India win first T20I after low-scoring affair at Eden Gardens
India never had things all their own way as they have for most of the tour but still managed to defeat the West Indies by five wickets in the first of three T20Is at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
After an impressive bowling display in which they restricted the Windies to 109/8, India did not make the run-chase as straightforward as it should have been.
The hosts were pegged back early Oshane Thomas clocked up some rapid pace in his early spell and was rewarded when he dismissed both openers, Rohit Sharma (6) and Shikhar Dhawan (3), before the end of the third over and only 16 runs on the board.
Thomas, who was making his T20I debut, bowled out his four overs and returned impressive figures of 2/21.
Carlos Brathwaite also chipped with 2/11 from his four overs as the touring side continued to strike crucial blows.
India innings was held together though by Dinesh Karthik, who was at the crease at the end on an unbeaten 31 while home debutant Krunal Pandya gave him good support with 21 not out.
The hosts eventually got over the line with 13 balls to spare, reaching 110/5 after 17.5 overs.
Earlier, left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav was excellent as took 3/13 in his four overs while Krunal (1-15) also bagged a scalp in his first outing for his country.
Fabian Allen, batting at number eight, was the top-scorer for the Windies with 27.
The second T20I is scheduled to be played in Lucknow on Tuesday.
Latest
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.