KEY POINTS
- Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 84 rescued India from 46/4, guiding them to a total of 161/9.
- USA’s chase of 162 was built on a 58-run stand between Milind Kumar (34) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (37), but they fell short at 132/8.
- USA bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk impressed with a four-wicket haul (4/25) to dismantle India’s top order early.
MUMBAI: India kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 29-run victory over the spirited United States at Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.
The win was anchored by a sensational, unbeaten captain’s knock of 84 from Suryakumar Yadav, rescuing his team from a precarious position.
Suryakumar Yadav’s heroics, followed by a strong bowling effort sees India win their #T20WorldCup opener 👏
📝: https://t.co/lfZgszEylC pic.twitter.com/grCrSxh0Qa
— ICC (@ICC) February 7, 2026
India’s Innings: Early collapse, SKY to the rescue
After being put into bat, India’s innings got off to a disastrous start, losing four wickets inside the power play for just 46 runs. Pacer Ali Khan removed Abhishek Sharma for a first-ball duck, while the impressive South African-born seamer Shadley van Schalkwyk (4/25) wreaked havoc, dismissing Ishan Kishan (20), Tilak Varma (25), and Shivam Dube for a golden duck in quick succession.
From the ruins of 46/4, captain Suryakumar Yadav orchestrated a brilliant recovery. Playing with trademark flair and innovation, he single-handedly rebuilt the innings.
Finding little support from the other end—Rinku Singh (6), Hardik Pandya (5), and Axar Patel (14) fell cheaply—Yadav unleashed a counter-attack, smashing 10 fours and 4 sixes in his 49-ball stay. His efforts propelled India to a competitive, if below-par, total of 161/9.
USA’s chase: Valiant fight falls short
The USA’s chase began poorly, losing their top order to India’s new-ball attack. Mohammed Siraj (3/29) removed openers Andries Gous and Saiteja Mukkamalla, while Arshdeep Singh (2/18) dismissed captain Monank Patel for a duck, leaving the Americans reeling at 13/3.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav came to India’s rescue with a heroic display 👌
Watch the #T20WorldCup LIVE, broadcast details in our bio 📺 pic.twitter.com/UmWbioT0ji
— ICC (@ICC) February 7, 2026
A valiant 58-run partnership between Milind Kumar (34) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (37) steadied the ship and revived hopes of an upset. The momentum shifted decisively back to India when Axar Patel (2/24) removed both set batters.
Late blitz from Shubham Ranjane (37 off 22 balls) provided a final flourish, but the required rate proved too steep. The USA finished their 20 overs at 132/8, falling short by 29 runs.
Key takeaways and player of the match
Suryakumar Yadav was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his game-defining innings. For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk’s four-wicket haul and the middle-order fightback were major positives, signalling the Associate nation’s growing competitiveness on the global stage.
While India will be relieved to start with a win, their top-order fragility will be a concern. The USA, despite the loss, earned significant respect for their disciplined bowling and resilient batting against one of the tournament favourites.
