Shreyas Iyer’s maiden T20I century propels India to eight-wicket win over West Indies

Shreyas Iyer scores first T20I ton (Image: BCCI) India captain Shreyas Iyer marked his return to form in spectacular fashion, smashing his maiden T20I century as India cruised to an eight-wicket win over the West Indies in the opening match of the five-match series on Tuesday.Chasing 172, India reached 172 for two in just 14.4 overs with Iyer producing a breathtaking unbeaten 102 off 43 balls. The century, topped off with a towering six off Roston Chase, was the fastest by an Indian bat against the West Indies in a T20I.Iyer walked off to a standing ovation after removing his helmet and raising both hands to the Indian dugout. His innings contained six sixes and a total of 10 boundaries.The chase did not begin without a scare. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma added 15 runs in the opener but West Indies hit back through their spin duo of Akeal Hosein and Roston Chase who dismissed both the openers.Iyer took charge alongside Ishan Kishan and turned the chase into a one-sided contest. The Indian skipper’s onslaught ensured that the hosts never let the required rate become an issue.

Naaman Dhir is acting on debut

Earlier, debutant Naman Dhir produced an impressive all-round performance with the ball as he claimed three wickets as India bowled out West Indies for 171 in 19.1 overs.Shai Hope scored a 37-ball 52 for the visitors while Sherfane Rutherford provided the late impetus with a strong 56 off 34 balls. The West Indies got off to a flying start with Hope smashing Mayank Yadav for four boundaries in the second over. Arshdeep Singh then provided India with the first breakthrough by clearing Kamil Pooran.The visitors’ innings suffered another setback when Shimron Hetmyer was run out in the sixth over before Axar Patel dismissed Rovman Powell for a duck. Rutherford briefly shifted the momentum back towards the West Indies when he took on Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel during an aggressive 56. Hope also brought up a half-century before falling to Dhir in the 12th over.India then tightened the screws. Kuldeep removed Roston Chase before Dhir struck twice more to finish with impressive figures of 3/31. Kuldeep returned 2/33 while Axar took 2/26.With the West Indies restricted to 171, Iyer ensured the result was never in doubt. His unbeaten century not only sealed India’s eight-wicket victory but also gave the skipper a perfect start to the five-match series as India took a 1-0 lead.