India produced a dominant performance against West Indies in the first T20I at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, securing an emphatic eight-wicket victory. After restricting the visitors to 171 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 biggest highlight of the contest came from captain Shreyas Iyer, who produced a breathtaking counter-attacking innings after India slipped to 35/2. The right-hander tore apart the West Indies bowling attack and remained unbeaten on 102 from just 43 deliveries, with 10 fours and six sixes.

Shreyas Iyer smashes sensational maiden T20I century

Iyer walked into the middle with India under some early pressure after Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were dismissed during the powerplay. However, the Indian captain completely changed the complexion of the chase with a fearless display of strokeplay. He attacked both pace and spin, finding boundaries almost at will as the West Indies bowlers struggled to contain him.

Iyer raced to his maiden T20I century as captain, reaching the landmark in spectacular fashion before remaining unbeaten on 102 off only 43 balls. His innings came at a staggering strike rate of 237.21 and included 10 boundaries and six sixes. Iyer received valuable support from Ishan Kishan, who remained unbeaten on 37 from 27 deliveries as the pair guided India comfortably over the line.

Naman Dhir shines on T20I debut

Earlier, India had done an excellent job with the ball after Iyer opted to field first. West Indies were initially steadied by captain Shai Hope, who scored 52 from 37 balls, before Sherfane Rutherford provided the late acceleration with a powerful 56 off 34 deliveries. India’s bowlers, however, kept finding timely breakthroughs.

T20I debutant Naman Dhir was the standout performer, claiming three wickets for 31 runs, while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets apiece. West Indies were eventually bowled out for 171 in 19.1 overs, leaving India with a manageable target. The hosts’ early wickets briefly gave the visitors hope, but Iyer’s extraordinary counter-attack ensured there was little drama in the remainder of the chase.

Also READ: BCCI announce India’s T20I squad for New Zealand tour; Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns after 4 years

Here’s how fans reacted:

Shreyas Iyer’s India reached the finish line with ease 😊#cricket #INDvWI #1stT20I pic.twitter.com/pEtxKQxdYG

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 6, 2026

3️⃣rd #TeamIndia captain to score a HUNDRED in Men’s T20Is 💯

Shreyas Iyer basking in the three-figure glory 💙

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/2czVyKWreK#INDvWI | @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 Lucknow ✅

Shreyas 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

Also READ: Former opener explains why KL Rahul is the best middle-order batter at present in ODI format