LUCKNOW: Shreyas Iyer produced a stunning batting display to score his maiden T20I century as India stormed to an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the first T20I in Lucknow on Tuesday.
Chasing 172, India raced to 172 for 2 in just 14.4 overs, with Iyer remaining unbeaten on 102 and Ishan Kishan providing strong support with 37 not out.
The emphatic win extended India’s winning streak in T20 internationals to 10 matches and underlined the hosts’ dominance in the shortest format.
West Indies, after being asked to bat, posted 171, with Sherfane Rutherford top-scoring with 56 while Shai Hope also made a half-century. India’s bowlers, however, recovered strongly after an aggressive start from the visitors.
Axar puts West Indies under pressure
Shai Hope gave West Indies an ideal beginning, attacking India’s fast bowlers and taking Mayank Yadav for four boundaries in the second over.
India responded through Arshdeep Singh, who used his yorkers effectively before Axar Patel produced the decisive breakthrough during the powerplay.
Axar bowled a double-wicket maiden, removing Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell in the same over, leaving West Indies struggling at 44 for 3 after six overs.
The early damage meant India were firmly in control, although Hope and Rutherford refused to surrender.
Hope and Rutherford revive West Indies
The pair launched a counterattack during the middle overs, adding crucial runs and putting India’s bowling attack under pressure.
Rutherford targeted Kuldeep Yadav, striking two sixes in one over, while West Indies also collected 18 runs from an Axar Patel over.
With India’s main spinners coming under attack, the hosts turned to debutant Naman Dhir.
Naman Dhir makes an impact on debut
Dhir proved to be an effective option despite conceding boundaries.
After Hope launched him for a six, Dhir immediately responded by dismissing the West Indies opener, who was caught at deep midwicket.
He then removed Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer using clever changes of pace, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 31 from four overs.
Rutherford’s 56 ensured West Indies reached 171, but India appeared to have the chase under control.
West Indies strike early but cannot contain Iyer
India’s chase began with a setback as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson departed early.
At 36 for 2 after four overs, West Indies briefly sensed an opportunity.
However, the hosts’ deep batting line-up quickly changed the complexion of the chase. Ishan Kishan and Iyer attacked the bowling, taking India to 62 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.
At the halfway stage, India required 70 from the final 10 overs, with Iyer already well set.
Iyer turns on the power
What followed was a spectacular acceleration.
Iyer transformed the chase with an extraordinary assault, smashing six sixes in just 18 balls as India’s required run rate became irrelevant.
Matthew Forde bore the brunt of the onslaught when Iyer collected 24 runs from the 14th over.
Kishan played the perfect supporting role, rotating the strike and allowing Iyer to continue his assault.
The right-hander eventually reached his maiden T20I century and finished unbeaten on 102, while Kishan remained not out on 37.
India completed the chase with 32 balls to spare, sealing an eight-wicket victory and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Iyer’s hundred was also his second century in Lucknow this year, but his first at international T20 level, making it a memorable night for the Indian batter.
