India produced a commanding display against West Indies during the first T20I at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, securing a decisive eight-wicket victory. After confining the visitors to 171 for nine wickets in 19.1 overs, India completed the chase in just 14.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
The standout moment of the match belonged to captain Shreyas Iyer, who delivered a breathtaking counter-attacking innings after India slipped to 35/2. The right-hander dismantled the West Indies bowling attack and finished unbeaten on 102 from just 43 deliveries, including 10 fours and six sixes.
Shreyas Iyer records historic maiden T20I century
Iyer arrived at the crease while India faced early pressure after Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma fell during the powerplay. However, the Indian captain transformed the chase entirely with a fearless strokeplay display. He targeted both pace and spin, finding boundaries almost freely as the West Indies bowlers struggled to contain him.
Iyer accelerated to his maiden T20I century as captain, reaching the milestone in spectacular fashion before staying unbeaten on 102 off 43 balls. The innings came at an astonishing strike rate of 237.21, featuring 10 boundaries and six sixes. Iyer received solid support from Ishan Kishan, who remained not out on 37 from 27 deliveries, as the pair guided India comfortably home.
Naman Dhir makes an immediate impact on debut
Earlier, India bowled exceptionally well after Iyer elected to field first. West Indies were initially steadied by captain Shai Hope, who scored 52 from 37 balls, before Sherfane Rutherford added late acceleration with a powerful 56 off 34 deliveries. India’s bowlers, however, kept securing timely breakthroughs.
T20I debutant Naman Dhir was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 31 runs, while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets apiece. West Indies were eventually bowled out for 171 in 19.1 overs, leaving India with a manageable target. Although the hosts’ early wickets briefly gave the visitors hope, Iyer’s extraordinary counter-attack ensured there was little drama in the remainder of the chase.
Here’s how fans and pundits reacted:
Shreyas Iyer’s India reached the finish line with ease #cricket #INDvWI #1stT20I pic.twitter.com/pEtxKQxdYG
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 6, 2026
3⃣rd #TeamIndia captain to score a HUNDRED in Men’s T20Is
Shreyas Iyer basking in the three-figure glory
Updates | @mflone_ | @ShreyasIyer15 pic.twitter.com/nw4HMIOyu6
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2026
Congratulations to Team India on winning the first T20I against West Indies. A captain’s knock from Shreyas Iyer, scoring a brilliant century, and a strong all round team performance. @BCCI @ShreyasIyer15 pic.twitter.com/r0TFCnYU85
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) October 6, 2026
That is some century by Shreyas Iyer. His power and awareness is so pleasing on the eye.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 6, 2026
INDIA BEAT WEST INDIES WITH 5.2 OVERS TO SPARE.
– Captain Shreyas Iyer is the hero. pic.twitter.com/vMr5wA4VHe
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 6, 2026
SHREYAS IYER COMPLETED THE HUNDRED WITH A SIX pic.twitter.com/jkvIkrnYrS
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 6, 2026
10 straight T20I wins for India.
And what a STATEMENT from captain Shreyas Iyer.
India were 35/2 in a chase of 172 when he walked in. Instead of absorbing pressure, he changed gears and completely took control.
His captaincy stint didn’t start perfectly, but India’s…
— Bhavesh Gujrati (@Bhaveshlivelife) October 6, 2026
First IPL Hundred at Lucknow
First International Hundred at LucknowShreyas Iyer
— Kapil (@Kapilmate_) October 6, 2026
That six to complete the hundred hit different.
After everything, seeing Sarpanch Sahab celebrate that century was genuinely emotional.
So happy to see Shreyas Iyer back doing what he does best. #India pic.twitter.com/7vViJTa3hu— Mr. Saif Khan (@Mr_Saif__Khan) October 6, 2026
Ruthless Batting by Shreyas Iyer
Captain’s Knock pic.twitter.com/pS1McE6fRu
— Kaustuv Mahapatra (@the_oldscoolboy) October 6, 2026
Sarpanch Shreyas Iyer at Ekana today pic.twitter.com/jMXNcPtkX0
— 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐚𝐤 (@d_praak_) October 6, 2026
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