Group D: Canada, Afghanistan, UAE eliminated with New Zealand’s win
South Africa and New Zealand move on to the Super-8 stage from Group D.
KATHMANDU: In an electrifying Group D clash of the T20 World Cup 2026, 19-year-old Canadian batter Yuvraj Singh Samra stole the spotlight with a breathtaking century, but it wasn’t enough to keep his team in the tournament.
Samra’s 110-run innings helped Canada post a challenging 173 against New Zealand, making him the first player from an Associate Nation to score a century in a men’s T20 World Cup.
Named after Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh, Samra dazzled with fearless hitting, sending the ball to all corners of the ground and showing why he is considered one of the most exciting young talents in Associate cricket.
Despite Samra’s brilliance, New Zealand’s experience proved decisive. The Kiwis chased down the target comfortably in just 15.1 overs, losing only two wickets, with Glenn Phillips unbeaten on 76 off 36 balls.
With this result, Canada’s campaign officially ends, joined by Afghanistan and the UAE in exiting the tournament.
South Africa and New Zealand move on to the Super-8 stage from Group D.
Though Canada couldn’t advance, Samra’s innings has already made headlines worldwide, cementing his place in T20 World Cup history and hinting at a bright future for cricket in Associate Nations.
