Suryakumar Leads India to Hard-Fought Win vs USA: India opened their T20 World Cup title defence with a hard-fought 29-run win over United States in Group A, thanks largely to a sensational captain’s innings from Suryakumar Yadav at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.
After being rocked early by a disciplined U.S. bowling display, India stumbled to 77 for six before Suryakumar staged a remarkable recovery. The skipper remained unbeaten on 84 from 49 deliveries, striking four sixes and several inventive boundaries to lift India to a competitive 161 for nine.
The American decision to field first paid immediate dividends as India’s top order collapsed under pressure. Opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed off the first ball, setting the tone for a chaotic Powerplay. Shadley van Schalkwyk ripped through the middle order with three wickets in a single over, leaving the defending champions in deep trouble.
Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma showed brief resistance but failed to build on their starts, while Shivam Dube also fell without scoring. With wickets tumbling, India looked vulnerable until Suryakumar took control, accelerating after reaching his half-century in just 36 balls and smashing 21 runs in the final over to ensure a defendable total.
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In response, the United States showed resilience but were kept at arm’s length by India’s bowlers. Mohammed Siraj made an immediate impact, claiming three wickets and dismantling the top order, while Arshdeep Singh added early pressure to reduce the hosts to 31 for three.
A fighting partnership between Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Milind Kumar revived U.S. hopes, but once the stand was broken, the chase lost momentum. India tightened the screws through the middle overs and closed out the match comfortably, restricting the U.S. to 132 for eight.
The victory gives India a winning start despite an unconvincing batting display, while the U.S. earned respect with a competitive performance against one of the tournament favourites.
Elsewhere in the competition, Pakistan edged past the Netherlands in a tense Group A encounter in Colombo, while West Indies fast bowler Romario Shepherd produced a stunning spell in Kolkata to power his side to a commanding win over Scotland.
