T20 World Cup: New Zealand cruise past Canada into Super Eight round

New Zealand booked their place in the Super Eight round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a dominant eight-wicket win over Canada in Chennai.

Canada posted a competitive 173 for 4, powered by a sensational century from teenage opener Yuvraj Samra. The 19-year-old produced a record-breaking knock of 110 off 65 balls, becoming the youngest player in T20 World Cup history to score a century. Samra laid a strong platform with a 114-run opening partnership alongside captain Dilpreet Bajwa, who contributed 36 off 39 deliveries.

Despite early setbacks in the chase, New Zealand responded with composure. The dismissals of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen briefly put the Kiwis under pressure, but the middle order quickly took control. Half-centuries from Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra steered the chase safely, as New Zealand reached 175 for 2 with 29 balls remaining.

The convincing victory confirmed New Zealand’s progression to the Super Eight stage, underlining their depth and experience in the tournament. For Canada, Samra’s historic innings stood out as a landmark moment, even though it ultimately came in a losing cause.