Despite a record breaking century by Canadian opening batter, Yuvraj Singh Samra, New Zealand won their International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup encounter in Chennai by eight wickets to join South Africa as Super Eight qualifiers from Group D.
Canada’s decision to bat first, was vindicated with Samra in fine fettle.
The 19 year old named after the great Indian all-rounder, became the youngest ICC World Cup centurion in any format.
The born and bred Canadian went on to score 110 off 65 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and six sixes, the highest individual score at this year’s tournament.
It enabled Canada to post a reasonable 173 for four in their 20 overs.
But his efforts were in vain as the Black Caps cantered to victory, reaching their target with 29 balls to spare.
Rachin Ravindra and Glen Phillips put on an unbeaten 146 run third wicket partnership with Phillips smashing 76 off 36 balls to secure the important win.
–SABC–
