A historic moment unfolded in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Canada’s teenage sensation Yuvraj Samra entered the record books with a stunning century. The 19-year-old achieved the milestone against New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, becoming the youngest player ever to score a century in T20 World Cup history.
Samra reached his hundred in quick time and finished unbeaten on 110, guiding Canada to a competitive total. His performance is not only a personal achievement but also a landmark moment for Associate nation cricket on the global stage.
Youngest Players to Score a T20 World Cup Century
| Player | Team | Age | Runs | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuvraj Samra | Canada | 19y 141d | 110* | New Zealand | 2026 |
| Ahmed Shehzad | Pakistan | 22y 127d | 111* | Bangladesh | 2014 |
| Suresh Raina | India | 23y 156d | 101* | South Africa | 2010 |
| Alex Hales | England | 25y 83d | 116 | Sri Lanka | 2014 |
| Glenn Phillips | New Zealand | 25y 327d | 104 | Sri Lanka | 2022 |
1. Yuvraj Samra (Canada) – 110* vs New Zealand, 2026
The biggest story of the 2026 tournament came from young Canadian opener Yuvraj Samra. Playing in Chennai, he showed remarkable composure against a strong New Zealand attack. Samra anchored the innings and accelerated at the right time, finishing unbeaten on 110 off 65 balls with 11 fours and 6 sixes.
At a time when wickets were falling at the other end, he took responsibility and guided Canada to 173/4. This innings was historic not only because of his age but also because he became the first player from an Associate nation to score a men’s T20 World Cup century.
2. Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan) – 111* vs Bangladesh, 2014
Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad delivered one of the most complete innings of the 2014 edition. Opening the batting, he remained unbeaten on 111 off 62 balls, playing a controlled yet aggressive knock.
His century helped Pakistan post a strong total of 190, which proved too much for Bangladesh. At just 22 years of age, Shehzad showed maturity and played a key role in Pakistan’s dominant win.
3. Suresh Raina (India) – 101* vs South Africa, 2010
Suresh Raina created history by becoming the first Indian to score a T20 World Cup century. His innings came under pressure after India lost early wickets.
Raina counterattacked brilliantly and scored 101 off 60 balls*, hitting boundaries all around the ground. His knock powered India to 186, and the bowlers later defended the total successfully. Even today, Raina remains India’s only T20 World Cup centurion.
4. Alex Hales (England) – 116 vs Sri Lanka, 2014
England opener Alex Hales played a match-winning innings while chasing a big target against Sri Lanka. Facing a strong bowling attack, Hales scored 116 off 64 balls, mixing power with smart shot selection.
His aggressive approach helped England chase down a challenging total and secure a memorable victory. At 25 years and 83 days, he became one of the youngest centurions in the tournament.
5. Glenn Phillips (New Zealand) – 104 vs Sri Lanka, 2022
New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips produced a fighting century in a difficult situation during the 2022 World Cup. With the top order collapsing early, Phillips took control and scored 104 off 64 balls.
His innings lifted New Zealand to a competitive total, which the bowlers later defended successfully. The knock was praised for its resilience and match awareness under pressure.
Centuries in the T20 World Cup are rare achievements, with only a limited number scored across all editions. Doing it at such a young age, and for an Associate nation, makes Samra’s performance even more remarkable.
His innings came at a crucial time, holding the Canada innings together and showing maturity beyond his years. The knock also highlighted the growing strength of emerging cricket nations.
Yuvraj Samra’s record-breaking century has put him in the spotlight as one of the most promising young talents in world cricket. With confidence, power-hitting ability, and composure under pressure, the young opener has already made a strong statement on the biggest stage.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Samra to see if he can continue his impressive form and add more milestones to his growing career.
