World Cup T20: India humbled Pakistan again
Scorecard: New Zealand vs CanadaBut New Zealand responded like real contenders. After slipping to 30 for 2 in four overs, Ravindra and Phillips attacked fearlessly. Phillips smashed an unbeaten 76 off 36 balls while Ravindra remained 59 not out as the chase turned into a one-sided finish that confirmed New Zealand’s progress to the next round and left Canada winless despite their young star’s heroics. Samra’s historic hundred lights up Canada’s inningsSamra made his mark on the global stage with a sensational innings that combined maturity and audacity. The 19-year-old dominated from the outset, beating Matt Henry and James Neesham with clean and confident move play.He reached his fifty in just 36 balls and never slowed down, finishing with 110 off 65 deliveries, including six sixes and 11 fours. Along with captain Dilpreet Bajwa (36), he added 116 runs for the opening wicket – the highest number of first wickets by an associate nation against a full member in the history of the tournament.However, Canada’s failure to capitalize in the final overs, scoring just 23 runs in the last three, proved costly in the end.The first tremors for New Zealand provoked a counterattackCanada got off to the ideal start in defense as they removed Finn Allen and Tim Seifert in the power play to reduce New Zealand to 30 for 2. At this stage the chase hung in the balance and Canada sensed an opportunity for another upset.But Ravindra settled the innings with composure and found boundaries with elegant cuts and strokes. His calm presence gave New Zealand an edge over the required pace and set the platform for what followed.Phillips’ record fifty turns the game on its headPhillips first took a few deliveries to settle before unleashing one of the most devastating innings of the tournament. He went at the Canadian bowlers with sweeps, alternates and towering straight sixes.His half-century came off just 22 balls – the fastest ever by a New Zealander in T20 World Cups – and completely shattered Canada’s resistance. He continued the onslaught to finish unbeaten on 76, turning a tense chase into a commanding victory.Ravindra’s perfect supporting act seals the dominant finishWhile Phillips grabbed the headlines, Ravindra’s role was just as crucial. He alternated his strike intelligently and punished loose deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving.He brought up his half-century and hit the winning runs to cap a flawless partnership that came off just 73 balls. Their position gave New Zealand not only qualification but also authority and dynamism.