History was rewritten at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai today as Canada’s Yuvraj Samra announced himself on the global stage. In a high-stakes Match 31 of the T20 World Cup 2026, the 19-year-old opener dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack to become the youngest centurion in the history of the T20 World Cup.
Samra’s breathtaking innings of 110 off 65 balls—reaching his century in just 58 deliveries—powered Canada to a competitive total of 173/4. Beyond the personal milestone, Samra’s feat marks the first-ever century by a batter from an associate nation in T20 World Cup history, further cementing the ‘giant-killing’ trend of this year’s mega event.
Yuvraj Samra breaks a 12-year-old record with stunning hundred
By reaching triple figures at just 19 years and 141 days, Samra comfortably eclipsed the previous record held by Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad. Shehzad had set the benchmark in 2014 when he scored a century against Bangladesh at the age of 22. Samra’s entry into the record books not only lowers the age bar by nearly three years but also places him ahead of legendary names like Suresh Raina and Alex Hales.
5 youngest centurions in T20 World Cup history
1. Yuvraj Samra (19y 141d) vs New Zealand, 2026
In a high-pressure, must-win clash in Chennai, the Canadian teenager produced an innings for the ages. At just 19, Samra displayed fearless aggression against a world-class New Zealand attack, reaching his milestone in 58 balls. His 110-run masterclass not only shattered age records but also proved that Associate nations can compete with the best on the biggest stage, anchoring Canada to a formidable total of 173/4.
2. Ahmed Shehzad (22y 127d) vs Bangladesh, 2014
Before Samra’s arrival, Pakistan’s Shehzad held the record for over a decade. During the 2014 edition in Mirpur, Shehzad tore through the Bangladeshi bowling lineup with an unbeaten 111 off just 62 deliveries. He became the first, and currently the only, Pakistani batter to score a T20 World Cup century, using his trademark lofted drives and nimble footwork to dominate the home side in their own backyard.
3. Suresh Raina (23y 156d) vs South Africa, 2010
Raina’s century in Gros Islet remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian T20 history. At 23, Raina became the first Indian to hit a T20I hundred, punishing a potent South African pace attack that included Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. His 101 off 60 balls was a masterclass in middle-order acceleration, utilizing his ability to clear the ropes over mid-wicket and extra cover with effortless timing.
4. Alex Hales (25y 83d) vs Sri Lanka, 2014
Hales produced perhaps the most “clutch” innings on this list during a group stage match in Chattogram. Chasing a massive target of 190 against a peak Sri Lankan side, England were reeling at 0/2 when Hales took charge. He smashed an unbeaten 116 off 64 balls, single-handedly turning the game on its head against the likes of Lasith Malinga and Ajantha Mendis, marking the first ever T20I century by an Englishman.
5. Glenn Phillips (25y 327d) vs Sri Lanka, 2022
New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips rounds out the top five with a gritty yet explosive performance at the SCG. Walking in at 15/3, Phillips rescued the Black Caps with a spectacular 104 off 64 balls. His century was a testament to fitness and power, as he navigated a difficult start to finish with a strike rate of 162.50, proving to be the difference-maker in a crucial Super 12 fixture that propelled New Zealand toward the semi-finals.
