First Muthoot Fincorp T20 International, Lucknow
West Indies 171/10 (19.1 overs): Sherfane Rutherford 56 (34); Naman Dhir 3-31(4)
India 172/2 (14.4 overs): Shreyas Iyer 102* (43); Akeal Hosein 1-37
India won by 8 wkts
India began the T20I series on a winning note, comfortably defeating West Indies by eight wickets in the opening match in Lucknow. Chasing 171, India reached the target in just 14.4 overs, powered by a stunning unbeaten century from captain Shreyas Iyer.
Iyer smashed an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes, to register his maiden T20I century. He was well supported by Ishan Kishan, who remained unbeaten on 37 off 27 balls, as the pair shared an unbroken 137-run partnership for the third wicket.
West Indies posted 170 for 8 after being put into bat, setting India a challenging target. However, the hosts made a flying start to the chase, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 21 off 10 balls and Sanju Samson adding a quick boundary before both departed to leave India at 35 for 2.
Iyer then took control of the innings, striking boundaries regularly during the Powerplay to take India to 62 for 2 after six overs. Despite a few quiet overs from West Indies, a costly 19-run over from Romario Shepherd brought India back on track.
Iyer reached his half-century from just 28 balls before shifting gears. He survived a couple of chances and unleashed a spectacular range of shots, including multiple sixes, to bring up his century from 42 balls.
His hundred was the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian captain, behind Rohit Sharma's 35-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in 2017.
With Iyer leading the charge and Kishan providing solid support, India completed the chase in the 15th over to record their 10th consecutive T20I victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.