India players celebrate after the match against the USA in the ongoing T20 World Cup on February 7, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
The captain rose to the fore and the host prospered at the Wankhede Stadium here on Saturday (February 7, 2026) night. Suryakumar Yadav’s masterly unbeaten 84 helped India post 161 for nine, a score that proved beyond the reach of the United States of America (USA) in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup Group A clash.
In the chase, the USA struggled for a toehold and finished with 132 for eight, handing defending champion India a 29-run triumph. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj scythed through the top order.
Andries Gous, Saiteja Mukkamalla and Monank Patel were back in the hut as the visitor struggled at 13 for three. Milind Kumar and Sanjay Krishnamurthi hung in together for a 58-run alliance but once the duo fell, the USA was down for the count.
Earlier, as fans trooped in, a member of the Indian diaspora screamed, “USA, USA,” and in jest a local fan yelled, “Simon, go back.” Either it was just a throwaway line or perhaps a hat-tip to an iconic moment during India’s freedom struggle in the past.
And after a glitzy opening ceremony, USA skipper Monank won the toss, elected to field and found the Indian openers slightly tentative.
Ishan Kishan bided his time while Abhishek Sharma lofted the first ball he faced straight to the fielder in the deep as seamer Ali Khan turned ecstatic. Tilak Varma then eased the pressure while tucking into Saurabh Netravalkar with a six and a four.
Kishan too joined the act, whipping a maximum against Ali, and while the two batters had their reprieves as two catches were dropped, they failed to capitalise.
Both succumbed to Shadley van Schalkwyk, through soft dismissals triggered by ambitious shots finding eager fielders. It was a template that marred Shivam Dube too as India wobbled at 46 for four, and it got worse when a struggling Rinku Singh departed.
However, Suryakumar (84 n.o., 49b, 10×4, 4×6) hung in and relished a lucky break on 15 as a caught-and-bowled was dropped by Shubham Ranjane.
He picked his singles, watched Hardik Pandya’s exit, and found an ally in Axar Patel. And when he toppled while scooping a four off Ranjane, it ushered in his half-century. He quickly rose to soak in the applause.
A stunning six off Schalkwyk and 21 runs off the last over from Netravalkar revealed Suryakumar at his rousing best, and India had done enough to seize the night.
Published – February 07, 2026 06:58 pm IST
