SKY’s lone warrior act rescues Team India after USA pace shock at Wankhede

Early batting collapse puts India under pressure, but a sensational unbeaten 84 by captain Suryakumar Yadav helps the hosts post a fighting total against the USA in the T20 World Cup opener.

Team India endured a tough start to their T20 World Cup campaign as their batting lineup collapsed under relentless pressure from USA pacers at the Wankhede Stadium. However, a sensational rescue act by captain Suryakumar Yadav ensured the hosts reached a respectable total of 161 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, India were rocked early. In just the second over, opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed, triggering a chain of wickets. Ishan Kishan, who struck two sixes and scored a brisk 20, fell attempting an aggressive shot, caught at mid-off.

Tilak Varma tried to stabilize the innings with a quick 25 off 16 balls but perished while going for a big hit, offering a catch to USA skipper Monank Patel at mid-wicket. The middle order then crumbled rapidly, with Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Hardik Pandya all departing for single-digit scores, leaving India in deep trouble.

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Axar Patel attempted to rebuild but managed only 14 runs before getting out. With wickets falling at regular intervals, the responsibility fell squarely on captain Suryakumar Yadav. Showing remarkable composure and confidence, SKY launched a stunning counter-attack, dismantling the USA bowling attack with a blend of timing, placement, and power.

Suryakumar smashed an unbeaten 84 off just 49 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and four towering sixes. His lone fightback transformed India’s innings, pushing the total to a competitive 161 despite losing nine wickets.

For the USA, fast bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout performer, claiming four crucial wickets and leading the charge that dismantled India’s batting order.