LUCKNOW — Shreyas Iyer delivered a masterclass in aggressive leadership at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, conquering his long wait for a maiden T20 International hundred with a sensational 42-ball century. His breathtaking assault propelled India to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening match of their five-game series.
Chasing a competitive target of 172, the Indian skipper ensured the contest was a one-sided affair, sealing the win with 32 balls remaining. Tucking a delivery from spinner Roston Chase for a single in the 16th over, Iyer completed his hundred and wrapped up the chase in emphatic fashion. The victory gives the hosts a 1-0 series lead, continuing their dominant form following a 2–1 triumph in the preceding One Day International series.
The Indian response started on a shaky note. By the middle of the fourth over, both openers had returned to the pavilion with just 35 runs on the board. Entering at number three, Iyer stepped into a high-pressure situation, joining Ishan Kishan at the crease. What followed was a complete demolition of the West Indian bowling attack.
While Kishan played a measured, supportive role—remaining unbeaten on 37 from 27 deliveries—Iyer tore into the opposition. The captain brought up his half-century in 28 balls, laced with eight crisp boundaries. However, that was merely the prelude. Iyer exploded in the second half of his knock, needing just 14 more balls to reach triple figures by unleashing a barrage of sixes. Fast bowler Matthew Forde bore the worst of it in the 14th over, conceding three consecutive maximums as Iyer accelerated toward his milestone.
By reaching three figures, Iyer became only the third player to score a T20 International century while captaining India, joining the illustrious company of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. The knock easily eclipsed his previous career-best score of 80 in the format.
The Ekana Cricket Stadium has fast become a fortress for the 29-year-old batsman. Across five short-format matches at the venue for both franchise and country, Iyer has been dismissed just once. He has now recorded back-to-back centuries at the ground, operating at a staggering strike rate above 200.
Earlier in the evening, the West Indies were bundled out for 171 in 19.1 overs after electing to bat. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, captain Shai Hope provided stability with a 37-ball 52, while Sherfane Rutherford added firepower, scoring 56 off 34 deliveries. Their efforts ensured the Caribbean side set a defensible total. However, debutant off-spinner Naman Dhir kept the runs in check, taking three for 31 to break crucial partnerships and prevent a late flourish.
Though 171 appeared competitive at the midpoint, Iyer’s unrelenting assault rendered the total completely inadequate, bringing the chase to a close well before the full quota of overs. Both teams now head to Ranchi, where the second T20 International takes place on Friday.
