Mumbai, February 7 The Indian bowlers put up a disciplined performance after a lackluster batting display to defeat the United States of America by 29 runs, starting their ICC T20 World Cup campaign on a winning note here on Saturday.
Pace bowlers Mohammad Siraj (2/29), Arshdeep Singh (2/18), and left-arm spinner Axar Patel (2/24) were the standout performers, after India struggled to reach 161/9.
In response, the USA were restricted to 132/8.
Milind Kumar (34), Shubham Ranjane (37), and Suraj Krishnamurthi (37) fought valiantly, but were no match for the experience of the Indian bowlers.
Earlier, captain Suryakumar Yadav countered with a counter-attacking half-century (84, 49 balls) to salvage the innings after the top and middle order faltered.
India were left reeling at 77/6 in the 13th over as USA's 37-year-old South African-born pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk (4/25) bowled with devastating accuracy, dismissing Ishan Kishan (20), Tilak Varma (25), and Shivam Dube (0) in a brutal sixth over.
Brief scores: India 161/9 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 84 not out; Shadley van Schalkwyk 4/25, Ali Khan 1/13, Harmeet Singh 2/26) beat USA: 132/8 in 20 overs (Milind Kumar 34, Suraj Krishnamurthi 37; Mohammad Siraj 2/29, Arshdeep Singh 2/18, Axar Patel 2/24) by 29 runs.