Shreyas Iyer First T20I Century Powers India to Big Win

Shreyas Iyer first T20I century arrived at exactly the right moment as the India captain smashed an unbeaten 102 off just 43 balls to guide his team to a commanding eight-wicket victory over West Indies in Lucknow.

Chasing 172 at the Ekana Stadium, India were in early trouble at 35/2 after losing both openers inside 21 balls. But Iyer absorbed the pressure before launching a stunning counterattack that completely changed the course of the match.

India eventually reached 172/2 in only 14.4 overs, winning with 32 balls to spare.

Iyer Takes Control After Early Setback

The chase began on a difficult note for India as Roston Chase and Akeal Hosein created early pressure.

Iyer, however, remained composed. He initially focused on settling in before taking advantage of loose deliveries from the West Indies pacers.

The momentum began to shift in the sixth over when Shamar Joseph conceded 12 runs. Iyer attacked through the off side and soon followed it up with aggressive strokes against Romario Shepherd.

With little movement available from the pitch, the West Indies bowlers tried testing him with short-pitched deliveries.

That approach did not work.

Iyer repeatedly used the pull shot effectively and quickly turned a perceived weakness into one of his strengths on the night.

Shreyas Iyer Reaches Fifty in 28 Balls

Iyer completed his half-century in 28 deliveries, but his scoring rate increased sharply from there.

After handling the fast bowlers, he went after the spinners.

When Akeal Hosein returned in the 13th over, Iyer created room and launched him over extra cover. He then attacked Matthew Forde in the following over, striking multiple sixes and keeping India well ahead of the required rate.

He received one lifeline when Shamar Joseph failed to hold on to a chance near long-on.

Iyer made the most of the opportunity.

He brought up his maiden T20I century with a six, completing one of the most dominant innings of his international career.

Ishan Kishan Plays Perfect Supporting Role

While the Shreyas Iyer first T20I century stole the spotlight, Ishan Kishan played an important supporting role at the other end.

Batting at No.3, Kishan focused on rotating the strike and allowing Iyer to maintain the attacking tempo.

He picked his opportunities carefully, finding boundaries against Chase, Joseph, Shepherd and Hosein.

Kishan also survived a close moment when he miscued a full toss towards deep cover. The catch initially appeared to have been taken, but the television umpire ruled that the ball had touched the ground.

Iyer and Kishan eventually added an unbeaten 137-run partnership for the third wicket.

Kishan finished unbeaten on 37 as India completed the chase comfortably.

India Spinners Restrict West Indies to 171

Earlier, India’s spin attack played a major role in preventing West Indies from posting a much bigger total.

Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav struggled for consistency early on, but Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and debutant Naman Dhir combined to take seven wickets.

West Indies were reduced to 44/3 after six overs before Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford launched a recovery.

Hope scored 52, while Rutherford contributed 56.

Naman Dhir Impresses on Debut

Naman Dhir made an immediate impact in his first T20I appearance.

He dismissed Hope before returning to remove Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer.

Dhir finished with figures of 3/31, while Axar Patel claimed 2/26.

Kuldeep Yadav, playing his first T20I since February, recovered strongly after an expensive start and ended with 2/33.

Kuldeep Yadav Produces Strong Comeback

Kuldeep conceded 24 runs in his first two overs as Rutherford and Hope attacked him aggressively.

However, the left-arm wrist-spinner responded well after being brought back into the attack.

He dismissed Roston Chase lbw and later removed Matthew Forde, conceding only nine runs across his final two overs.

The combined effort of India’s spinners restricted West Indies to 171 all out in 19.1 overs.

India Seal Eight-Wicket Victory

The target of 172 initially looked competitive, especially after India lost two early wickets.

But Iyer’s extraordinary innings ensured the contest quickly turned one-sided.

His unbeaten 102 from 43 deliveries, supported by Kishan’s composed 37 not out, helped India reach the target in just 14.4 overs.

The Shreyas Iyer first T20I century not only ended his recent run of low scores but also delivered a match-winning performance when India needed it most.

Brief Scores

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

India: 172/2 in 14.4 overs
Shreyas Iyer 102*, Ishan Kishan 37*

Result: India won by 8 wickets.