Canada’s Yuvraj Samra celebrates after reaching his half-century throughout their ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026 match towards New Zealand right here on the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk in Chennai on February 17, 2026. — AFP
CHENNAI: Yuvraj Samra’s sensible century guided Canada to a difficult whole of 173-4 in 20 overs towards New Zealand throughout their Group D encounter of the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first, Canada made a commanding begin as openers Yuvraj Samra and captain Dilpreet Bajwa laid a stable basis on the high of the order.
The pair stitched collectively a fluent opening partnership, with Samra taking cost early and dominating the scoring to information Canada previous the 50-run mark comfortably.
The duo amassed runs steadily with out taking pointless dangers, retaining the scoreboard ticking whereas preserving wickets.
Samra introduced up a well-crafted half-century as Canada maintained management throughout the powerplay and center overs.
The breakthrough lastly got here within the 14th over when Bajwa was dismissed for a worthwhile 36 off 39 deliveries, together with 4 boundaries, leaving Canada at 116-1.
Unfazed by the wicket, Samra continued his chic kind, regularly accelerating and placing strain on New Zealand’s bowling assault.
The suitable-hander went on to register his maiden T20I century, anchoring the innings brilliantly.
He obtained helpful help from Navneet Dhaliwal because the pair added vital runs within the latter levels.
Nonetheless, New Zealand struck once more within the 18th over when Matt Henry eliminated Dhaliwal for a brisk 10 off seven balls, lowering Canada to 153-2 in 17.4 overs.
Nicholas Kirton was dismissed cheaply for 2 off three deliveries by Jimmy Neesham, whereas Jacob Duffy claimed the prized wicket of Samra within the closing over.
The opener performed a scintillating knock of 110 off 65 deliveries, smashing 11 fours.
Dilon Heyliger added late impetus with an unbeaten eight off three balls, together with a six off his first supply, whereas Harsh Thaker chipped in with a run-a-ball three to take Canada to a aggressive whole.
