LUCKNOW — Shreyas Iyer produced a masterclass in aggressive strokeplay, smashing a blistering maiden T20 International century to power India to a commanding eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the series opener at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a target of 172, the Indian captain reached his milestone off just 42 deliveries before steering his side home with 32 balls to spare. Iyer struck the winning single off Roston Chase in the 16th over to seal a comprehensive triumph, giving India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series following their recent 2–1 success in the One Day International leg.
The Indian run-chase stumbled early, losing both openers within the first four overs to leave the hosts at 35 for two. However, Iyer’s arrival at the crease transformed the contest entirely. Partnering Ishan Kishan, who played a composed supporting role with an undefeated 37 off 27 balls, Iyer took absolute control of the match in a brilliant 137-run partnership.
Having raced to a 28-ball half-century anchored by eight crisp boundaries, the Indian skipper unleashed an extraordinary assault in the second half of his innings. He required only 14 further deliveries to convert his fifty into a century, dispatching the Caribbean bowling attack with brutal efficiency. Matthew Forde bore the brunt of the onslaught in the 14th over, conceding three massive sixes as Iyer accelerated towards three figures.
By recording his maiden international T20 century, Iyer became only the third Indian captain to achieve the feat in the format, joining the elite company of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. His spectacular effort easily eclipsed his previous personal best of 80 runs in T20 Internationals.
The Ekana Stadium continues to serve as a happy hunting ground for the 29-year-old batsman. Across five short-format appearances at the venue for both club and country, Iyer has been dismissed just once, registering two consecutive centuries while maintaining an astonishing strike rate of 200.59.
Earlier in the evening, the West Indies were bundled out for 171 in 19.1 overs after being inserted to bat. Captain Shai Hope anchored the top order with a 37-ball 52, whilst Sherfane Rutherford provided late impetus with a fiery 56 off 34 balls. However, debutant off-spinner Naman Dhir halted the visitors’ momentum, claiming impressive figures of three for 31 to restrict the opposition.
The teams now travel to Ranchi for the second T20 International on Friday.