A dream T20I debut for Naman Dhir in the blue jersey, snapping up three key wickets along with skipper and Player of the Match Shreyas Iyer’s century powers India to a win by eight wickets during the first T20I at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.

India grabs three wickets inside powerplay, Windies reduced to 44/3

West Indies got off to a good start, but the hosts struck back with three quick wickets inside the powerplay. Arshdeep Singh was instrumental in grabbing the first wicket of Kamil Pooran, an inside edge and he was bowled. Further, Shimron Hetmyer was run out due to a combined effort from Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson. In the same Axar Patel over, attempting a slog sweep, Rovman Powell went to play across the line and was bowled. At this stage, West Indies were 44/3 in 5.5 overs.

Hope, Rutherford smash half-tons, Naman Dhir picks maiden international T20I wicket

Skipper Shai Hope looked like he was ready to take the game away from India. He stitched a 63 runs partnership along with Sherfane Rutherford and together they steadied the West Indies ship. Our very own Naman Dhir struck when it mattered the most and it was indeed the big fish; Shai was dismissed for 52(37). Naman was rewarded for his great bowling, picking up his maiden international T20I wicket.

Later, Rutherford went berserk and also garnered his half century, 56(34) in style before being caught by Naman Dhir. 

Safe hands, sharp eyes and Tilak-Ishan on point while fielding

The Men in Blue had a field day, snapping up everything that came their way. Tilak Varma had his eyes on the ball till the very last second and held onto the catch of Romario Shepherd in the deep, thus awarding Naman Dhir his second wicket of the day. Ishan Kishan then joined the party, taking a splendid catch to dismiss Matthew Forde.

West Indies ended with 171 all out in 19.1 overs. Seven wickets were picked up by the spinners. Naman Dhir picked 3/31, Axar Patel 2/26 and Kuldeep Yadav 2/33.

Shreyas Iyer leads from the front, scores maiden T20I ton and helps India win

India found themselves in slight trouble at 35/2 in 3.3 overs. Skipper Shreyas Iyer produced a captains knock when India needed it the most. He stood tall under pressure, bringing up his half century that steadied the innings and set the tone. He showed exactly what it means to walk the talk in India colours. He smashed shots all around the park, as the visitors struggled to find answers. Later, he reached his century in style, 102 not out in 43 balls, laced with 10 fours and six sixes. He also stitched a 137 runs partnership along with Ishan Kishan.

India cruised to victory winning the match by eight wickets, and lead the five match T20I series 1-0.

Brief Scores

West Indies: 171 all out in 19.1 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 56, Shai Hope 52; Naman Dhir 3/31) lost to India: 172/2 in 14.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 102*; Roston Chase 1/37) by eight wickets.