.twitter.com/DE1TcuHalq
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 17 February 2026
The crowd of Chepauk gave a standing ovation to Prince Samra.#nzvscan pic.twitter.com/eABsucc9NE
– Gopal (@NandgopalK28724) 17 February 2026
Crown Prince Samra said – “I just wish my father was here today and watching me from home, this is for him.” 🥹
– Yuvraj Samra dedicated his century to his father! pic.twitter.com/KGP5ZUdkzG
– Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) 17 February 2026
🚨History by 19 year old Yuvraj Samra🚨
He has become the youngest batsman to score a century in T20 World Cup history. pic.twitter.com/zrwKxpahEf
– Gyanu Gautam (@gyanudatt8) 17 February 2026
🚨Youngest player to score a century in T20 World Cup:
19 years 141 days – Yuvraj Samra (CAN) v New Zealand, Chennai, 2026*
22 years 127 days – Ahmed Shehzad (PAK) vs BAN, Mirpur, 2014
23 years 156 days – Suresh Raina (India) v South Africa, Gros Islet, 2010
25 years 83 days – Alex Hales (England) v Sri Lanka, Chattogram, 2014
25 years 327 days – Glenn Phillips… pic.twitter.com/ZZI5o9Uc2D– Vaishnavi Cricket (@Vaishnvii05) 17 February 2026
Named after Yuvraj Singh, Canadian opener Yuvraj Samra becomes the youngest century scorer in T20I history.#NZvsCan pic.twitter.com/x7jMin5FjZ
– Naresh Tanwar (@nareshtanwar_) 17 February 2026
Highest score in T20 World Cup
123 – Brendon McCullum (v BAN, 2012)
117 – Chris Gayle (vs. South Africa, 2007)
116* – Alex Hales (vs SL, 2014)
111* – Ahmed Shehzad (v BAN, 2014)
110 – Yuvraj Samra (v New Zealand, 2026)* pic.twitter.com/rlVRt6a4Zl– 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) 17 February 2026
Also read: Fans go wild as Pathum Nissanka hits century to send Sri Lanka into Super 8 with win over Australia
Canada scored a tremendous score 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 flow of the match portrayed a team playing with new confidence; He crossed the 100-run mark in the 13th over and maintained a score of over 8.5 runs per over throughout the innings. Despite a slight wobble in the middle order Navneet Dhaliwal And nicholas kirton There was a rapid decline-Harsh Thakar And Dilon Heiliger A late flourish was provided to ensure the momentum was maintained with the North American side.
For New Zealand, the scorecard was difficult to read. Jamieson was particularly expensive, conceding 41 runs in his four overs, while the spin Cole McConchie Was taken for 34. As the teams headed into the innings break, the probability of victory for Canada reached a respectable 35.40%, a testament to the scoreboard pressure created by Samarra. With a target of 174 runs on a Chennai surface that has traditionally provided grip for the bowlers, the stage is now set for a historic upset.
