T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav special helps India avoid opening-day gloom vs USA

T20 World Cup: Skipper Suryakumar Yadav's special unbeaten 84 helped India avoid opening-day gloom as the defending champions began their title defence with a nervy 29-run win over the USA at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, February 7.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav washed away opening-day nerves with an unbeaten 84 built on patience and courage, steering India through an uneasy evening as the defending champions began their title defence with a hard-fought 29-run victory over the USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, February 7.

The bowlers ensured his effort did not go unrewarded. Mohammad Siraj (2/29) struck early, Arshdeep Singh (2/18) held his nerve at the death, and Axar Patel (2/24) tightened the screws through the middle overs as the USA were restricted to 132 for 8. It was not India at their most commanding, but they found a way to get the job done.

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When the USA asked the tournament favourites to bat first, the talk quickly shifted to the possibility of a big total on a traditionally batting-friendly Wankhede surface. The expectation was understandable. India have crossed 250 three times since the last World Cup, and with a small ground, a true pitch and an associate opponent, conditions appeared ideal for a run-heavy contest.

Instead, the night unfolded very differently. There was no sense of inevitability and no comfortable passage through the middle overs. Uncertainty crept in early and lingered. One by one, established names walked back, some in haste and others in frustration, leaving their captain to shoulder the responsibility almost alone. Drawing on his experience at his home ground, Suryakumar chose discipline over desperation even as a spirited USA side had India reeling at 77 for 6.

Dropped on 15, Suryakumar eventually broke free with a late surge that featured 10 fours and four sixes, lifting India from 128 for 7 after 18 overs to a fighting 161 for 9, a total that proved just enough once the bowlers took control.