West Indies Sets Competitive Total Against India in T20I Opener

In the first T20I match at Lucknow, West Indies scored 171 runs, driven by half-centuries from Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Despite a mid-innings collapse, they managed to set a competitive total. India's bowlers, particularly Naman Dhir and Kuldeep Yadav, played crucial roles in restricting the West Indies. The match showcased thrilling moments, including quick wickets and aggressive batting. For a detailed breakdown of the match, including key performances and turning points, read the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 6, 2026, 21:59 IST

West Indies Innings Overview

In the first T20I match against India at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium, West Indies posted a total of 171 runs, thanks to half-centuries from captain Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. After a promising start at 107/3, the team faced a collapse to 135/8, but a strong finish from Rutherford (56 runs off 34 balls, including six fours and three sixes) and a quick 15 from Akeal Hosein helped them reach a respectable score in 19.1 overs.

Early Struggles for West Indies

West Indies began their innings with aggression, as Shai Hope struck five boundaries in the first two overs, notably hitting four against Mayank Yadav. However, Arshdeep Singh's pace led to the dismissal of Kamil Pooran, who scored 12 runs off 11 balls, leaving the team at 38/1 in 4.3 overs. Shortly after, Shimron Hetmyer was run out for just five runs, and Rovman Powell fell for a duck, reducing West Indies to 44/3 by the end of the sixth over.

Hope and Rutherford's Partnership

Sherfane Rutherford's boundary helped the team cross the 50-run mark in 6.5 overs. The duo of Hope and Rutherford capitalized on the spin bowling, hitting sixes against Kuldeep Yadav in the ninth over. By the halfway mark, West Indies stood at 82/3, with Hope on 41* and Rutherford on 18*. In the 11th over, Rutherford punished Axar Patel, hitting two fours and a six, leading to the team reaching 100 runs in 10.5 overs.

India's Bowling Resurgence

Hope reached his 13th T20I fifty with a six off Naman Dhir but was dismissed on the very next ball, caught at deep midwicket. This dismissal triggered a collapse as Roston Chase fell to Kuldeep, and Romario Shepherd was dismissed by Naman for just seven runs. The Indian bowlers maintained pressure, with Kuldeep taking another wicket, leaving West Indies in a precarious position at 124/7.

Rutherford's Late Flourish

Despite the setbacks, Sherfane Rutherford managed to score quickly, hitting boundaries against Mayank and Arshdeep, bringing the team to 150 runs in 17.4 overs. He reached his fifty in just 31 balls, showcasing his aggressive batting style. However, Mayank Yadav eventually caught him at deep mid-wicket, ending his innings at 56 runs. Axar Patel concluded the innings by dismissing Akeal Hosein, leaving West Indies all out for 171 runs in 19.1 overs.

Bowling Highlights for India

Naman Dhir was the standout bowler for India, claiming three wickets for 31 runs in four overs, while Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets for 33 runs. Axar Patel, Mayank Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh each contributed with one wicket.