India overcame a nightmarish opening hour against USA to register a 29-run win in their opening game of T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday (February 7) in Mumbai. Put into bat on a slightly tricky Wankhede surface, India needed a sensational knock from their skipper Suryakumar Yadav (84* off 49) to get to 161 - a total that was above-par on this two-paced pitch.
USA needed a strong PowerPlay to have a chance in the chase, especially with Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel having the potential to cause problems on this surface. Unfortunately for the visitors, Arshdeep Singh and comeback man Mohammed Siraj were terrific with the new ball to virtually strangle USA's chances.
Onle 31 runs came in the first six overs and with no dew on offer, chasing 161 was always looking improbable. To India's credit, their bowlers were disciplined enough and just used the pitch to their advantage. Axar and Varun bowled eight overs between them, and went for just 48 runs cumulatively. They only picked up three wickets combined but ensured that USA's scoring rate never jumped.
After a point, the run chase was only of academic interest as the result was a foregone conclusion. The only mystery was around the margin of India's victory in the game. Ironically, not many would have expected such a comfortable win for India after they were 77-6 at one stage during their own batting innings.
The defending champions were high on confidence with their batting unit in top form and high on confidence. However, a combination of a sticky pitch and some tactful USA bowling saw the home side in huge trouble. Suryakumar, however, played one his finest knocks ever, to put on a magical rescue act. It was the second-highest score by a captain on his T20 World Cup leadership debut.
India were hoping for a total of 130-140 when they lost their sixth wicket but Suryakumar batted through and ensured that the 160-run mark was breached. It must also be said that USA's bowlers lost the plot towards the end and their inexperienced showed. Better death bowling could have helped to reduce Suryakumar's havoc but then, very few bowlers or teams in the world have consistently managed it in T20Is.
Overall, a good win for India, one that tested their resolve and they'd be pleased that their skipper continued his recent peak in form for this fixture as well.