A viral post claimed that former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq had alleged that the match between India and America was fixed during the T20 World Cup 2026, but it was not true. However, Inzamam was seen praising Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s solid innings against the United States, making the circulated quote fake.
India began their T20 World Cup campaign with a win over the United States at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, February 7. After losing the toss, Team India batted first and scored 161/9 runs in 20 overs. In reply, USA could score 132/8 as India won their opening match by 29 runs.
Suryakumar Yadav saves India after top order collapse
India had to struggle initially after being invited to bat on the slow pitch of Wankhede. The top order collapsed rapidly, with Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dubey falling prey to golden ducks. Ishan Kishan scored 20 off 16, as India slipped to 46/4 in the powerplay and 77/6 later.
After this, Suryakumar Yadav took charge under pressure. He started cautiously and at one point scored 5 runs off 11 balls but remained calm and rebuilt the innings. After settling in at the crease, the right-handed batsman started attacking the bowlers and changing the pace.
The Indian captain scored an unbeaten 84 runs in 49 balls at a strike rate of 171.43, which included 10 fours and four sixes. He smashed 21 off Saurabh Netrawalkar in the final over to take India to 161/9 in 20 overs, which proved enough on a difficult surface and gave the bowlers something to defend.
I will definitely praise USA – Inzamam-ul-Haq
Inzamam-ul-Haq said that India won their match against USA, but USA deserves praise for the way they played and approached the game.
Inzamam-ul-Haq said, “There was a match between India and USA and India, it must be said, won easily. I will definitely praise USA for the way they are playing cricket.”
(This was the match between India and the United States, and it must be said that India won it easily. I will definitely praise the United States for the way they are playing cricket.)
No, he didn’t say that. He has been misquoted. Actually he praised Surya Kumar Yadav. https://t.co/8EtPnl8TUP pic.twitter.com/Dv4AgPhmO7
– Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) 10 February 2026
Suryakumar Yadav should be given credit – Inzamam-ul-Haq
Inzamam-ul-Haq also said that the match went downhill for a while when India lost its first three batsmen. However, he felt that the situation never went out of control because of Suryakumar Yadav. Inzamam said that Suryakumar played with freedom and confidence under pressure.
“India’s first three players were out, there was a feeling that maybe USA can catch them too. But I think credit should be given to Suryakumar Yadav, because the kind of player he is, the way he plays openly and the way his batting style is, he handled the match very comfortably.”
(When India lost their first three players, it looked like the United States might be able to put them under pressure. But in my view, full credit should be given to Suryakumar Yadav because of the kind of player he is, the freedom with which he plays, and his batting style. He handled the situation with complete ease.)
Also read: Jay Shah shows Pakistan their place: Complete timeline of IND vs PAK controversy from boycott threat to U-turn in T20 World Cup 2026
