Star Indian all-rounder Axar Patel struck twice in one over to put the USA under pressure in their T20 World Cup 2026 match. This was the first game of the tournament for both teams. Batting first, India posted a fighting total of 161/9.

In reply, the USA lost early wickets and slipped to 13/3. Milind Kumar scored 34 runs, while Sanjay Krishnamurthi made 37 and showed some resistance in the middle. As a partnership was building between Sanjay and Shubham Ranjane, Axar Patel changed the game in the 16th over by taking two quick wickets.

Axar first dismissed Sanjay, who tried to play a slog sweep but failed to connect, allowing Rinku Singh to take an easy catch at deep mid-wicket. On the very next ball, Axar removed Harmeet Singh for a first-ball duck. Harmeet also attempted a slog sweep, and Mohammed Siraj completed the catch.

Watch the video here:

☝️ Krishnamurthi
☝️ Harmeet

Two wickets in two deliveries for @akshar2026, and #TeamIndia are in the driver’s seat! 👏

Will we see a fightback from USA? 🤔

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #INDvUSA | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/GSioxLqv9R pic.twitter.com/eLMrpybxeq

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 7, 2026

Also read -Watch: Legendary Indian captain walks out with T20 World Cup trophy at Wankhede ahead of IND vs USA Group A match

Axar Patel Breaks USA’s Chase

After Axar Patel’s double strike, the USA were reduced to 98/6. His excellent over broke their momentum and damaged their chances of getting close to India’s total. From that point, the visitors struggled to put up a strong fight in the chase.

Axar Shines with Bat and Ball

Axar Patel proved his value with the ball against the USA. He picked up two important wickets at a key stage of the match. He also bowled tight lines and lengths, which did not allow the batters to score freely. Axar finished with figures of 2/24 from his four overs at an economy rate of 6.00.

Earlier, Axar also made a useful contribution with the bat. Coming lower down the order, he scored 14 runs off 11 balls, including two boundaries. He shared an important 41-run partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav. India won the match by 29 runs and started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a positive note. Axar’s all-around performance will give him confidence for the rest of the tournament.