New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips plays a shot during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between New Zealand and Canada at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai on February 17, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
He was named after former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh. Like his illustrious namesake, Canada’s Yuvraj Samra has roots in Punjab and bats left-handed.
On Tuesday, the 19-year-old took those comparisons to the next level against New Zealand through some exquisite strokeplay, scoring a scintillating 110 (65b, 11×4, 6×6). His efforts powered Canada to 173 for four after opting to bat first.
And when the North American outfit reduced the Kiwis to 30 for two by removing openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, Dilpreet Bajwa’s men would have sensed something momentous.
However, as is often the case, the more established teams have greater depth and temperament to navigate tricky situations. Glenn Phillips (76 n.o., 36b, 4×4, 6×6) and Rachin Ravindra (59 n.o., 39b, 4×4, 3×6) quickly turned the tables, putting the pressure back on Canada’s inexperienced attack.
Their unbeaten half-centuries ensured the Black Caps cantered home to an eight-wicket win with 29 balls to spare in their final Group D league fixture.
Phillips was particularly severe on the spinners, bludgeoning them down the ground and into the stands with disdain to propel his side into the Super Eight stage.
Despite the result, the day belonged to Samra. The tall opener may not be big on footwork, but he more than makes up for it through great bat swing and impeccable timing.
In the final over of the PowerPlay, he went after James Neesham, pocketing 18 runs with a hat-trick of boundaries and a six.
New Zealand’s captain Daryl Mitchell and Canada’s captain Dilpreet Bajwa, left, arrive on the field before the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between New Zealand and Canada at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
New Zealand’s bowlers were guilty of offering width, and he feasted on it by hitting through the line and targeting the cover region to bring up his century off just 58 balls. He also became the youngest to score a hundred in the T20 World Cup.
He and skipper Bajwa added 116 for the opening wicket to lift Canada to a competitive total. Yet, on a good batting surface, it was always going to be a tall order to keep the Black Caps at bay.
The scores: Canada 173/4 in 20 overs (Yuvraj Samra 110, Dilpreet Bajwa 36) lost to New Zealand 176/2 in 15.1 overs (Rachin Ravindra 59 n.o., Glenn Phillips 76 n.o.).
Toss: Canada; PoM: Phillips.
Published – February 17, 2026 11:52 am IST
