By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: A sparkling century from young Yuvraj Samra lit up the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but it was New Zealand who marched into the Super Eights with a commanding eight-wicket victory in their Group D game over Canada at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.
This is the third victory from New Zealand from four games and they have now progressed to the next stage.
Having won the toss, Canada chose to bat first under bright Chennai skies. Captain Dilpreet Bajwa and Samra gave their side a dream start, stitching together a fluent 116-run opening partnership.
Samra was elegance and power combined. He pierced the gaps with ease and cleared the ropes with confidence, racing to his half-century off 36 balls. Canada reached 50 without loss in the powerplay and brought up their hundred in 12.4 overs, looking firmly in control.
Bajwa fell for a steady 36 off 39 balls at the end of the 14th over but Samra continued undeterred. He reached a magnificent century off just 58 deliveries, the first of his T20 International career. His 110 off 65 balls, studded with 11 fours and six sixes, was a knock of rare maturity from a 19-year-old on the world stage.
However, the late flourish Canada hoped for never fully arrived. Wickets at crucial moments slowed the momentum, and despite a few late blows, Canada closed at 173/4, competitive, but perhaps 15–20 runs short on a true batting surface.
New Zealand’s reply began briskly but not flawlessly. They lost two early wickets inside four overs with Canada sensing an opportunity. Yet what followed was a display of controlled aggression that swiftly shifted the balance.
Rachin Ravindra anchored the innings with poise while Glenn Phillips unleashed a breathtaking assault. Phillips brought up his half-century in just 22 balls, smashing bowlers to all parts of the ground.
The pair added an unbroken 146-run stand for the third wicket, effectively ending the contest. Ravindra compiled a classy 59 not out off 39 balls but it was Phillips who stole the spotlight with an unbeaten 76 from just 36 deliveries, striking at over 200.
New Zealand raced to 176/2 in only 15.1 overs, sealing victory with 29 balls to spare. Phillips’ all-round effort — including three catches — earned him the Player of the Match award.
While New Zealand celebrated progression, the moment belonged in many ways to Samra. His hundred was historic — making him the youngest player to score a century in a men’s T20 World Cup and the first associate nation batter to achieve the feat. It was also the first T20 World Cup century against New Zealand.
Though Canada fell short, Samra’s brilliance ensured the match will be remembered for more than just the result.
Summarised scores
Canada 173/4 (20 overs)
Yuvraj Samra 110 (65), Dilpreet Bajwa 36 (39), Jacob Duffy 1/25, Matt Henry 1/28;
New Zealand 176/2 (15.1 overs) Glenn Phillips 76* (36), Rachin Ravindra 59* (39), Saad Bin Zafar 1/29,
Dilon Heyliger 1/42
New Zealand won by 8 wickets (with 29 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Glenn Phillips
