Fresh off guiding India to gold at the Asian Games, skipper Shreyas Iyer delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting, powering India to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening T20I in Lucknow. Chasing a target of 172, the hosts found themselves in early trouble at 35/2 within the first four overs after losing openers Abhishek Sharma (21) and Sanju Samson to spin. However, Iyer teamed up with Ishan Kishan to turn the match on its head. After initially consolidating, Iyer unleashed an array of aggressive strokes, tearing into the Caribbean bowling attack. The Indian captain raced to his fifty off 28 deliveries before accelerating rapidly, hitting 24 runs in a single over to close in on triple digits. Iyer sealed his maiden T20I hundred in emphatic style, launching Roston Chase over long-on off his 42nd ball. He finished unbeaten on 100 as India completed the chase in just 14.4 overs with 32 balls to spare, registering their tenth consecutive win in the format. Earlier, Iyer won the toss and elected to field. West Indies enjoyed a brisk start through in-form Shai Hope, who raced to 21 inside two overs before India applied the brakes. Arshdeep Singh clean-bowled debutant Kamil Pooran, and Axar Patel turned the tide with a double-wicket maiden in the final over of the Powerplay, dismissing Shimron Hetmyer via a run-out and bowling Rovman Powell. Hope (56) and Sherfane Rutherford (56) rebuilt the Caribbean innings with a 63-run stand. However, Hope’s dismissal triggered a collapse as debutant Naman Dhir made an instant impression, claiming three quick wickets. Late resistance from Akeal Hosein—marking his 100th T20I appearance—and Rutherford pushed the total to 171 before Axar wrapped up the innings on the first ball of the 20th over. Speaking post-match, an elated Iyer emphasized the team’s attacking template: “I think if we continue with the same mindset we will be one of the most destructive teams in T20I cricket.” The two sides head to Ranchi next for the second match of the series on October 9. Post navigation Injury Blow for India A: Hardik Pandya Out, Suryansh Shedge Drafted In
