India began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a 29-run victory over the United States at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, driven by an unbeaten 84 from captain Suryakumar Yadav and a disciplined bowling performance.
India, batting first, were restricted early and finished on 161 for 9 in 20 overs. The United States replied with 132 for 8, falling short by 29 runs.
United States captain Monank Patel won the toss and elected to field. The red-soil surface at the Arun Jaitley Stadium offered reduced pace, with the ball holding up more than expected.
India suffered an early setback when opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck. Despite reaching 45 for 1 in 5.1 overs, India lost momentum as Shadley van Schalkwyk struck with multiple wickets in a single over. India were reduced to 46 for 4 inside the powerplay, with Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube dismissed cheaply. Six Indian batters failed to reach double figures, including three who were out for zero.
Eight of India’s nine wickets fell to catches as batters struggled to time shots on the slower surface. At 86 for 6 after 14 overs, India were under pressure.
Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings from one end. He remained unbeaten on 84 from 49 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes. He added late runs in the final over, scoring 21 runs with two fours and two sixes. Axar Patel contributed 14 runs, while Rinku Singh scored 6, Hardik Pandya 5 and Arshdeep Singh 4.
For the United States, Shadley van Schalkwyk was the most successful bowler with four wickets.
Defending 161, India applied early pressure with the ball. Arshdeep Singh conceded two runs in the opening over. Mohammed Siraj dismissed wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous, caught by Tilak Varma, and Arshdeep removed captain Monank Patel for a duck. Siraj then accounted for opener Saitja Mukamalla, leaving the United States three wickets down early.
Milind Kumar and Sanjay Krishnamurthi added 58 runs off 52 balls to stabilise the innings. The partnership ended when Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Milind Kumar, who was stumped by Ishan Kishan for 34.
Axar Patel swung the match decisively in the 16th over by dismissing Sanjay Krishnamurthi for 37 and Harmit Singh for a duck. Mohammad Mohsin scored 8 and Shubham Ranjane added 37, but the chase fell short.
Mohammed Siraj finished with three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each.
India will next face Namibia on 10 February at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
