New Delhi: Yuvraj Samra’s record-breaking century was not enough for Canada as New Zealand stormed into the Super Eight stage after a scintillating unbeaten partnership between Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra in a Group D match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Named after Yuvraj Singh, Samra scored 110 off 65 balls to become the youngest centurion in T20 World Cup history, at the age of 19 years and 141 days.
His record-breaking knock powered Canada to a fighting total of 173 for 4 in 20 overs, but Phillips and Ravindra made short work of the 174-run target with a sensational batting performance under pressure.
Having lost both their openers inside power play, the Kiwis need a strong partnership to steady the ship. Phillips and Ravindra not only steadied the innings but also took their side home with an unbeaten 146-run stand for the third wicket.
The duo wrestled back momentum from Canada with a counter-attacking partnership, which came off just 72 balls.
Phillips, in particular, was merciless to the Canadian bowlers, scoring 76* off just 36 balls, including four boundaries and six maximums.
Ravindra remained unbeaten on 59 off 39 balls. His innings was studded with four boundaries and three maximums.
(More to follow)..