Captain Shreyas Iyer produced a stunning batting masterclass as India comfortably defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the first T20I in Lucknow. Chasing 172, India made light work of the target and wrapped up the game in just 14.4 overs.

The emphatic victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, with the second match scheduled to take place in Ranchi on October 9.

Shreyas Iyer turns Lucknow into his playground

After being handed the captaincy, Shreyas Iyer delivered a performance to remember. The right-hander smashed an unbeaten 102 from only 43 deliveries, completely taking the game away from the West Indies.

India did lose two early wickets, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 21 off 10 balls before Sanju Samson departed for just 11. But once Iyer settled in, the West Indies had virtually no answers.

Iyer reached his half-century from 28 balls, hitting eight boundaries along the way. He then shifted gears dramatically, bringing up his century just 14 deliveries later.

His acceleration was particularly destructive. After reaching fifty, Iyer struck two fours and six sixes, including a spectacular burst of four sixes and a boundary in the six balls immediately before completing his century.

Ishan Kishan provides perfect support

At the other end, Ishan Kishan played the ideal supporting role. He remained unbeaten on 37 as he and Iyer completely dismantled the West Indies bowling attack.

The pair added a remarkable 137 runs from just 67 deliveries. Iyer contributed 102 of those runs, while Kishan ensured there was no further drama in the chase.

With the winning runs coming in the 15th over, India completed one of their most convincing chases of the series so far.

Naman Dheer makes dream debut

India’s dominance wasn't limited to the batting department. Debutant all-rounder Naman Dheer impressed with the ball, producing an excellent four-over spell.

Dheer finished with three wickets for 31 runs, playing a crucial role in restricting the West Indies to 171.

Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel also chipped in with two wickets apiece as India kept taking wickets at regular intervals and prevented the visitors from posting a bigger total.

India take early control of the series

The comprehensive eight-wicket victory gives India an early 1-0 advantage in the five-match series.

With Shreyas Iyer leading from the front and the bowling attack also delivering a strong performance, India will enter the second T20I in Ranchi with plenty of confidence.

The next match on October 9 will give the West Indies an opportunity to bounce back, but after such a dominant opening performance, India will be looking to extend their lead.