Day 1 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, delivered a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide. February 7, 2026, witnessed three captivating matches filled with dramatic moments, showcasing the essence of T20 cricket.
The first match saw Pakistan survive a tense chase against the Netherlands in Colombo. The Netherlands fought valiantly, with Roelof van der Merwe taking a stunning catch to dismiss Sahibzada Farhan. However, Faheem Ashraf's late hitting propelled Pakistan to a three-wicket victory. Despite the loss, the Netherlands team was left "distraught", feeling they "deserved to win". A remarkable boundary relay catch by Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi also stood out in the match.
Kolkata witnessed the West Indies assert their dominance against Scotland. Shimron Hetmyer's offensive prowess earned him the Player of the Match award. Romario Shepherd's incredible performance, including a hat-trick, sealed the victory for the two-time champions. Shepherd's contribution wasn't limited to his hat-trick; he also grabbed a crucial catch to ensure the win. Overall, it was a brilliant all-round team effort that saw the West Indies beat Scotland by 35 runs.
The final match of the day featured defending champions India against the United States of America in Mumbai. The USA's Ali Khan provided an early shock by dismissing Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck. India's innings faltered early, but Suryakumar Yadav played a captain's knock, scoring a fighting half-century to stabilize the innings. His brave innings of 84 runs off 49 balls earned him the Player of the Match award and helped India reach a defendable total of 161/9. Mohammed Siraj, stepping in for Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh led the Indian bowling attack, claiming three and two wickets respectively, restricting the USA to 132/8, securing a 29-run victory for India.
Day 1 of the T20 World Cup 2026 set the stage for an exciting tournament. Each match offered a unique blend of skill, determination, and nail-biting moments. From stunning catches to under-pressure knocks and a hat-trick, the opening day delivered a memorable experience for cricket enthusiasts.