19-year-old Yuvraj Samra Becomes Youngest T20 World Cup Centurion, New Zealand Advances

Canada's Yuvraj Samra scored 110 runs, becoming the youngest T20 World Cup centurion at 19 years old. This is a new record for the tournament.
By Newsroom | Cricket, World Cup |

A 19-year-old Canadian cricketer, Yuvraj Singh Samra, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the youngest player to score a century in the T20 World Cup. The historic innings, which saw him reach triple figures in 58 balls, took place during Canada's match against New Zealand. Despite Samra's record-breaking performance, Canada ultimately lost the match. New Zealand's victory, however, secured their place in the Super Eights stage of the tournament.

‘New Yuvraj’ creates history! Teen named after Yuvraj Singh becomes youngest T20 World Cup centurion; New Zealand reach Super 8s - 1

Record-Breaking Innings Amidst Match Outcome

The match between Canada and New Zealand concluded with New Zealand successfully chasing a target of 174 runs in 15.1 overs. Key performances for New Zealand came from Glenn Phillips (76 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (59 not out). The game, played in Chennai, saw Yuvraj Samra score 110 runs, marking a new record for the youngest centurion in the T20 World Cup at 19 years and 141 days. This achievement also makes him the first teenager to score a century in the competition's history.

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‘New Yuvraj’ creates history! Teen named after Yuvraj Singh becomes youngest T20 World Cup centurion; New Zealand reach Super 8s - 2

  • Canada's Score: 173/4 in 20 overs

  • New Zealand's Score: 176/2 in 15.1 overs

  • Samra's Innings: 110 runs off 58 balls

  • Youngest Centurion Record: 19 years and 141 days

Yuvraj Samra's Journey and Inspiration

Yuvraj Singh Samra's name carries a direct connection to former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, after whom he was named by his father, Baljit Kamra. Samra has openly expressed his admiration for his namesake and a desire to emulate his career. His father's influence extended to encouraging him to bat left-handed, mirroring the style of Yuvraj Singh.

‘New Yuvraj’ creates history! Teen named after Yuvraj Singh becomes youngest T20 World Cup centurion; New Zealand reach Super 8s - 3

  • Samra's father, Baljit Kamra, named him after the Indian cricketer.

  • Samra has shown a strong desire to follow in his idol's footsteps.

  • His father also influenced his batting stance, making him a left-handed player.

Historical Context of T20 World Cup Centuries

Before Yuvraj Samra's achievement, the record for the youngest T20 World Cup centurion was held by Ahmed Shehzad at 22 years and 127 days. Suresh Raina was also on the list at 23 years and 156 days. Samra's century is a notable departure from these previous benchmarks. This was his 19th T20I match.

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‘New Yuvraj’ creates history! Teen named after Yuvraj Singh becomes youngest T20 World Cup centurion; New Zealand reach Super 8s - 4
PlayerAge at CenturyCompetition Year
Yuvraj Samra19 years, 141 daysCurrent
Ahmed Shehzad22 years, 127 days2014
Suresh Raina23 years, 156 days2014

Impact of Player Availability

New Zealand's team for this match had some notable absences, including Lockie Ferguson (personal leave) and Mitchell Santner (indisposed). It is pertinent to inquire if these absences might have presented Samra with an opportune moment to capitalize on the bowling attack. Cole McConchie, who replaced Santner, was targeted by Samra for consecutive sixes.

  • New Zealand was without key players Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner.

  • Samra attacked off-spinner Cole McConchie, who was playing in place of Santner.

Future Aspirations and Cricket Development

Following his record-breaking performance, Yuvraj Samra has expressed optimism about his future in cricket. He is now hopeful of making a career out of the sport and potentially playing in T20 leagues globally. Samra also highlighted the challenges of skill refinement in Canada due to seasonal limitations, noting that he has trained in countries like Sri Lanka to find better weather conditions for practice. He mentioned that this innings could be a turning point for his career.

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  • Samra hopes to "make a living out of the game" through this innings.

  • He sees potential for playing in T20 leagues worldwide.

  • Cricket development in Canada is impacted by weather, leading to training abroad.

Expert Analysis and External Perspectives

  • "He is also the first teenager to score a century in the competition." (Article 4)

  • "This was the 19th T20I of his career." (Article 4)

  • "Much to his father's delight, Samra shared the same six-hitting prowess of his Indian inspiration." (Article 8)

  • "Samra believes a lot in manifestation and felt that this moment was his destiny and he can at least try his luck in T20 leagues across the globe now." (Article 5)

Conclusion and Forward Look

Yuvraj Singh Samra's century against New Zealand has etched his name in T20 World Cup history as the youngest player to achieve this feat. While his individual brilliance was evident, the match ultimately favored New Zealand, securing their progression to the Super Eights. Samra's performance also underscores his aspirations for a professional cricketing career, influenced by his idol Yuvraj Singh. The circumstances surrounding New Zealand's player availability may warrant further examination in the broader context of the match's dynamics.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the youngest player to score a century in the T20 World Cup?
Yuvraj Singh Samra, a 19-year-old from Canada, is the youngest player to score a century in the T20 World Cup. He achieved this milestone at 19 years and 141 days old.
Q: What was Yuvraj Samra's score and how did it affect the match?
Yuvraj Samra scored 110 runs off 58 balls against New Zealand. While his innings set a new record, Canada lost the match.
Q: Did New Zealand win their match against Canada?
Yes, New Zealand won the match against Canada. They successfully chased a target of 174 runs in 15.1 overs, with Glenn Phillips scoring 76 not out and Rachin Ravindra scoring 59 not out.
Q: What does New Zealand's win mean for the tournament?
New Zealand's victory against Canada means they have secured their place in the Super Eights stage of the T20 World Cup.
Q: Who held the record for the youngest T20 World Cup centurion before Yuvraj Samra?
Before Yuvraj Samra's record, the youngest centurion was Ahmed Shehzad, who was 22 years and 127 days old when he scored a century in 2014.
Q: Why did Yuvraj Samra train in countries like Sri Lanka?
Yuvraj Samra trained in countries like Sri Lanka because of seasonal limitations for cricket practice in Canada. He needed better weather conditions to improve his skills and prepare for matches.