IND vs USA, T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav helps India survive USA scare in opener

Washington Sundar has got the clearance of the BCCI medical team and the CoE. India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Washington will join the squad in Delhi for the match against Namibia on February 12.

"Only I can tell at the position we were in at 77/6, how much pressure we were in. But I had played a lot of cricket here in Azad maidaan. Cross maidaan here in. It was a little different to what is here at Mumbai. When we woke up, there was not a lot of sun. There was not enough sunlight and I am not blaming the curator. But at the same time, we can't brush everything under the carpet. We could've batted a little better. But it's okay, we will sit around aaram se and we have 5 days. Washi is joining us in Delhi. Bumrah had a high fever. The rest is good."

Suryakumar Yadav has surpassed Virat Kohli for the most Player of the Match awards in T20Is. He now has 17 POTM awards, surpassing Kohli's 16. 

Most POTM awards in T20Is (India)

• 17 Suryakumar Yadav (105 T20Is)
• 16 Virat Kohli (125)
• 14 Rohit Sharma (159)
• 8 Axar Patel (88)

India climb to the top of Group A with an NRR of +1.450. Pakistan are 2nd with +0.240 NRR.

The USA have survived 20 overs against India and that should give them massive confidence against other teams in Group A. They troubled India all evening, restricting them to 161/9. Had it not been for Suryakumar Yadav's knock of his life (84 off 49), India would have been a goner. But the quality India had in the bowling department, especially spin, was too hot for the USA to handle. USA managed 132/8 in 20 overs, with all batters struggling. Sanjay Krishnamurthy top-scored with 37 off 22 balls.

It's just a formality now as we enter the last over. Mohd Siraj will complete the formalities.

USA lose their 7th wicket as hopes fade away of a huge upset. Arshdeep Singh bags his second wicket in the 18th over as Mohd Mohsin departs for 8.

USA need 58 runs off the last three overs with Arshdeep Singh and Mohd Siraj to bowl.

Axar Patel gets two in two as Harmeet Singh departs for a golden duck trying to go for a big hit. It is not easy to hit big on this surface if your eyes are not set. But Harmeet missed that point due to scoreboard pressure. USA are now 6 down with 64 runs needed off 27 balls.

India have got another set batter Sanjay Krishnamurthi as Axar Patel delivers the wicket. Sanjay tried to go for a big hit but miscued the shot. The top-edge landed safely into Rinlu Singh's hands. USA lose their 5th wicket for 98.

Varun Chakaravarthy's delivery hit Shubham Ranjane on the inner pad and as he appealed, the finger was raised immediately. But Shubham was confident and he took the review. The replays showed that there was a slight deflection. As a result, he survives. And he responds with a six off the last ball. USA need 64 off 30 balls. 

Even as India chip in with wickets after Milind Kumar's gritty 34, Sanjay Krishnamurthy has picked up his pace with two fours and a six in the last few deliveries. The USA need 73 off the last 36 balls and it's not an impossible chase at this moment.

The partnership is broken as Milind Kumar departs. He is stumped and all he can do is blame himself. Varun Chakaravarthy's delivery took a sharp turn to almost beat Ishan Kishan behind the stumps. But he held on to it somehow and by then, Milind was at least 2 meters out of the crease. Why was he gone so far? That would be the question. He must have thought that Ishan could not collect the ball. USA lose their 4th wicket for 71.

There is no way that USA can win this one. The bowling is way too good by the Indians. Yes, the wickets haven't come in almost 6-7 overs, but the batters are way too cautious at the moment. After 10 overs, USA manage 49/3.

India is miles ahead in this match, but still would be looking for wickets, to wrap it up early.

Chakravarthy comes into the attack and gives away only 5 runs in his first over. USA are lagging behind the required rate.

And the powerplay is done. It was hardwork for USA, and that is exactly what was expected. India should be looking to wrap it up early here.

Siraj has his second wicket here. Saiteja's bat just turns in his hands, and Varun Chakravarthy takes a simple catch.

Arshdeep induces a leading edge, and Monank Patel has been dismissed for a duck. This is exceptional bowling from India.

Siraj has been greeted with a massive six by Gous. Looks like this man can bat. Out. Miya has struck in the first over itself, and Gous is on his way back.

It will be a tough task for USA to get to 162. Arshdeep Singh would look for a few wickets here. India favorites.

Highest scores by a captain in the ICC Men's T20 WC:
98 (66) - Chris Gayle 🌴 vs IND 🇮🇳 2010
92 (41) - Rohit Sharma 🇮🇳 vs AUS 🇦🇺 2024
88 (50) - Chris Gayle 🌴 vs AUS 🇦🇺, 2009
85 (48) - Kane Williamson 🇳🇿 vs NZ 🇳🇿, 2021
84* (49) - Suryakumar Yadav 🇮🇳 vs USA 🇺🇸, 2026

LAst over starts and Surya is in full flow. He starts with a four and then a six. Make it two sixes in a row. And then comes a four. INdia end with 161/9 as Surya scores 84 from 49.

Surya gets 11 runs from the penultimate over here. Meanwhile, Arshdeep is out on the last ball of the over.

Something to rejoice for India. Suryakumar Yadav steps up and scores a 50 in 35 deliveries. He chases a ball way outside off, and plays a supla. After Ali Khan is out due to an injury, now Shubhan seems to have done some damage.

Axar is out after scoring 14. He did get a few boundaries, but the trouble still persists for the team. This is ordinary overall by the best team in the world.

Team India bring up their 100 as Axar gets two back-to-back boundaries. Netravalkar a bit expensive here. Wait, four fours come in the over.

What has been excellent from USA has been, is their desicipline. Not even a single extra conceded by them. The spinners are bowling slower, that is making it tough for the Indian batters. Surya gets a four.

If India can get to 140 here, they would feel very confident. AXAR  and Surya are still there and they need to calm down a bit.

What the hell is happening here. Hardik tries to go over the covers for a six. Harmeet Singh has picked up a wicket. India lose their sixth and the tail starts now.

Mohsin has a wicket now. Rinku tries to take the aerial route and is caught at long on. He is out for 6 from 14.

Harmeet Singh into the attack here. A misfield now, and Surya has his third boundary. All this could prove costly for the minnows.

The key here for India is, Surya has to stay till the very end. There is Pandya and Axar still left but the captain needs to lead from the front. Surya has a boundary welcome boundary. Make that two in the over. Oh, he has been dropped.

Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh are on the crease as India score just 52/4 in 8 overs. The two need to bat long to rebuild and offer the bowlers something to bowl at.

India end the powerplay with 46/4 as Shadley van Schalkwyk strikes thrice. Shivam Dube falls for a golden duck on a slower short ball. This wasn't the start people expected but that's what makes sport interesting. It is always unpredictable. The Wankhede pitch has aided the USA pacers so far and it hasn't been easy. Suryakumar Yadav is on the crease now and he needs to do the rescue job.

USA are dominating India now. Shadley van Schalkwyk gets another wicket in the 6th over as Tilak Varma falls for 25 off 16. India 46/3.

Ishan Kishan just survived in the last over, but not this time. Shadley van Schalkwyk gets the big wicket as Ishan smashes it straight to the mid-on fielder for an easy catch for 20 off 16 balls. India 45/2 

Ali Khan will be disappointed. He would have got his second wicket had it not been for the dropped catch. Ishan tried to slice an Ali Khan delivery but hit it straight to the fielder at backward point. However, he could not hold on to the catch. Ishan punished the dropped catch with a four and a six.

Abhishek Sharma has been either a hit or flop. In his last 6 Innings, he has scored 84 (35), 0 (1), 68* (20), 0 (1), 30 (16) and 0 (1). He has three golden ducks in those games. 

After 3 overs, India are 25/1. The run rate is not as high as fans would have expected. Ali Khan bowled a great 2nd over. But Tilak Varma has ensured India don't fall behind with a six and two boundaries against Saurabh Netravalkar.

Suryakumar Yadav will bat at No 4 and Tilak Varma has come to the crease at No 3 after Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck.

Abhishek Sharma is gone for a golden duck, as predicted. There won't be any fireworks from him today. As he tried to go for a big shot on the first ball against Ali Khan on a delivery outside off, he deposited the safely into the fielder's hand. He did not get enough bat and India are 8/1.

Saurabh Netravalkar bowls an excellent first over. He troubled Ishan Kishan with deliveries coming back in. But after four dot balls, Ishan Kishan finally picked one up and swept it for a six.

The Wankhede Stadium pitch is renowned as one of the most batting-friendly in T20 cricket. It offers true bounce, pace, and short square boundaries, often leading to high-scoring games with totals exceeding 180-200. 

Pacers get some early swing due to the sea breeze from the nearby Arabian Sea, while spinners can find grip later. Dew typically plays a major role in evening matches, making the second innings easier for chasing teams. Expect a run-fest if batters capitalise, with aggressive powerplay play common.

Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan will begin the proceedings for India. They can score 100 in the power play or get twin ducks. But if it's their day, 300 is not an impossible task. As for Sanju Samson, he will be disappointed at him for letting the opportunity go.

A sold-out Wankhede Stadium will sing Jana Gana Mana with Suryakumar Yadav & Co as it's time for the national anthems.

Saiteja Mukkamalla, Andries Gous (wk), Monank Patel (capt), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Shubham Ranjane, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan

Sanju Samson, as expected, has been left on the bench. Jasprit Bumrah is unwell. So, he is missing this match. Mohd Siraj comes in place of him. Kuldeep Yadav is also on the bench. 

1. Abhishek Sharma
2. Ishan Kishan (wk)
3. Tilak Varma
4. Suryakumar Yadav (C)
5. Hardik Pandya
6. Rinku Singh
7. Shivam Dube
8. Axar Patel
9. Arshdeep Singh
10. Mohammed Siraj
11. Varun Chakravarthy

USA captain Monaank Patel has won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Suryakumar Yadav:

"We were looking to bat first. Wicket looks good, there is wind around so we don't expect dew. It's alive even before the game starts and I am sure it is going to be even better. We have Washi missing out, Sanju missing out. Unfortunately Bumrah is not well so Siraj is playing."

In the West Indies vs Scotland match, Romario Shepherd has bagged the first hat-trick of this T20 World Cup. He becomes the 9th bowler to take a hat-trick in a T20 WC. Pat Cummins has done it twice. 

List of Hat-tricks in T20 World Cup

• Brett Lee: Australia vs Bangladesh, Cape Town, 2007
• Curtis Campher: Ireland vs Netherlands, Abu Dhabi, 2021
• Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, Sharjah, 2021
• Kagiso Rabada: South Africa vs England, Sharjah, 2021
• Karthik Meiyappan: UAE vs Sri Lanka, Geelong, 2022
• Josh Little: Ireland vs New Zealand, Adelaide, 2022
• Pat Cummins: Australia vs Bangladesh, North Sound, 2024
• Pat Cummins: Australia vs Afghanistan, Kingstown, 2024
• Chris Jordan: England vs USA, Bridgetown, 2024
• Romario Shepherd: West Indies vs Scotland, Kolkata, 2026

As the T20 World Cup opening ceremony is drawing to a close, we are all set for the toss. Rohit Sharma and ICC chief Jay Shah are delivering the trophy. Suryakumar Yadav and Monank Patel are getting ready.

Rohit Sharma is in the house. He will deliver the trophy before the India vs USA match begins. 

India and USA have faced each other only once in T20Is. Their sole encounter was in the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage, where India won by 7 wickets, restricting USA to 110/8 and chasing it down comfortably.

• Matches Played: 1
• India Wins: 1
• USA Wins: 0
• Tied/No Result: 0 

India have also lost Harshit Rana due to an injury and he looks set to miss IPL 2026 as well. Rana offered India batting depth. But in his place, India have called up Mohd Siraj, the T20 World Cup winner from 2024. He will be a backup option if Arshdeep Singh or Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable.

Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan?
While Abhishek Sharma is the No 1 opener, there has been debate over the No 2 spot. Until the IND vs NZ series, Sanju Samson was destined to open and to make that happen, the selectors removed Shubman Gill in favour of Sanju. But the Kerala batter failed to justify, losing form at the worst time possible. 
His replacement, Ishan Kishan, hit top form, smashing a century in the 5th T20I to seal the spot. Ishan also slammed a fifty against South Africa in the warm-up game, while Sanju was not even in the batting group.

Before the IND vs USA match starts, there will be an opening ceremony. Rohit Sharma, the title holder, will deliver the T20 World Cup trophy, while there will be multiple live performances at the Wankhede Stadium at 6 PM.

Who are performing?

• Rishab Rikhiram Sharma (sitar player)
• Sivamani (Drums)
• Badshah (Rapper)
• Nora Fatehi (actor-dancer)
• Anirudh Ravichander (singer-composer)

Team India have arrived at the venue, Wankhede Stadium. Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the match today due to illness. But he is with the team. 

The World champs have arrived for their T20 World Cup opener. pic.twitter.com/C5bNJ1IuVw

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) February 7, 2026

The USA, captained by Monank Patel, will aim to bank on their familiarity with Indian conditions. Most of the players in the squad are from the sub-continent, and that will give them confidence. 

However, facing India in Mumbai with passionate home support will be a massive challenge. This repeat of their 2024 group encounter will promise fireworks. 

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enter as overwhelming favourites in their T20 World Cup opener at the Wankhede Stadium. As defending champions and co-hosts, the Men in Blue boast a formidable lineup featuring explosive batters like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma. 

While India will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar due to injury, the pace battery is still potent. Mohammed Siraj, who replaced injured Harshit Rana, will start along with Arshdeep Singh. With Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel heading the spin attack, India will aim for a perfect start. 

Ishan Kishan (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar