NewKerala.com

Rinku Singh Wins Fielder Medal as India Beats USA in T20 WC Opener

India began their T20 World Cup 2026 title defense with a 29-run victory over the USA at the Wankhede Stadium. Finisher Rinku Singh, despite a low score with the bat, was instrumental in the field, saving crucial runs and taking a catch to earn the 'fielder of the match' medal. Captain Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 84, rescuing India from a precarious 77/6 to set a competitive total of 161/9. The bowlers, led by Mohammad Siraj's three wickets, then restricted the USA to 132/8 to secure the win.

Key Points: India Defeats USA in T20 WC 2026 Opener, Rinku Singh Shines

  • Rinku Singh wins fielder medal
  • Suryakumar Yadav's 84* steers India
  • India recovers from 77/6 to post 161/9
  • Bowling attack restricts USA to 132/8
2 min read

T20 WC: Rinku Singh wins 'fielder of the match' medal after India beat USA in opener

Rinku Singh wins fielder of the match medal after India's 29-run victory over USA in T20 World Cup 2026 opener. Suryakumar Yadav's 84* leads the charge.

"It is the start of the tournament, and we have to keep this spirit for the rest of the tournament. - Rinku Singh"

Mumbai, Feb 8

India's finisher Rinku Singh won the fielder of the match medal after the defending champions registered a 29-run win against the USA in their first match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, played at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

Rinku was all around the ground, saving crucial runs during the USA's chase. He also took a brilliant catch of Sanjay Krishnamurthi at deep mid-wicket in the 16th over, which helped the team come close to winning.

In a video released by the BCCI on X, Rinku was seen preparing for his speech after winning the medal, and as the skipper Suryakumar Yadav announced his name, the right-handed batter said, "It is the start of the tournament, and we have to keep this spirit for the rest of the tournament. Keep supporting each other, and things will always remain smooth."

Rinku was, however, not able to impress with the bat in his T20 World Cup debut. Coming at a crucial time when India was reeling at 46/4 after the power play, Rinku got out early after scoring just five runs off 11 balls during his stay.

Speaking of the match, skipper Suryakumar played a match-winning knock of 84 not out after India were off to a bad start.

When the two-time champions were down at 77/6, Surya and Axar Patel raised a vital 41 runs for the seventh wicket partnership. The Indian skipper then put on display his 360-degree stroke-making abilities and power-hitting as he hammered two sixes and two fours in the final over to help India reach 161/9 in 20 overs.

Mohammad Siraj claimed three wickets for 29 runs, and with Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel bagging two wickets each, India strangled the USA innings and restricted them to 132/8 to win by 29 runs.

India will now play against Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Suryakumar Yadav was absolutely brilliant! When the top order collapsed, he held the innings together like a true captain. That final over was pure carnage. We are so lucky to have him.
A
Aman W
Good win, but the top-order batting is a real concern. 46/4 against USA? We can't afford such starts against stronger teams. Hope the think tank sorts this out before the Namibia match.
P
Priyanka N
Fielding medals are such a great initiative by the team management. It highlights the unsung heroes. Rinku's attitude is always top-class, whether he scores runs or not. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
Watching from the US, have to say well played India. SKY is a world-class player. Good to see the game growing here, even if we lost. Good luck for the rest of the tournament!
K
Karthik V
Bowling was clinical. Siraj, Arshdeep, and Axar choked the run flow perfectly. Defending 161 felt comfortable because of them. Hope Rinku finds his batting form soon, we need his finishing power.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50