India produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict West Indies to 171 all out in 19.1 overs in the first T20 International at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
After being put under pressure by well-crafted half-centuries from Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope, the Indian bowlers struck at regular intervals to prevent the visitors from posting a bigger total.
Hope laid the foundation of the innings with a fluent 52 off 37 deliveries, while Rutherford accelerated in the latter stages, smashing 56 from just 34 balls. Their innings kept the scoreboard moving and helped West Indies maintain momentum through the middle overs.
However, India fought back impressively with timely breakthroughs. Naman Dhir emerged as the standout performer, claiming three crucial wickets while conceding 31 runs. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with two wickets each, tightening the screws on the Caribbean batters.
West Indies appeared poised for a stronger finish, but India’s bowlers executed their plans effectively in the death overs, triggering a collapse that saw the final wickets fall quickly. The visitors were eventually bundled out for 171 with five balls remaining in their innings.
With a target of 172 runs, India will look to capitalize on home conditions and gain an early advantage in the T20I series. The chase promises to be an intriguing contest, with the pitch offering enough assistance for both batters and bowlers.
