The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team on Saturday, February 7, registered their ninth consecutive win in the T20 World Cups, going past South Africa’s record of eight victories, after India beat the USA by 29 runs in their opening game of the 10th edition of the tournament.
A veteran of many battles at the Wankhede Stadium, Suryakumar’s unbeaten 84 off 49 deliveries was a blend of gritty rescue and defiant counter-attack against a USA bowling attack that proved far from pushovers.
Drawing on his vast experience at his home ground, Suryakumar was rewarded for his patience and, more importantly, discipline as a spirited USA team had India on the mat at 77/6 at one stage of the first innings.
The win against the USA is India’s ninth, continuing from
their unbeaten run at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they won all group-stage and Super 8 matches, the semifinal and the final to lift the title.
Winning Streaks That Defined the T20 World Cup
9 India (2024-26) *
8 South Africa (2024)
8 Australia (2022-24)
7 India (2012-14)
South Africa’s eight-match winning run in the 2024 T20 World Cup was only stopped in the final by India.
Meanwhile, in reply, the USA managed just 132/8 in a meek batting effort, a stark contrast to their first-innings performance where their bowlers had kept the high-flying Indians under control and held on to their catches.
Joining the team late on Friday evening, Siraj replaced ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and delivered a disciplined, fuller-length spell, picking up two wickets early and finishing with 3/29 in four overs.
With the USA reeling at 13/3 by the fourth over, they never posed a real threat to India’s modest total.
USA’s resistance fizzled as Siraj dismissed openers Andries Gous (6) and Saiteja Mukkamalla (2), while Arshdeep Singh (2/18) sent skipper Monank Patel back for a duck.
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