65-Ball 110: Canada’s New Yuvraj Stuns

Names can sometimes shape destiny, or so it seems in cricketing lore. On a sunlit day at Chennai’s M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, spectators witnessed a performance that made them do a double-take on the scoreboard. There appeared the name “Yuvraj Singh” — instantly evoking memories of India’s 2011 World Cup hero. But a closer look revealed this was not the legendary all-rounder; it was Canada’s 19-year-old left-handed opener, Yuvraj Singh Samra.

The resemblance extends beyond the name. Samra’s aggressive strokeplay mirrored flashes of that 2011 World Cup brilliance, reminding fans of Durban 2007 and Mohali 2011. His father, Baljit Kamra, a devoted admirer of India’s Yuvraj Singh, had named his son in tribute and trained him to bat left-handed, despite being naturally right-handed. Few could have imagined that this young man would one day make international cricket history.

In Canada’s T20 World Cup ‘D’ group match against New Zealand, Samra delivered a masterclass. His innings of 110 runs came off just 65 balls, featuring 11 fours and 6 sixes. Bowlers like Matt Henry and Jimmy Neesham were unable to contain him. The knock obliterated several records in a single sitting:

Though New Zealand were without Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner, seasoned campaigners Matt Henry and Jimmy Neesham were present. Samra started with consecutive fours off Henry and unleashed 18 runs in the final over of the powerplay from Neesham. His half-century came off just 36 balls, and with captain Dilpreet Bajwa, he stitched a 116-run opening stand — now the highest opening partnership by an associate against a full member nation.

Born in Brampton, Canada, to Punjabi heritage, Samra began his cricket journey in the Toronto District League. Since his international debut last March, he had shown glimpses of his aggressive batting, including a 15-ball half-century against the Bahamas. Yet his 110-run innings on Chennai’s slow pitch elevated him to a global stage.

Ultimately, Canada fell short, scoring 173 for 4 before New Zealand chased it comfortably, thanks to Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra’s 146-run unbroken partnership. Nevertheless, Samra’s innings left an indelible mark. In the eyes of spectators, a new ‘Yuvraj’ had arrived — one whose reputation is built not on name alone, but sheer cricketing talent.