The West Indies suffered a heavy defeat in their first T20 International of a five-match series against India. The fixture marked the international debut of Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League standout Kamil Pooran and the 100th T20 International for Akeal Hosein, in front of a packed house at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground.
After being put in to bat by India, the West Indies put together an under-par powerplay and lost three wickets in the process. This was largely due to a double-wicket maiden by Kuldeep Yadav in the final over of the powerplay, which turned the game in favour of the Indians.
In a rebuilding effort, captain Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford put on a 63-run partnership off just 33 balls, significantly improving the run rate and the overall situation for the Men in Maroon.
Hope continued his dominance with the bat, scoring 52 runs off 37 deliveries before being dismissed. Following the skipper’s departure, the West Indies lost several wickets in quick succession in pursuit of quick runs. Many of the wickets went via the six-and-out route, with batsmen hitting the ball for a maximum and then being caught on the very next delivery after being lulled into a false sense of security.
Batting with the tail, Rutherford brought up a well-played half-century. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 171 in 19.1 overs.
India scored 62/2 in their powerplay overs. Captain Shreyas Iyer led the charge following the early losses, smashing an unbeaten 102 runs off just 43 deliveries, his maiden T20 international century, to lead his team to a comfortable 8-wicket victory in 14.4 overs. Iyer did much of this run-scoring alongside Ishan Kishan, who was controversially given not out on a catch attempt by Matthew Forde, much to the chagrin of the West Indians.
The Men in Maroon will look to change their fortunes when they face the same opposition on Friday in Ranchi.
