India Cruise to 8-Wicket Win Over West Indies in T20I Opener

India cruised to an 8-wicket win over West Indies in the opening T20I in Lucknow, with Shreyas Iyer producing a brilliant unbeaten century.

Chasing 172, India reached 172 for 2 in just 14.4 overs at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Shreyas Iyer's Maiden Century

Iyer was the clear difference between the two sides, finishing unbeaten on 102 from 43 balls, with 10 fours and six sixes.

It was his maiden T20I century and helped India extend their winning run in the format to 10 consecutive matches.

Ishan Kishan stayed unbeaten on 37 from 27 balls and shared an unbroken 137 run partnership with Iyer for the third wicket.

West Indies' Innings

Earlier, West Indies were bowled out for 171 in 19.1 overs after being asked to bat first.

West Indies start quickly but lose three wickets in Powerplay, with Shai Hope making his intentions clear early in the innings.

Hope and Sherfane Rutherford brought West Indies back into the contest with an important partnership, with Hope reaching his half century from 36 balls.

Rutherford was more aggressive at the other end and kept West Indies moving through the middle overs.

However, West Indies then lost wickets regularly and were reduced to 135 for 8.

Rutherford continued to attack despite the wickets falling around him, finishing as West Indies' highest scorer with 56 from 34 deliveries.

India lose Abhishek and Samson early, but Iyer takes complete control, putting pressure back on the West Indies bowlers.

India reached 62 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay and then settled into the chase without allowing the required rate to become an issue.

Iyer completed his fifty from 28 balls and then reached his maiden T20I century in just 42 balls, with a strike rate of 237.20.

India completed the chase at 172 for 2 in 14.4 overs, winning with 32 balls remaining.

Iyer was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century.

The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

Match Brief Scores

West Indies 171 all out in 19.1 overs Sherfane Rutherford 56 off 34, Shai Hope 52 off 37 Naman Dhir 3-31, Axar Patel 2-26, Kuldeep Yadav 2-33

India 172/2 in 14.4 overs Shreyas Iyer 102* off 43, Ishan Kishan 37* off 27 Akeal Hosein 1-37, Roston Chase 1-37