The opening fixture of the five-match T20 International series between India and the West Indies at Lucknow’s packed Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground delivered a lopsided result, with the hosts securing a dominant eight-wicket win over the Caribbean side. The match carried extra narrative off the field: it marked the much-anticipated international debut of Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League standout Kamil Pooran, and celebrated Akeal Hosein’s milestone 100th T20I appearance for the Windies.
Put in to bat by India after the hosts won the toss, the West Indies got off to a disastrous start in the powerplay, losing three key wickets and posting a below-par total. Kuldeep Yadav, India’s left-arm spin bowler, delivered a match-altering double-wicket maiden in the final over of the powerplay, putting India firmly in control from the early overs.
A fighting rebuilding effort followed, as captain Shai Hope and batter Sherfane Rutherford forged a rapid 63-run partnership off just 33 balls that revived the West Indies’ run rate and gave the Men in Maroon a shot at a competitive total. Hope anchored the innings, scoring a polished 52 runs off 37 deliveries before he was sent back to the pavilion. After his dismissal, the West Indies’ batting collapsed in quick succession, with many batters falling after a false sense of security from hitting a maximum, only to be caught out on the very next delivery.
Rutherford stood firm with the lower order, notching up a well-deserved half-century that helped lift the West Indies to a final total of 171 all out in 19.1 overs. In reply, India got off to a flying start, posting 62 runs for the loss of just two wickets in the powerplay. After losing two early wickets, India captain Shreyas Iyer produced an innings for the history books, smashing an unbeaten 102 runs off only 43 deliveries – his first ever T20 International century. Iyer shared a critical productive partnership with Ishan Kishan, who survived a controversial catch appeal off Matthew Forde that left the West Indies camp furious. India chased down the target in just 14.4 overs, wrapping up an comfortable eight-wicket win. The two sides will meet again this Friday in Ranchi, where the West Indies will look to turn their fortunes around in the second fixture of the series.