Get ready for a blockbuster encounter as the powerhouse India takes on the rising United States of America in their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Taking place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, this match carries immense excitement as the defending champions, led by Suryakumar Yadav, look to assert their dominance on home soil. Meanwhile, Team USA arrives with high confidence, aiming to prove that their previous successes were no fluke by challenging the world’s top-ranked side in one of cricket’s most vibrant atmospheres.
Match Schedule
- Match: India vs USA (Group A)
- Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
- Time: 07:00 PM (IST) | 06:30 PM (PKT) | 08:30 AM (ET)
Where to Watch Live?
1. In India (Host Nation)
- TV Channels: Star Sports Network (Available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada).
- Digital Streaming: JioHotstar app and website.
- Special Feature: Indian fans can enjoy 360-degree views and multi-cam features on the JioHotstar app.
2. In USA & Canada
- TV Channel: Willow TV (English and Hindi).
- Free Streaming: Great news for fans in the US—all USA matches will be streamed FREE on the Willow by Cricbuzz YouTube channel.
- Alternative: Fans can also watch a special “creator-led” commentary feed by Jomboy Media on YouTube.
3. In Pakistan
- TV Channels: PTV Home and PTV Sports.
- Digital Streaming: Tamasha, Tapmad, and Myco apps.
4. In United Kingdom
- TV Channel: Sky Sports Cricket.
- Streaming: NOW App.
5. Rest of the World
- Australia: Prime Video.
- Global: In countries without a local TV partner, fans can watch for free on ICC.tv.
Expected Playing XI
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson/Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy.
USA: Monank Patel (C/WK), Steven Taylor, Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Nitish Kumar, Jasdeep Singh, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, and Nostush Kenjige.
Pitch & Conditions
The Wankhede Stadium is a paradise for batters. The boundaries are short, and the pitch is usually very fast. Fans should expect a high-scoring game with plenty of sixes. Since it’s a night match, the “dew factor” might make it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball in the second innings.
