On a warm Tuesday evening at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the focus of the 2026 T20 World Cup shifted with a stunning performance from a young talent from Canada. At just 19 years old, Yuvraj Singh Samra made headlines by scoring a memorable century, marking a significant moment for Associate Cricket on a global stage.
As he ran for a double on his 58th ball, the crowd, known for its cricket knowledge, stood to applaud him as the youngest centurion in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup.
Who is Yuvraj Samra? Interesting facts about the youngest T20 World Cup centurion
1. Story behind the name
The name “Yuvraj Singh” is closely linked to cricket and legendary moments. For Yuvraj Samra, this name was given by his father, Baljit Samra, who admired the Indian cricketer. Growing up in Ontario, Yuvraj recognized that he was named after a cricketing legacy.
“My dad mentioned it, and I found it amusing. I remember meeting him during his time with the Toronto Nationals in 2019. It’s amazing how he plays, and my dad always encouraged me to emulate him. Still, I want to be my own version,” Yuvraj shared in an interview.
2. Early career and domestic success
Samra’s rise in Canadian domestic cricket has been remarkable. With a left-handed batting style reminiscent of his idol’s elegance, he became a standout in the Global T20 Canada league. His ability to hit cleanly and find gaps made him a regular top performer. He showed great maturity, topping the run charts in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League.
3. A unique similarity between the Yuvrajs
Samra’s distinctive playing style is characterized by a “minimalist” approach at the crease. He doesn’t rely on complicated footwork, but his powerful bat swing, honed by watching old highlights of Yuvraj, allows him to hit with great impact. This natural talent made him a key figure in Canada’s qualification efforts, leading to his memorable performance in Chennai.
Samra’s explosive century against New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026
When Canada faced New Zealand, few expected such a standout performance. The Black Caps were missing key players, yet still fielded strong bowlers like Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi.
While Samra’s opening partner Dilpreet Bajwa struggled, Samra showcased his skills by targeting specific areas of the field. He expertly lifted the ball over the infield, demonstrating his talent.
Samra’s fitness and strategy stood out, as he maintained excellent strike rotation even in the Chennai heat. He reached fifty runs in just 26 balls, but it was his calmness that impressed more as he continued to build his innings without panicking.
The highlight came in the penultimate over when he flicked the ball for two runs to secure his century. At 19, he became the youngest centurion in T20 World Cup history, breaking a long-standing record.
“I dreamed of this moment every day. Scoring a hundred on this stage in my first game is a dream come true,” he expressed during a broadcast.
For Canada, Samra is a symbol of a new chapter. For the cricketing world, he demonstrates that talent knows no boundaries. As the 2026 T20 World Cup unfolds, the spotlight continues to shine on young players like Samra.
