The Indian team triumphed over the United States (USA) by 29 runs in their opening Group Stage match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Held at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on 7th February (Saturday), India set a formidable target of 162 runs, which the American team fell short of, amassing only 132 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav played a pivotal role in India's victory. He smashed an unbeaten 84 runs off 49 balls, graced with 10 boundaries and four magnificent sixes. His magnificent innings earned him the 'Player of the Match' accolade. Suryakumar now holds the record for the most 'Player of the Match' awards, amassing 17 T20 International accolades for India.
Suryakumar surpassed the great Virat Kohli, who has clinched the 'Player of the Match' award 16 times in T20 Internationals. Notably, Suryakumar has bagged this coveted award four times specifically within T20 World Cup tournaments. The skipper has now outshone icons like Yuvraj Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Rohit Sharma who each received the award three times in T20 World Cups. Yet, Kohli remains a top contender among Indian players.
Most 'Player of the Match' Awards in T20 World Cup for India
8- Virat Kohli (35 matches) 4- Suryakumar Yadav (19 matches) * 3- Yuvraj Singh (31 matches) 3- Ravichandran Ashwin (24 matches) 3- Rohit Sharma (47 matches)
Most 'Player of the Match' Awards in T20 Internationals for India
17- Suryakumar Yadav (105 matches) 16- Virat Kohli (125 matches) 14- Rohit Sharma (159 matches) 8- Axar Patel (88 matches)
The Indian team has now become the team with the most consecutive victories in T20 World Cup history, having won 9 successive matches. They have surpassed South Africa and Australia, who each secured 8 consecutive victories. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh picked up 2 key wickets against the USA. His tally in T20 World Cups now stands at 29 wickets. After 15 T20 World Cup matches, only Anrich Nortje has more wickets than Arshdeep.
Most Consecutive Wins in T20 World Cup
9* India (2024-26) 8 South Africa (2024) 8 Australia (2022-24) 7 India (2012-14)
Most Wickets in 15 T20 World Cup Matches
30 Anrich Nortje (South Africa) 29 Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) 29 Arshdeep Singh (India)
