India Survives Scare Against USA in Tense World Cup Opener
India kicked off their T20 World Cup defense with a 29-run win over the USA at Mumbai’s packed Wankhede Stadium. After a disastrous batting collapse, captain Suryakumar Yadav staged a stunning comeback, proving why India remains a tournament favorite.
Top Order Collapse Rocks Hosts
Winning the toss and choosing to bowl, the USA shocked everyone with a fiery start. Their fast bowlers ripped through India’s new opening pair – Abhishek Sharma gone for zero in the very first over. Wickets kept tumbling as Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma briefly resisted before falling too. By the 13th over, India was reeling at 77-6, staring at a humiliating defeat on home turf.
Captain Cool Saves The Day
With the innings in ruins, skipper Suryakumar Yadav stepped up massively. Playing on his home ground, he mixed smart singles with explosive boundaries. He anchored the chaos, finding gaps calmly before unleashing carnage in the final overs. His unbeaten 84 runs off just 49 balls (including 10 fours and 4 sixes), alongside Axar Patel, dragged India to a fighting total of 161-9.
Van Schalkwyk Shines for USA
USA bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout performer, snagging four crucial wickets for only 25 runs. His tight bowling choked India’s batters for most of their innings, nearly scripting a historic upset.
USA’s Chase Starts Rocky, Then Fights Back
Chasing 162, the USA immediately felt the heat. India’s pace attack was relentless – Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh grabbed three quick wickets, leaving the visitors reeling early. But Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Milind Kumar refused to fold. Their gritty partnership rebuilt the innings, keeping USA’s run-rate on track and hopes alive at the halfway mark.
Axar & Death Bowlers Seal It
The game flipped when India’s bowlers tightened the screws. Axar Patel delivered a match-winning spell, taking two key wickets to shatter USA’s middle order momentum. Siraj and Arshdeep returned with pinpoint death bowling, suffocating the USA batters. Though Shubham Ranjane’s late fireworks created tension, USA finished at 132-8, falling well short.
What This Win Means
India’s hard-fought victory showcases their resilience under pressure. Suryakumar’s leadership and batting heroics rescued them from disaster, sending a warning to rivals. For the USA, pushing the defending champions so close proves their growing threat in global cricket. Both teams walk away with crucial lessons as the World Cup heats up.
