History was rewritten as Canada’s today at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Yuvraj Samra announced himself on the world stage. High stakes in the 31st match T20 World Cup 2026The 19-year-old dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack and became the youngest ever centurion in T20 World Cup history.
Samra’s breathtaking knock of 110 off 65 balls – he reached his century off just 58 deliveries – took Canada to a competitive total of 173/4. Apart from a personal achievement, Samra’s feat also marks the first ever century in T20 World Cup history by defeating a shared nation, further cementing the ‘giant-killing’ trend of this year’s mega event.
Yuvraj Samra smashes a 12-year-old record of stunning hundreds
Reaching the triple figure in just 19 years and 141 days, Samra comfortably eclipsed Pakistan’s previous record. Ahmed Shahzad. Shehzad had set a benchmark in 2014 when he scored a century Bangladesh 22 years old. Samra’s entry into the record book not only lowers the age bar by almost three years, but also puts her ahead of legendary names. Suresh Raina and Alex Hales.
5 youngest centurions in T20 World Cup history
1. Yuvraj Samra (19y 141d) v New Zealand, 2026
The Canadian teenager hit centuries in a high-pressure, must-win clash in Chennai. At just 19 years of age, Samra showed fearless aggression against a world-class New Zealand attack, reaching his landmark of 58 balls. His masterclass of 110 not only broke age records but also proved that the Associated Nations can compete with the best on the biggest stage, guiding Canada to a mammoth total of 173/4.
2. Ahmed Shehzad (22y 127d) vs Bangladesh, 2014
Before Samra’s arrival, Pakistan’s Shehzad held the record for more than a decade. During the 2014 edition at Mirpur, Shehzad tore through the Bangladesh bowling line-up with an unbeaten 111 off 62 deliveries. He became the first and currently only Pakistani batsman to score a century in a T20 World Cup, using his trademark lofted drives and nimble footwork to give the home side the upper hand.
3. Suresh Raina (23y 156d) vs South Africa, 2010
Raina’s century at Gros Islet remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian T20 history. At 23, Raina became the first Indian to score a T20I hundred, including punishing the powerful South African pace attack. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. His 101 off 60 balls was a masterclass in middle-order acceleration, using his ability to clear the ropes over mid-wicket and use extra cover with ease.
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4. Alex Hales (25y 83d) vs Sri Lanka, 2014
Hales made perhaps the most “clutch” shot on this list during a group stage match on the Chattogram. Chasing a mammoth target of 190 against a top-order Sri Lankan side, England were reeling at 0/2 when Hales took over. He single-handedly turned the game against others, smashing an unbeaten 116 off 64. Lasith Malinga and Ajantha Mendismarks the first T20I century by an Englishman.
5. Glenn Phillips (25y 327d) vs Sri Lanka, 2022
of New Zealand Glenn Phillips A strong yet explosive performance at the SCG completes the top five. Going at 15/3, Phillips rescued the Black Caps with a magnificent 104 off 64 balls. His century was a testament to fitness and strength as he overcame a difficult start with a strike rate of 162.50, proving to be the difference maker in a crucial Super 12 fixture that saw New Zealand progress to the semi-finals.
