Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 7: Skipper Suryakumar Yadav produced a sensational unbeaten 84 to haul India out of deep trouble and guide them to a competitive 161/9 against the USA in their Group A opener of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.
After opting to bat first, India were rocked early by disciplined American bowling on a pitch that offered grip and movement. Right-arm pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk exploited the conditions superbly, reducing the hosts to 46/4 inside the Power-play as India struggled to find momentum.
The slide began when Ali Khan dismissed Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck. Van Schalkwyk then struck three times in a devastating spell, removing Ishan Kishan (20), Tilak Varma (25), and Shivam Dube in quick succession to leave India wobbling. His clever use of slower balls and short-pitched deliveries yielded figures of 3/13 in his opening burst, with India failing to hit a boundary for four overs under mounting pressure.
Despite several dropped catches by the USA — including chances offered by Kishan, Varma and Suryakumar himself — Indian batters failed to capitalise. The situation worsened as Rinku Singh (6) and Hardik Pandya (5) departed attempting ambitious shots, leaving the defending champions reeling at 77/6 in the 13th over.
Amid the chaos, Suryakumar stood firm, displaying remarkable composure and adaptability. Choosing restraint over flair early on, he steadily rebuilt the innings before shifting gears. Partnering with Axar Patel, he added a vital 41-run stand that restored some belief. The turning point came in the 16th over when the duo hammered 21 runs off Saurabh Netravalkar, with Axar striking clean boundaries and Suryakumar finishing the over with a four and a six.
Axar’s dismissal for 14 ended the partnership, but Suryakumar was just getting started. He reached his half-century off 36 balls and then unleashed his full range in the final over, taking apart Netravalkar with scoops, laps and lofted strokes. The 20th over yielded 21 runs as he smashed two fours and two sixes, lifting India to a total that looked unlikely earlier in the innings.
Suryakumar’s 84 not out came off 49 balls and was studded with 10 fours and four sixes, a knock that underlined his ability to dominate even on challenging surfaces.
For the USA, van Schalkwyk was the standout performer with 4/25, while Harmeet Singh chipped in with 2/26, though their fielding lapses proved costly.
Brief scores:
India 161/9 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 84*; Tilak Varma 25; Shadley van Schalkwyk 4/25, Harmeet Singh 2/26) vs USA.