Lucknow: India’s bowlers produced a disciplined performance as they bowled out the West Indies for 171 in 19.1 overs in the first T20I at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday.
Making his T20I debut, Naman Dhir emerged as the standout bowler for India, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 31 in four overs. His performance put him among the best Indian bowling displays on T20I debut, with Dhir becoming only the third Indian spinner to claim three wickets in his first T20I.
Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav provided excellent support, taking two wickets each as India repeatedly struck at crucial stages of the West Indies innings.
West Indies skipper Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford led the visitors’ resistance with impressive half-centuries. Hope scored 52 off 36 balls, while Rutherford made a brisk 56 off 31 deliveries.
West Indies got off to a strong start, with Hope attacking Mayank Yadav in the second over and collecting 16 runs. India, however, hit back during the powerplay through Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel.
Kamil Pooran was dismissed for 12 before Shimron Hetmyer was run out for five. Rovman Powell then fell for a duck, leaving West Indies struggling at 44/3 after six overs.
Hope and Rutherford steadied the innings with a crucial partnership, taking the score to 82/3 at the drinks break. Hope subsequently brought up his 13th T20I half-century, continuing his strong form from the preceding ODI series.
But immediately after reaching his fifty, Hope fell to debutant Naman Dhir, holing out to Axar Patel at deep midwicket. The dismissal ended a 63-run partnership with Rutherford.
India’s spinners then tightened the pressure. Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Roston Chase for five before removing Matthew Forde for two. Ishan Kishan completed an excellent catch at deep midwicket to send Forde back.
Romario Shepherd briefly threatened with a six but was dismissed for seven, while Dhir claimed his third wicket when Shamar Springer holed out to Axar Patel.
Rutherford continued to fight back and reached his seventh T20I half-century from just 31 balls. However, he was eventually dismissed by Mayank Yadav for 56, ending West Indies’ hopes of a stronger finish.
Axar Patel then completed his second wicket as West Indies were bowled out for 171 in 19.1 overs.
Brief Score
West Indies: 171 all out in 19.1 overs
Sherfane Rutherford 56, Shai Hope 52
Naman Dhir 3/31, Axar Patel 2/26, Kuldeep Yadav 2 wickets
India will now begin their chase with West Indies looking to defend a competitive total of 172.
