India skipper Suryakumar Yadav scored an unbeaten 84 in 29 matches at the World Cup, beating the United States with a record of 77-6.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav led by example as India started their 2020 World Cup title defense with a 29-run win over the United States in Group A on Saturday.

India recovered from a dire 77-6 to post a respectable 161-9, with Suryakumar hitting a stunning 84 not out off 49 balls.

The U.S. fought back at 132-8, putting up a good fight but never really getting close to chasing the goal.

Earlier, the predominantly Indian crowd at the Wankhede Stadium might have expected a June 4 match after US captain Monank Patel opted to field.

Instead, India’s top batsmen made a long procession to return to the pavilion after the world’s top-ranked T20 team suffered a humiliating defeat.

Opener Abhishek Sharma, currently the world’s top-ranked T20 batsman, fell short off the first ball, perhaps a sign of the home team’s impending fate.

The real nightmare unfolded in the final powerplay as Shadley van Schalkwyk took three wickets in five deliveries to leave India in trouble at 46-4.

Ishan Kishan (20) and Tilak Varma (25) were unable to make a difference in their starting XI, while Shivam Dube departed with a golden duck to his name in an eventful game over van Schalkwyk.

It could have easily been worse, but bowler Shubham Ranjane was unable to catch Suryakumar’s return ball when the batsman was at No. 15.

However, the wickets kept tumbling at the other end.

Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel lost their lives while trying to escape from the situation.

Suryakumar responded to the crisis with a captain’s knock, scoring a 36-ball 50 before snatching 21 off Saurabh Netravalkar’s last over.

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah missed the game due to illness and they were also forced to replace Harshit Rana, who was ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury 24 hours before the first match.

Mohammed Siraj (3-29) proved his presence as Rana’s replacement in the final minute with a two-wicket burst, while Arshdeep Singh also tasted success as they bowled out the United States 31-3 in six Powerplay overs.

Sanjay Krishnamurthi (37) and Milind Kumar (34) briefly challenged India for 58, but the partnership ended with India firmly in the driver’s seat.

Netherlands nearly pull off upset in Colombo, but Faheem Ashraf’s easy cameo leaves Pakistan nervous wicket victory Three goals left in another Group A game.

West Indies fast bowler Romario Shepherd took four wickets in five balls, including a hat-trick, as the two-time champions beat Scotland by 35 runs in the Group C match in Kolkata.