India chase down West Indies target with 32 balls to spare as Iyer smashes 102 off 43 balls in the 1st T20.
Shreyas Iyer produced a stunning return to form as India comfortably defeated West Indies in the opening T20I.
India completed the chase with 32 balls remaining and moved 1-0 ahead in the five-match series.
Iyer dominated the second half of the innings. His unbeaten 102 from just 43 deliveries turned a competitive chase into a one-sided finish. India started aggressively.
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma collected 15 runs from the opening over.
However, West Indies quickly fought back. Akeal Hosein and Roston Chase removed both Indian openers. The early wickets gave the visitors a chance to put pressure on the chase.
That opportunity did not last long. Shamar Joseph came into the attack and conceded several boundaries in the sixth over. India immediately regained control over West Indies in 1st T20.
Ishan Kishan provided a solid start alongside Iyer.
Soon, though, Iyer shifted the game into another gear.
He attacked throughout the middle overs and kept increasing the scoring rate.
The captain reached his half-century from 28 balls.
Then came an extraordinary acceleration.
Iyer moved from 50 to 101 in only 14 deliveries.
He eventually finished unbeaten on 102 from 43 balls.
His innings featured relentless strokeplay and gave West Indies no chance to recover.
Kishan remained unbeaten at the other end. The pair added 137 runs from only 68 balls.
Their partnership completely changed the complexion of the chase.
Once they settled in, the required rate became increasingly manageable.
India eventually crossed the target with 32 deliveries still unused.
Iyer’s magnificent century ended a difficult period of personal form.
India, meanwhile, continued their winning momentum and secured a comfortable victory.
West Indies had shown promise by taking two early wickets in the 1st T20 against India.
However, they failed to maintain the pressure.
Iyer punished every mistake and produced one of the most destructive T20I innings of his career.
With four matches still to play, West Indies now face a major challenge to stay alive in the series.