India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 delivered high drama right from the opening day of the tournament. On February 7, 2026, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, defending champions India survived a massive scare from a spirited United States side before securing a hard-fought 29-run victory. Sent in to bat after losing the toss, India slumped to 46/4 and then 77/6 on a sluggish, gripping pitch that favored variations and slower balls due to overcast conditions and limited sunlight before the game.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav stood tall with a masterful unbeaten 84 off 49 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes), including a blistering 48 off the last 18 deliveries he faced. His late fireworks, especially 21 runs off Saurabh Netravalkar’s final over, lifted India to 161/9 — a total that looked modest but proved defendable on this tricky surface.
In reply, USA started brightly with their bowling but crumbled in the chase, finishing at 132/8. Mohammed Siraj marked his T20I return (first since July 2024) with 3/29, while Arshdeep Singh (2/18) and Axar Patel (2/24) applied the squeeze. This win extended India’s consecutive T20 World Cup victories to 9, the longest active streak.
The match showcased how even the strongest teams can be tested in T20 cricket, especially on unresponsive pitches. USA’s bowlers, led by Shadley van Schalkwyk’s career-best 4/25, exposed vulnerabilities in India’s top order, but SKY’s class and India’s disciplined bowling ensured the two points and a strong start to their title defence.
Toss, Playing XIs, and Pitch Report
USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit early moisture and grip on the Wankhede pitch. The surface, usually a batting paradise, played slower than expected due to extra grass, overcast skies, and insufficient sunlight for drying/rolling. Cutters, slower balls, and disciplined lines thrived, making aggressive strokeplay risky.
Playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy.
USA: Saiteja Mukkamalla, Andries Gous (wk), Monank Patel (c), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Shubham Ranjane, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan.
Jasprit Bumrah missed out due to fever, with Siraj stepping in. USA fielded a balanced side with experience from domestic leagues and former Mumbai players like Harmeet Singh and Shubham Ranjane.
Was bowling first the correct decision? It paid off initially, but dew absence in the second innings helped India’s spinners.
India’s Batting Collapse: Reduced to 46/4 in PowerPlay
USA’s bowlers stunned everyone in the PowerPlay. They placed innovative fields and used clever variations to exploit the conditions.
Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck in the second over, caught at deep extra cover off Ali Khan after the fielder was positioned perfectly.
Ishan Kishan (20 off 16) looked aggressive but holed out to deep extra cover off a slower ball from van Schalkwyk.
Tilak Varma (25 off 16) mistimed a pull to mid-on, and Shivam Dube recorded a golden duck to another slower short ball.
PowerPlay Fall of Wickets (India)
| Wkt | Score | Over | Batter | Dismissal | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8/1 | 1.2 | Abhishek Sharma | c Sanjay b Ali Khan | Ali Khan |
| 2 | 45/2 | 5.2 | Ishan Kishan | c Milind b van Schalkwyk | van Schalkwyk |
| 3 | 46/3 | 5.5 | Tilak Varma | c Monank b van Schalkwyk | van Schalkwyk |
| 4 | 46/4 | 5.6 | Shivam Dube | c Netravalkar b van Schalkwyk | van Schalkwyk |
India reached only 46/4 after 6 overs — their worst PowerPlay in recent World Cups. USA’s tactics, including deep extra cover and pace changes, made shot-making fraught.
How concerning was this top-order fragility for India fans? It highlighted the need for better adaptation on seaming/gripping tracks.
Middle Overs Slump: India Reeling at 77/6
The middle phase offered no respite. Rinku Singh (6 off 14) struggled for timing and mistimed to long-on off Mohammad Mohsin.
Hardik Pandya (5 off 6) fell to Harmeet Singh at deep cover, the ball stopping on him.
Axar Patel (14 off 11) was caught at deep midwicket off Harmeet, making it 118/7 in the 17th over.
India’s middle order lacked partnerships, with batters unable to rotate strike against tight USA bowling.
Fall of Wickets (Middle Overs – India)
| Wkt | Score | Over | Batter | Dismissal | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 72/5 | 11.4 | Rinku Singh | c Milind b Mohsin | Mohsin |
| 6 | 77/6 | 12.4 | Hardik Pandya | c Saiteja b Harmeet | Harmeet |
| 7 | 118/7 | 16.4 | Axar Patel | c Mohsin b Harmeet | Harmeet |
Mohsin (1-16 in 4 overs) and Harmeet (2-26) choked the flow effectively.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Masterclass: Unbeaten 84 Saves India
Dropped on 17 by Shubham Ranjane off his own bowling (a costly miss), Suryakumar shifted gears. He scored 36 off his first 31 balls but exploded for 48 off the last 18, including innovative scoops, helicopter sixes, and slog-sweeps.
He dragged balls from wide outside off to the leg side, often falling over but connecting powerfully. His 21 off Netravalkar’s 20th over (two fours, two sixes) set a record for most runs conceded by Netravalkar in a T20 World Cup match (65 total).
India Innings Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan (wk) | 20 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 125.00 | c Milind b van Schalkwyk |
| Abhishek Sharma | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | c Sanjay b Ali Khan |
| Tilak Varma | 25 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 156.25 | c Monank b van Schalkwyk |
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | 84* | 49 | 10 | 4 | 171.43 | not out |
| Shivam Dube | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | c Netravalkar b van Schalkwyk |
| Rinku Singh | 6 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 42.86 | c Milind b Mohsin |
| Hardik Pandya | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 83.33 | c Saiteja b Harmeet |
| Axar Patel | 14 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 127.27 | c Mohsin b Harmeet |
| Arshdeep Singh | 4 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 66.67 | c Milind b van Schalkwyk |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | run out |
| Mohammed Siraj | – | – | – | – | – | did not bat |
| Extras | 3 | – | – | – | – | (w 3) |
| Total | 161/9 | 20 ov | 18 | 7 | 8.05 RR | – |
USA Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadley van Schalkwyk | 4 | 0 | 25 | 4 | 6.25 |
| Harmeet Singh | 4 | 0 | 26 | 2 | 6.50 |
| Mohammad Mohsin | 4 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 4.00 |
SKY’s knock proved he is one of the best T20 finishers — is he the world’s top right now?
USA Bowling Performance: A Near-Perfect Display on a Tricky Pitch
USA’s bowlers defied expectations. van Schalkwyk’s 4/25 was exceptional, using slower balls and short deliveries effectively. Mohsin’s economical spell and Harmeet’s wickets choked the middle overs.
Dropped catches (including SKY on 17) and expensive death overs (Netravalkar 0/65) cost them a sub-140 restriction.
This was one of the best Associate bowling displays against a Full Member in recent World Cups.
Can USA’s attack challenge bigger teams like Pakistan next?
USA Chase Begins Poorly: 31/3 in PowerPlay
India’s pacers struck early. Siraj removed Andries Gous (6) in his first over back. Arshdeep got Monank Patel first ball (0). Siraj added Saiteja Mukkamalla (2).
PowerPlay Fall of Wickets (USA)
| Wkt | Score | Over | Batter | Dismissal | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8/1 | 1.4 | Andries Gous | c Tilak b Siraj | Siraj |
| 2 | 11/2 | 2.1 | Monank Patel | c Dube b Arshdeep | Arshdeep |
| 3 | 13/3 | 3.2 | Saiteja Mukkamalla | c Varun b Siraj | Siraj |
Fuller lengths and swing troubled USA’s top order.
ESPNcricinfo’s match report.
Milind-Sanjay Partnership and Late Collapse
Milind Kumar (34) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (37) added 58 off 52, keeping hope alive at 89/4.
Varun Chakaravarthy stumped Milind. Axar’s double-wicket over (Sanjay & Harmeet) in the 16th shifted momentum.
Shubham Ranjane’s 37 off 22 (3 sixes) reduced the margin, but USA fell short.
USA Innings Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andries Gous (wk) | 6 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 66.67 | c Tilak b Siraj |
| Saiteja Mukkamalla | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28.57 | c Varun b Siraj |
| Monank Patel (c) | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | c Dube b Arshdeep |
| Milind Kumar | 34 | 34 | 3 | 1 | 100.00 | st Kishan b Varun |
| Sanjay Krishnamurthi | 37 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 119.35 | c Rinku b Axar |
| Shubham Ranjane | 37 | 22 | 2 | 3 | 168.18 | lbw b Siraj |
| Harmeet Singh | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | c Siraj b Axar |
| Mohammad Mohsin | 8 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 88.89 | c Tilak b Arshdeep |
| Shadley van Schalkwyk | 2* | 5 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 | not out |
| Extras | 6 | – | – | – | – | (lb 3, w 3) |
| Total | 132/8 | 20 ov | 7 | 7 | 6.60 RR | – |
India Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | 4 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 4.50 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 4 | 0 | 29 | 3 | 7.25 |
| Axar Patel | 4 | 0 | 24 | 2 | 6.00 |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 4 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 6.00 |
What if USA had converted that middle partnership?
India’s Bowling Masterclass: Siraj, Arshdeep, and Spin Dominance
Siraj’s early strikes set the tone. Arshdeep’s swing and accuracy were outstanding. Spinners Varun and Axar exploited no dew, with Axar’s double strike decisive.
Match-Defining Moments and Highlights
- Abhishek’s golden duck — set the tone for India’s collapse.
- van Schalkwyk’s PowerPlay hat-trick of wickets (3 in the last over).
- Ranjane drops SKY on 17 — turned the game.
- SKY’s 21 off final over — including helicopter six.
- Axar’s two wickets in two balls.
- Siraj’s return wicket on fourth ball.
Watch SKY’s helicopter six and late assault for pure entertainment.
Standout Player Performances
- Suryakumar Yadav: 84* — rescued from 77/6.
- Shadley van Schalkwyk: 4/25 — nearly scripted an upset.
- Mohammed Siraj: 3/29 — impactful return.
- Sanjay Krishnamurthi & Shubham Ranjane: Fighting 37s each.
Player Ratings (out of 10)
| Player | Team | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | IND | 9.5 | Match-winning knock |
| Shadley van Schalkwyk | USA | 9.0 | 4 wickets |
| Mohammed Siraj | IND | 8.5 | 3 key wickets |
| Arshdeep Singh | IND | 8.0 | Economical & 2 wickets |
| Sanjay Krishnamurthi | USA | 7.5 | Top-scored in chase |
Key Statistics and Records Broken
- Lowest successful defence at Wankhede in T20Is: 161 (previous 162 vs SL 2023).
- Suryakumar: 4 POTM in T20 World Cups (2nd among Indians).
- India: 9 consecutive T20 WC wins (2024-26).
- Arshdeep: 29 wickets in 15 T20 WC matches (joint-2nd all-time).
Group A Points Table (After Match 3)
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | PTS | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +1.450 |
| 2 | Pakistan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +0.240 |
| 3 | Netherlands | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -0.240 |
| 4 | USA | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -1.450 |
| 5 | Namibia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
Post-Match Reactions and Quotes
Suryakumar Yadav (Player of the Match & Captain):
“I knew if I batted till the end, I could make a difference. This wasn’t a 180-190 wicket — more like 140. We could have batted smarter in partnerships, but we’ll learn and come back stronger. Playing on Mumbai maidans helped me adapt.”
Monank Patel (USA Captain):
“Our bowlers assessed the conditions brilliantly. We dropped catches that cost us, and top-order soft dismissals hurt. But handling pressure against India in this crowd is a big positive. Milind, Shubham, Sanjay showed fight — we’ll come back stronger.”
What This Win Means for India and USA
India gain momentum and a boosted NRR, but the performance exposed middle-order concerns on tricky pitches. They have time to fix issues before tougher games (Namibia, Pakistan, Netherlands).
For USA, positives abound: near-upset against giants, strong bowling, and fighting spirit. This builds confidence for matches against Pakistan, Netherlands, and Namibia.
A wake-up call for champions — T20 remains unpredictable.
Who impressed you most in this India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 clash? Drop your thoughts in the comments on IPL Star!
FAQs: India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026
1. Who won the India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 match? India defeated the United States of America by 29 runs in the 3rd match of Group A on February 7, 2026, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. India posted 161/9, powered by Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 84, and restricted USA to 132/8.
2. What was the final score in India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 3rd match? India 161/9 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 84*, Shadley van Schalkwyk 4-25) beat USA 132/8 in 20 overs (Sanjay Krishnamurthi 37, Shubham Ranjane 37, Mohammed Siraj 3-29) by 29 runs.
3. Who was Player of the Match in IND vs USA T20 World Cup 2026? Suryakumar Yadav was named Player of the Match for his match-saving 84* off 49 balls, which rescued India from 77/6 and lifted them to a defendable 161/9 on a tricky Wankhede pitch.
4. How did Suryakumar Yadav perform in India vs USA highlights 2026? India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 Suryakumar Yadav scored an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes), starting slowly but exploding for 48 runs off his last 18 balls, including 21 runs off Saurabh Netravalkar’s final over – one of the most expensive overs in T20 World Cup history.
5. Why did India struggle in the PowerPlay against USA in India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026? On a slow, gripping Wankhede surface affected by moisture and overcast conditions, USA’s bowlers used clever variations and slower balls effectively. India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 Shadley van Schalkwyk took three wickets in the final over of the PowerPlay, reducing India to 46/4.
6. What was the lowest successful defence at Wankhede Stadium after India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026? India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 India’s successful defence of 161/9 against USA became the lowest total defended in T20Is at Wankhede Stadium, surpassing the previous record of 162 (India vs Sri Lanka, 2023).
7. How did USA’s bowlers perform against India in India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026? USA delivered an outstanding bowling display, with Shadley van Schalkwyk claiming 4-25, Harmeet Singh 2-26, and Mohammad Mohsin 1-16 in 4 overs. India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 They restricted India for long periods but leaked runs in the death overs due to dropped catches.
8. Which Indian bowlers starred in the India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026? Mohammed Siraj (3-29 on T20I return), Arshdeep Singh (2-18), and Axar Patel (2-24) were pivotal. India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 Siraj and Arshdeep struck early, while spin duo Axar and Varun Chakaravarthy choked the middle overs.
9. What is India’s record after the India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 match? India extended their T20 World Cup winning streak to 9 consecutive matches (2024–2026), the longest active streak. India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 They topped Group A with 2 points and a net run rate of +1.450.
10. Could USA have upset India in the India vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 opener at Wankhede? USA came close, reducing India to 77/6 and dropping Suryakumar Yadav on 17. A better top-order performance and fewer fielding errors could have made the chase of 162 achievable on the gripping pitch.