Indian T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer was elated after India’s comfortable eight-wicket win in the first T20I of the five-match series against the West Indies at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, October 6.
Iyer, who came out to bat at No.4, scored his maiden T20I century in the 172-run chase as India took just 14.4 overs to reach the target and take a 1-0 lead. Speaking at the post-match presentation after being adjudged player of the match, Iyer said they will be one of the most destructive T20I sides if the team continues with the same mindset.
“After the exhausting travel, I didn’t realise where I was. Every day I need to wake up like this! Bowling first helped us a lot. We just didn’t look at jet lag as an excuse. We saw the excitement of Ind vs WI in the ODIs and how amazing that was. It was important to stick to the process,” Iyer said after the game.
“Exultant! Was thinking about my first century and dreams do come true. Winning tastes different. If it is your day, win the match for the team,” Iyer added.
“Overall it was a comprehensive performance. If we continue with the same mindset, we will be one of the most destructive teams in T20. Dhir wanted to bowl in crucial moments. Capitalised on the turn, I love his attitude. I am already sleepy. Axar’s eyes had become red as well,” he concluded.
Delving into the details of the game, West Indies batted first and posted 171 runs in 19.1 overs. Shai Hope (52) and Sherfane Rutherford (56) were the top scorers. Naman Dhir scalped a three-wicket haul.
The chase was more one-sided as India sealed the deal in just 14.4 overs with eight wickets in hand. Captain Shreyas Iyer was the wrecker-in-chief as he scored an unbeaten 102 off 43 with 10 fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 237.21.
