India began the defence of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 title in pulsating fashion as they were put through the wringer by the United States of America before eventually sealing a 29-run victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, 2026.
A captain’s innings from Suryakumar Yadav, who made an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls, rescued India from a precarious position and set up a defendable total that their bowlers protected with disciplined performances. The match, played under lights in front of a packed crowd, showcased the growing competitiveness of associate nations such as the USA, which pushed the co-hosts hard before falling short in the chase.
Match Overview and TossUSA captain Monank Patel won the toss and opted to bowl first, expecting to capitalize on any moisture that might be present on the pitch.
India, missing their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah who was indisposed, decided to play a young XI with Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma opening the batting.
The decision looked spot-on as the USA bowlers struck early blows.India scored 161/9 in 20 overs, thanks to Suryakumar’s batting, in which there were 10 fours and 4 sixes.
Accordingly, the USA managed 132 for 8, with Shubham Ranjane scoring an unconquered 37 off 22 deliveries.
India’s Powerplay Disaster:
Three Wickets in One OverIt started horribly. Abhishek Sharma fell early for 5, then Shadley van Schalkwyk had a dream over — Ishan Kishan caught for 23, Tilak Varma lbw golden duck, Shivam Dube bowled first ball.
Three wickets in three deliveries. India suddenly 46/4 after 5.6 overs.
Social media went wild — “USA just rattled the champs”
Suryakumar Yadav Saves the Day
At 71/6, it looked ugly. Then SKY took over.
He smashed Saurabh Netravalkar for boundaries and sixes, stayed calm and classy, finished unbeaten on 84 off 49 (10 fours, 4 sixes).
Handy cameos from Axar (14) and Rinku (13) pushed India to a respectable 161/9.
Siraj & Co. Finish the Job
USA fought back to 100/5, but Mohammed Siraj took charge — 3/29, deadly in the death.
Arshdeep (2 wickets) and Axar (2 wickets) choked the run rate — only 32 runs in the last 5 overs.
USA ended 132/8. India win by 29 runs.
SKY named Player of the Match.One crazy over nearly sank them, but SKY and the bowlers pulled off a classic escape. Two points in the bag — job done.
USA Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ali Khan | 4 | 0 | 32 | 1 | 8.00 |
| Saurabh Netravalkar | 4 | 0 | 38 | 1 | 9.50 |
| Shadley van Schalkwyk | 4 | 0 | 25 | 4 | 6.25 |
| Harmeet Singh | 4 | 0 | 26 | 2 | 6.50 |
| Mohammad Mohsin | 4 | 0 | 34 | 0 | 8.50 |
USA Batting Scorecard (Key Performers)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andries Gous (wk) | 18 | 14 | 2 | 1 | Bowled |
| Saiteja Mukkamalla | 12 | 9 | 2 | 0 | Caught |
| Monank Patel (c) | 22 | 18 | 3 | 0 | LBW |
| Milind Kumar | 15 | 13 | 1 | 0 | Stumped |
| Shubham Ranjane | 37* | 22 | 4 | 1 | Not Out |
| Harmeet Singh | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0 | Caught |
Total: 132/8 in 20 overs (RR: 6.60)
India Bowling Highlights: Mohammed Siraj 4-0-29-3, Arshdeep Singh 4-0-25-2, Axar Patel 4-0-20-2.
