New Zealand storm into Super 8s, knock Afghanistan out of T20 World Cup
India Today
T20 World Cup: New Zealand stormed into the Super 8s with an eight-wicket win over Canada in Chennai. Glen Phillips and Rachin Ravindra's chase ended Afghanistan's campaign despite Yuvraj Samra's record-breaking century.
Brief scores: New Zealand (176/2 in 15.1 ov) beat Canada (173/4 in 20 ov) by 8 wickets in Chennai in a Group D match.
New Zealand vs Canada, T20 World Cup: Highlights|Scorecard
New Zealand booked their place in the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup with a commanding eight-wicket win over Canada in Chennai on Monday, February 17. The Black Caps, shaken by their early loss to South Africa, responded with the kind of ruthless chase that reminded everyone why they’re always dangerous in tournament cricket.
But the night didn’t begin with New Zealand’s qualification celebrations. It began with a teenager stealing the stage.
Canada’s 19-year-old opener Yuvraj Samra produced a breathtaking century at Chepauk, lighting up the stadium and giving Canada a moment that felt bigger than just runs on a scoreboard. For a while, it genuinely seemed like New Zealand were being dragged into an uncomfortable contest.
There were reasons for that unease. New Zealand were without regular skipper Mitchell Santner, with Daryl Mitchell stepping in. They were also missing Lockie Ferguson, their in-form pacer, who had flown home on paternity leave. Their bowling looked toothless for long stretches, and Samra made sure the absence was felt.
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On this day on March 14, 2001, India overcame a massive first-innings deficit to script a remarkable 171-run victory against Australia in the 2001 Kolkata Test, powered by the record-breaking partnership of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman and a dominant display by Harbhajan Singh on the final day.