India vs West Indies 1st T20I Match Highligts: WI won by 4 runs

IND vs WI 1st T20I Match
WI won by 4 runs
WI	149/6 (20)
IND	145/9 (20)
Venue	Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
Date & Time	Thurs, Aug 3rd, 8:00 PM IST
Toss	WI opt to bat
Player of the match	Jason Holder

India's Tour of West Indies has reached its final leg, with the highly anticipated 5-match T20I series about to commence from Aug 3. After a successful Test series and ODI series victory for Team India, both teams are geared up for an exciting clash in the shortest format of the game. 

India vs West Indies 1st T20I Match Highlights
In a remarkable display of leadership, Rovman Powell (48 off 32) propelled West Indies to a total of 149 for six at the Brian Lara Stadium. Opting to bat first, the hosts found themselves in a promising position with 37 runs required from the final 30 deliveries and six wickets still intact. However, India's fortunes quickly unraveled as they stumbled to a disappointing total of 145 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. The turning point came when Jason Holder delivered an impeccable maiden over in the crucial sixteenth over, dismissing India's captain Hardik Pandya (19) and later causing Sanju Samson (12) to be run out. Adding further excitement to the game was tail-ender Arshdeep Singh (12), who expertly utilized an additional fielder inside the circle due to West Indies' slow over rate by hitting two fours in the penultimate over.

Highlights from Previous Matches

Two Match Test Series
Ashwin's comeback in the first Test match at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica was impressive. He took 12 wickets, becoming the first Indian bowler to achieve five-wicket hauls in both innings of a Test in the Windies. India declared their first innings at 421 for five, establishing a lead of 271 runs over West Indies. Ashwin took seven wickets, Jadeja took two, and Siraj took one, reducing West Indies to four wickets before Tea. India won the match, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. India won the Test Series against West Indies with a score of 1-0 at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The final day of the second Test match was abandoned due to rain. Despite the draw, India clinched the series victory thanks to their win in the first game.

Three Match ODI Series
India dominated the third ODI against West Indies, winning by a massive 200-run margin. This victory secured the series for India with a score of 2-1. Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson played key roles in India's impressive total of 351/5. Mukesh Kumar stood out with figures of 3/30, while Shardul Thakur took four wickets for just 37 runs. Kuldeep Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat also contributed with two and one wicket respectively. Shubman Gill's impressive innings of 85 runs off 92 deliveries and Ishan Kishan's contribution of 77 runs off 64 balls led to a solid opening partnership of 143 runs. Gill later partnered with Sanju Samson for another crucial stand, adding 69 runs. Hardik Pandya concluded the innings with a quick-fire 70 off 52 balls. India's all-round brilliance in batting and bowling led to a comprehensive victory over West Indies by a massive 200-run margin. This win further solidified India's dominance in the series.

In the second ODI, Shai Hope led West Indies to a 6-wicket victory over India, leveling the series. Hope scored an unbeaten 63 off 80 balls, while Keacy Carty contributed 48* off 65 balls. West Indies chased down the target of 182 runs in just 36.4 overs. India scored a low 181 runs in 40.5 overs while batting first, with Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan having a partnership of 90 runs for the opening wicket. Shardul Thakur took 3 wickets and Kuldeep Yadav dismissed 1 batsman for India.

In the first ODI match at The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies scored only 114 runs in 23 overs. India made a surprising decision to change their batting order and Ishan Kishan scored 52 off 46 balls. Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets for just six runs in three overs, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed three wickets. West Indies were bowled out for 114 runs. India won by five wickets, with Rohit and Kohli sealing victory.

India vs West Indies 1st T20 Match Date and Venue
The first T20I match between India and West Indies is scheduled to take place on 3rd August 2023, Thursday. The match will be held at the iconic Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad. Known for its lively atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd, the Brian Lara Stadium is the perfect setting for an exciting T20 encounter.

Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad Pitch Report
The inaugural T20I game between India and West Indies will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad. Famous for its demanding pitches, the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago is renowned. The pitch for the 3rd ODI is predicted to be sluggish and low, favoring spinners. Batsmen must swiftly adjust to the conditions and establish themselves to accumulate runs. Additionally, pacers with well-executed slower deliveries can exploit this pitch's characteristics. Despite not being too far away, boundaries at this stadium offer batsmen chances to score if they demonstrate determination and focus on their game.

India vs West Indies T20I's Head-to-Head Record
India and West Indies have clashed in T20Is on 25 occasions, with India holding the upper hand with 17 wins compared to West Indies' 7. In terms of bilateral series wins, India has emerged victorious six times, while West Indies has won twice. Notably, India has won the last five T20I series against West Indies, making them the favorites heading into this contest.

India vs West Indies 1st T20 Match Time and Toss
The match is set to begin at 8:00 PM IST. The toss, which will determine which team gets to bat or bowl first, will take place 30 minutes prior to the start of the match, at 7:30 PM IST.

Team India's T20I Squad
The T20I squad of Team India differs significantly from the ODI and Test squads, comprising mostly of young and talented players. Let's take a closer look at the confirmed playing XI for India in the 1st T20I against West Indies.

India T20I squad: Ishan Kishan(wk), Shubman Gill, Surya Kumar Yadav(vc), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar

Bench: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi

Support Staff: Rahul Dravid(head coach), Vikram Rathour(batting coach), Paras Mhambrey(bowling coach), T Dilip(fielding coach)

Openers
The opening partnership for India will consist of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, who will also take up the wicketkeeping duties. While Shubman Gill is certainty in the playing XI, the choice between Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal is a tough one. However, given Kishan's ability to provide backup as a wicketkeeper and opener in the ODI squad, he is likely to get the nod ahead of Jaiswal.

Middle Order
The middle-order will feature Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma. Samson is expected to bat at number 3, while Yadav will occupy the number 4 position. In the absence of an experienced specialist player at number 5, Tilak Varma, who has been performing well for the Mumbai Indians, is likely to make his debut in that position.

Allrounders
The all-round department will be led by Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. Hardik Pandya will play the role of the pace all-rounder, while Axar Patel will handle the spin all-rounder duties in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja.

Bowlers
The bowling attack will comprise of Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Depending on the pitch conditions, India may opt for a combination of three spinners and three pacers. However, considering the sporty nature of the Trinidad pitch, it is likely that India will go with two spinners, namely Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, along with Axar Patel. Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik will lead the pace attack, with Hardik Pandya providing an additional option.

West Indies' T20I Squad
The West Indies playing XI for the 1st T20I is expected to have a straightforward batting order. The opening pair will consist of Brandon King and Kyle Mayers, followed by Johnson Charles at number 3. Nicholas Pooran will bat at 4, with Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell occupying the middle order. The bowling attack will feature Romario Shephard, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, and Obed McCoy.

West Indies T20I squad: Rovman Powell(c), Kyle Mayers(vc), Johnson Charles(wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Obed McCoy, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd

Bench: Shai Hope, Oshane Thomas, Odean Smith, Roston Chase

Support Staff: Daren Sammy(head coach), Floyd Reifer(assistant coach), James Franklin(assistant coach), Carl Hooper(assistant coach)

India vs West Indies 1st T20 Match Live Streaming Channels
Cricket fans can catch all the live action of the India vs West Indies 1st T20I match through various streaming platforms. The match will be available for live streaming on the Fan Code app and website. Additionally, DD Sports will be telecasting the match live on television.

Conclusion
The 1st T20I between India and West Indies promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fielding competitive playing XI's. India's young squad, led by the experienced Hardik Pandya, will look to continue their dominance in T20Is against West Indies. On the other hand, West Indies will be eager to turn the tide and secure a victory on their home turf. Stay tuned for an exciting match on August 3rd, 2023.