Winning Start: India Defeats USA by 29 Runs

India kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling 29-run win over the United States at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, showing resilience after a shaky start with the bat.

Defending champions India found themselves in trouble early, slumping to 77 for 6 in their 20-over innings. Captain Suryakumar Yadav played a match-defining innings, remaining unbeaten on 84 from 49 balls. His mix of precise flicks and audacious scoops steadied the innings and lifted India to a competitive total of 161 for 9.

The Group A opener saw USA captain Monank Patel elect to field first, hoping to exploit the evening conditions. Their bowlers, including three Mumbai-born players, struck early and kept India under pressure.

Chasing 162, the USA side struggled to find momentum against disciplined Indian bowling. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and despite some late resistance, they were restricted to 132 for 8, handing India a solid 29-run victory to start their title defense on a high note.

Suryakumar’s innings and India’s well-timed bowling spells were the highlights of a gripping encounter that sets the tone for the defending champions’ campaign.