‘New Yuvraj’ creates history! Teen named after Yuvraj Singh becomes youngest T20 World Cup centurion; New Zealand reach Super 8s

CHENNAI: Chepauk saw the birth of a new star in 19-year-old Yuvraj Singh Samra on Tuesday. The teenager, named after former India star Yuvraj Singh, smashed a 65-ball 110 but it was not enough to stop New Zealand from winning by eight wickets and make the Super 8s.Left-hander Samra (110 off 65b; 11x4, 6x6) became the youngest to score a ton in the T20 World Cup and helped Canada post a competitive 173/4. However, New Zealand, led by stand-in skipper Daryl Mitchell chased down the target with 29 balls to spare. After slipping to 30-2, Glenn Phillips (76* off 36b; 4x4, 6x6) and Rachin Ravindra (59* off 39b; 4x4, 3x6) stitched an unbeaten 146-run stand for the third wicket to take the Kiwis home.

The in-form Phillips wasted little time in asserting himself, unleashing a range of strokes while Rachin played second fiddle. Rachin getting back to form will be a major relief for the Kiwis. The left-hander waited for the loose balls to be put away and finished the chase with a boundary.The day, however, belonged to Samra, who held the innings together. He began cautiously before cutting loose in the final over of the Powerplay, collecting 18 runs to lift Canada to 50 for no loss.

Jimmy Neesham was at the receiving end as Samra struck three fours and a six. He then went after off-spinner Cole McConchie, who came in for unwell Mitchell Santner, launching two maximums to carry his side past the 100-run mark.NZ finally found the breakthrough they needed. Pacer Kyle Jamieson ended the record 116-run opening stand, with captain’s Dilpreet Bajwa’s lofted drive pouched at deep extra cover by Phillips.Samra showed no signs of slowing down and continued his as-sault, and the youngster received a reprieve on 89 when Matt Henry tipped the ball over the rope at long-off.SCORES: New Zealand 176/2 in 15.1 overs (Phillips 76*, Ravindra 59*; Saad 1-29) beat Canada 173/4 (Samra 110, Bajwa 36, Duffy 1-25) by eight wickets.