Before captain Suryakumar Yadav pulled off a miraculous comeback to lead the reigning champions to a 29 run victory at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, the United States forced India’s tournament co hosts into an early slump at the T20 World Cup.
India was supposed to light up their home crowd, but after being sent in they stumbled badly.
India collapsed to 46 for four after opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a first ball duck and a tumultuous powerplay that left the hosts stunned.
Shadley van Schalkwyk claimed three wickets in five deliveries. A number of middle order hitters were unable to convert starts into launching pads, and the collapse deepened to 77-6.
As wickets continued to fall, Suryakumar took the strain stabilizing the innings before accelerating late to lead India to 161 for nine.
He hit four sixes and finished undefeated at 84 from 49 balls. He also gave the final over its decisive burst by taking 21 runs from Saurabh Netravalkar.
After winning player of the match, Suryakumar remarked, “I can only tell how much pressure I was feeling. I believed and was aware that I could have an impact if I fought to the very end.”
Also Read: Sri Lanka turn to Pramod Madushan after Eshan Malinga ruled out of T20 World Cup
The United States fought back, but the chase had little margin for error due to early strikes.
Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah due to illness, Mohammed Siraj took 3-29 and India reduced the visitors to 31 for three in the powerplay.
Milind Kumar (34) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (37) combined for 58 for the fourth wicket to keep the match going, but after that stand ended India tightened their hold and won, with the United States finishing at 132 for eight.
