Shreyas Iyer produced a stunning display of power hitting in Lucknow, smashing an unbeaten 102 off just 43 balls as India stormed past West Indies by eight wickets in the first T20I on Tuesday.

Chasing 172, India reached the target in only 14.4 overs after Iyer turned what could have been a competitive chase into a one-sided contest. His century came from 42 balls and included a relentless assault on the West Indies bowling attack.

The innings was Iyer's first T20I century and his highest score in the format. It also made him only the third Indian captain to score a men's T20I hundred, after Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.

Iyer's 42-ball hundred was also the fastest T20I century by an Indian against West Indies, surpassing KL Rahul's 46-ball effort in 2016.

Iyer takes charge after early setbacks

India lost both openers during the powerplay, but the early wickets did little to slow Iyer down.

After reaching his half-century from 28 balls, the India captain continued to attack and found boundaries almost at will. Ishan Kishan provided valuable support, making 37 off 27 balls as the pair put together a 137-run partnership.

By the time Iyer reached his hundred, the chase had effectively been settled.

He remained unbeaten on 102 from 43 deliveries as India finished on 172/2, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

The knock also surpassed Iyer's previous T20I best of 80 not out, scored against England earlier in 2026.

Dhir impresses on T20I debut

Earlier, Naman Dhir made an immediate impact on his international debut, claiming 3/31 as India bowled West Indies out for 171 in 19.1 overs.

Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford provided the bulk of the resistance for the visitors, scoring 52 and 56 respectively. But India's bowlers kept striking through the innings to prevent West Indies from setting a bigger target.

Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each, while Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav also chipped in with a wicket apiece.

West Indies were eventually bowled out for 171, leaving India with a manageable target that Iyer proceeded to dismantle in spectacular fashion.

For India, it was a commanding start to the series. For Iyer, it was an innings that combined a personal milestone with a string of records — and announced his presence in the series in emphatic fashion.

With IANS inputs