Overview:
All things considered, India will be the outright favourites, and one expects them to stamp their authority on the USA. The minnows would want to show why they are in this tournament and put up a fight.
India and the USA gear up for match number three of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting February 7. In a blockbuster opening day, three matches are set to be held. Pakistan versus the Netherlands and Scotland versus the West Indies will take place before India’s game at different venues.
Co-hosts India are the defending champions and will take on a USA side who are filled with Asian immigrants from both India and Pakistan.
India come into this game on the back of a T20I match series against New Zealand at home. They also played a warm-up clash versus South Africa. On the other hand, the USA took on India A in a warm-up clash and looked impressive with the bat.
India last suffered a defeat in a T20 World Cup match in 2022. It was the semi-final against England in Adelaide. They will look to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament.
India T20I squad
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
Harshit Rana has been ruled out officially from the tournament with an injury. Mohammed Siraj has replaced the all-rounder. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar is still recovering from a side strain. He was not with the squad during their warm-up match against South Africa. He is a backup for Axar Patel and will remain in the side.
USA T20I squad
Monank Patel (c), Jessy Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane.
What is the H2H record between India and the USA?
India and the USA have faced each other once in T20I cricket. That happened in the T20 World Cup 2024. USA scored 110/8 before India picked up a seven-wicket win. India scored 111/3 in 18.3 overs.
Probable XI of both teams
India probable XI for the match against USA
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
USA probable XI for the match versus India
Saiteja Mukkamalla, Andries Gous (wk), Shayan Jahangir, Monank Patel (capt.), Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, Shubham Ranjane, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan.
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, & Key Details of the Stadium
The Wankhede Stadium is located in Mumbai. It was established in 1974 and has a capacity of 32,000 people. The first Test was played here in 1975, before the 1st ODI happened in 1987. The first T20I was held here in 2012.
What is the Pitch like at the Wankhede Stadium?
The Wankhede pitch is traditionally a batter’s paradise, with true bounce and the ball coming sweetly onto the bat. Fast bowlers may find some swing and seam with the new ball, but conditions generally ease as the innings wears on. Short boundaries and a flat surface could boost the confidence of the USA batters against India’s pace attack. At the same time, it’s a venue made for India’s power-hitters to cut loose, pile on a big total, and stamp their authority early in the tournament. Dew will be a factor, and the team winning the toss will likely field here.
Key Stats & Records at the Wankhede Stadium
India have played six T20Is here. They have won 4 and lost 2. Notably, they started with two defeats before picking up 4 successive wins.
India own the two top highest team totals here at this venue, scoring 247/9 versus England in 2025 and 240/3 versus West Indies in 2019.
England’s 97 is the lowest score here against Team India in 2025.
Former T20I stars Virat Kohli (197) and Rohit Sharma (165) own the most runs here. Among active players, Abhishek Sharma has scored 135 runs from a solitary knock.
Among bowlers, Mohammed Shami and Kyle Abbott own the joint-most scalps at Wankhede Stadium. They have 5 scalps each. Among the present Indian side, Kuldeep Singh has picked up three wickets here.
IND vs USA: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
The weather conditions on match day look ideal for cricket. According to AccuWeather, skies are expected to remain clear with temperatures around 32°C. There is no forecast of rain or thunderstorms, ensuring uninterrupted play. With a gentle wind speed of about 13 km/h, conditions should be comfortable and well-suited for a high-quality contest.
India vs USA: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
All things considered, India will be the outright favourites, and one expects them to stamp their authority on the USA. The minnows would want to show why they are in this tournament and put up a fight.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Wankhede Stadium
What is the pitch report for Wankhede Stadium?
The surface at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is usually a high-scoring affair. It’s more of a batting-friendly surface with pacers enjoying bowling with the new ball. Spinners will have a say in the middle overs but need to build on their application. The dew will be something all teams will keep an eye on here. Batting will get easier in the 2nd innings.
What is India’s and the USA’s record at the Wankhede Stadium?
At the Wankhede Stadium, the two teams will meet for the 1st time. India have played here 6 times, winning 4 and losing two. USA have never played on Indian soil.