SportsPosted at: Oct 6 2026 8:56PM


Debutant Dhir shines on T20I debut as India restrict WI to 171

Lucknow, Oct 6 (UNI) Naman Dhir marked his T20 International debut in emphatic fashion, claiming three wickets as India overcame a strong start from West Indies to restrict the visitors to 171 in the opening match of the series at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.
Dhir returned impressive figures of 3-31 from his four overs, emerging as India's most successful bowler and playing a key role in preventing West Indies from converting a promising start into a bigger total.
India won the toss and opted to bowl, but West Indies made a brisk beginning despite losing Kamil Pooran for 12 in the fifth over. Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford then provided the innings with the required impetus, putting together a 63-run partnership.
Hope, leading the side from the front, struck a composed 52 off 37 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Rutherford was even more aggressive, smashing 56 off 34 balls with six fours and three sixes.
The pair took West Indies from 44 for three to 107 before Dhir made the crucial breakthrough, dismissing Hope to end the dangerous partnership.
Dhir struck again in the latter stages, removing Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer as India tightened their grip on the innings. His three wickets came at important junctures and prevented the West Indies lower order from launching an all-out assault.
Rutherford continued to attack after Hope's dismissal, but his innings ended at 171 when he was caught by Naman Dhir off Mayank Yadav in the 19th over.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav also impressed with two wickets for 33 runs from his four overs, while Arshdeep Singh, and Mayank claimed one wicket each, and Axar Patel two.
West Indies were reduced to 44 for three inside the powerplay, but Hope and Rutherford revived the innings. Rutherford's 56 came at a strike rate of 164.71 and included nine boundaries, while Akeal Hosein provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 15 off eight balls.
India's bowlers, however, maintained sufficient control to restrict West Indies to 171 in 19.1 overs.
Dhir's performance was particularly significant given that this was his first appearance in T20I cricket. The allrounder showed composure under pressure and provided India with timely breakthroughs when the West Indies were threatening to build a commanding total.
The target of 172 gives India a challenging but achievable chase, with West Indies needing early wickets to put pressure on the hosts.
The opening T20I has therefore set up an intriguing second innings, with Dhir's three-wicket debut providing India with the momentum they will look to carry into their chase.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Debutant Dhir shines on T20I debut as India restrict WI to 171
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