ICC T20 World Cup 2026: India Beat USA by 29 Runs In A Tough Fight. India began their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a confident 29-run victory over the United States in Group A. The match was played in Mumbai, where India recovered well after early pressure to post a competitive total. Batting first, India finished on 161 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was rebuilt through a strong middle-order effort after a poor start.
Fighting Knock from SKY
Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with a match-defining and composed knock. He remained unbeaten on 84 from 49 balls, anchoring the innings under intense pressure. India’s problems began early as the openers failed to deliver in the powerplay overs. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed on the first ball, departing without scoring a run.
Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, increasing pressure on the middle order. Suryakumar held one end firmly as partnerships failed to develop around him. Tilak Varma played a positive cameo, scoring 25 runs from just 16 deliveries. Ishan Kishan also contributed with 20 runs off 16 balls in a brief supporting role.
Apart from these contributions, the rest of the Indian batters failed to make an impact. USA bowlers kept India in check during large phases of the innings. Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout performer with the ball for the USA. He claimed four wickets for 25 runs in his four-over spell. Harmeet Singh supported him well, returning figures of two for 26 from four overs. Ali Khan bowled with discipline at the death, picking up one wicket for 13 runs.
Wickets fell early for USA
Chasing 162, the United States finished on 132 for eight after 20 overs. The chase lacked momentum against India’s disciplined and varied bowling attack. Shubham Ranjane top-scored with an attacking 37 from 22 balls. Sanjay Krishnamurthi added stability with 37 runs from 31 deliveries. Milind Kumar played a steady knock of 34 from 34 balls. However, the rising required rate proved too much for the American batters.
India’s bowlers shared wickets regularly to keep the chase under control. Mohammed Siraj impressed with figures of three for 29 in four overs. Arshdeep Singh was economical, finishing with two for 18 from his quota. Axar Patel provided key breakthroughs, returning figures of two for 24. Varun also chipped in with two important wickets during the middle overs.
Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Teams List, Group And Updated Squads
The win gives India vital early points and confidence in Group A. The USA showed fight, but execution fell short against elite opposition. India will now look to build momentum as the tournament progresses.