India's T20 World Cup campaign kicked off with a shocking 29-run victory over the United States in Mumbai, as captain Suryakumar Yadav (84 not out) led from the front to pull his team back from the brink of disaster.
The defending champions and overwhelming favourites slumped to 77-6 against the USA XI, putting their 20-over match at risk of becoming one of the biggest upsets in cricket history. But Yadav's crucial reprieve after being dropped by bowler Shubham Ranjane for a score of just 15 changed the course of events, as he went on to post an unbeaten 84 from 49 deliveries.
His knock was supported by Axar Patel, who contributed 31 off 17 balls, but India's top order struggled to time their shots against the USA bowlers. The hosts' seamers Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj took three wickets in their first four overs, leaving the USA on 13-3.
Despite a spirited fightback from Ranjane (37) and Krishnamurthi (37), India ultimately won by 29 runs to stay top of Group A. The victory was made all the more significant as it prevented what would have been the biggest shock in cricket history – India coming close to losing to the USA.
India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, described his knock as "a special day" and praised his team for their resilience, saying: "We came into this match with a lot of pressure on our shoulders. But we played well, and I'm proud of my team." The win marked India's fifth T20 World Cup victory under the captaincy of Virat Kohli.
India now sit at the top of Group A, while England face Nepal and Ireland play Sri Lanka in their respective matches on Sunday.
The defending champions and overwhelming favourites slumped to 77-6 against the USA XI, putting their 20-over match at risk of becoming one of the biggest upsets in cricket history. But Yadav's crucial reprieve after being dropped by bowler Shubham Ranjane for a score of just 15 changed the course of events, as he went on to post an unbeaten 84 from 49 deliveries.
His knock was supported by Axar Patel, who contributed 31 off 17 balls, but India's top order struggled to time their shots against the USA bowlers. The hosts' seamers Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj took three wickets in their first four overs, leaving the USA on 13-3.
Despite a spirited fightback from Ranjane (37) and Krishnamurthi (37), India ultimately won by 29 runs to stay top of Group A. The victory was made all the more significant as it prevented what would have been the biggest shock in cricket history – India coming close to losing to the USA.
India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, described his knock as "a special day" and praised his team for their resilience, saying: "We came into this match with a lot of pressure on our shoulders. But we played well, and I'm proud of my team." The win marked India's fifth T20 World Cup victory under the captaincy of Virat Kohli.
India now sit at the top of Group A, while England face Nepal and Ireland play Sri Lanka in their respective matches on Sunday.
India just pulled off an insane 29-run win over the US in a T20 World Cup match! I mean, they were down to 77-6 but Yadav's comeback was pure magic 
. The way he took it upon himself and carried his team to victory is truly inspiring. And let's be real, 84 not out from 49 deliveries? 
. India's got this and I'm hyped for their next match 
, and it's great to see him stepping up as captain 
. The way he rallied his team after that initial collapse was pure class 
. And let's be real, the pressure on India's shoulders was huge 
, but they handled it like pros 
. It's not about coming close to losing to a weaker opponent, it's about winning and proving yourself 
. Bring on the next match! 
. But Suryakumar Yadav, man, he's a superstar 
! His knock was pure gold, 84 not out from just 49 deliveries? That's insane 
Those seamers were like wolves in sheep's clothing, taking out three wickets in just four overs 
! I'm so hyped for India now, they're definitely the team to beat 
He's just so amazing!!! 84 not out is insane!!! 
Axar Patel's 31 off 17 is also giving me life!!! 
And let's not forget about Virat Kohli, the king of captains! 
I mean, this win marks India's fifth T20 World Cup victory under his leadership, and it just shows how consistent they are!!! 
So yeah, we're in for an exciting tournament now! 
The way he batted with that incredible composure is exactly what you need from your captain 
! Three wickets in four overs from their seamers? Talk about a masterclass 
. It just goes to show how good India's team is right now - they can absorb a few blows and still come out on top 
but then suryakumar yadav comes out of nowhere 
it was like a game of cricket roulette 
and india's team played like they were trying to win the whole thing 
arshdeep singh and mohammed siraj taking those wickets in their first four overs was like a switch turning on 
for india and they never looked back again 
. suryakumar yadav was a total lifesaver after being dropped, who would've thought he'd score 84 off 49 deliveries?! 
. still, 29-run win keeps india on top of group a 
. Yadav's saving grace (literally) 84* is pure gold 
️ (pretty fast, bro!)
anyway glad suryakumar yadav came through with a big score 84 not out is crazy! can't believe he got dropped for 15 runs though, that's like missing an easy catch lol axar patel did alright too but india's top order was pretty shaky against the usa bowlers arshdeep singh and mohammed siraj took three wickets in their first four overs which is insane! anyways india's on top of group a now so fingers crossed they keep it up 
! And that Axar Patel's cameo was the icing on the cake 
. The USA team can't be disappointed with their performance either - they gave India a run for their money 
but thankfully he got a second chance and ran with it. axar patel also came through with some big shots 
but india's top order struggled to time their shots. gotta give credit to the indian team for fighting back and staying top of group a 
anyway, i'm not buying the whole 'we just played a good game' story from india captain yadav. something fishy is going on here, mark my words! 
arshdeep singh and mohammed siraj are some beast bowlers, though. what's with usa's cricket team looking so... unusa 