India begin T20 World Cup campaign with convincing win over USA
After winning the toss, India opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 161 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
KATHMANDU: Defending champions India kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating the United States by 29 runs in a thrilling encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
After winning the toss, India opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 161 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with a superb unbeaten knock, scoring 84 runs off 49 balls.
His composed yet aggressive innings anchored the Indian batting lineup and proved decisive in setting a challenging target.
Despite a spirited bowling effort from the USA, particularly Shadley van Schalkwyk, who claimed four wickets, India managed to maintain momentum and reach a defendable score.
Chasing a target of 162, the United States struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack and were restricted to 132 for eight in 20 overs.
Krishna Sanjaymurthy and Shubham Ranjane provided some resistance with identical scores of 37 runs each, but the lack of support from the rest of the batting order proved costly.
India’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Mohammed Siraj leading the attack by picking up three wickets.
Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel contributed with two wickets apiece, while Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with one, ensuring a comfortable victory for the hosts.
In other ICC T20 World Cup matches played on Saturday, Pakistan and the West Indies also registered wins in their respective fixtures.
