Suryakumar steadies India as champions begin T20 World Cup defence with win

New Delhi: India opened their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 title defence with a hard-fought win over USA, overcoming a shaky batting start to seal a 29-run victory in the final match of the opening day on Saturday in Mumbai.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan held their nerve to survive a late challenge from the Netherlands in the tournament opener, while West Indies cruised to a comfortable 35-run win over Scotland.

Opting to bowl first, USA made immediate inroads as Ali Khan removed Abhishek Sharma for a duck. Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma attempted to steady the innings, adding 37 runs before Shadley van Schalkwyk turned the game decisively in USA’s favour. In a dramatic Powerplay finish, van Schalkwyk dismissed Kishan (20), Tilak (25) and Shivam Dube, leaving India struggling at 46/4 after six overs.

Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh looked to rebuild, but Mohammad Mohsin removed Rinku after a brief stand. Harmeet Singh then struck again, dismissing Hardik Pandya to deepen India’s troubles.

Axar Patel joined Suryakumar and provided much-needed stability, the pair stitching together a vital 41-run partnership to lift India past 100. Axar fell to Harmeet Singh, but Suryakumar held firm, anchoring the innings with a fighting half-century to guide India to a competitive total of 161.

India’s bowlers responded with intensity. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh struck early to remove Andries Gous and Monank Patel, while Saiteja Mukkamalla soon followed as USA slumped to three wickets down inside four overs.

Milind Kumar and Sanjay Krishnamurthi revived USA’s chase with a 58-run partnership, but Kumar’s dismissal shifted momentum back to India. Shubham Ranjane showed remarkable grit despite carrying a knock, scoring a brisk 37 off 22 balls, but ran out of support.

Siraj ended the resistance by trapping Ranjane in front on the final ball, sealing victory for India and a confident start to their title defence.

(Inputs from ICC) 

Tags : Suryakumar Yadav, ICC, T20 World Cup, Mohammed Siraj