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India's first T20I against West Indies in Lucknow witnessed plenty of action, but a controversial catch involving Ishan Kishan became one of the biggest talking points of the match. West Indies fielder Matthew Forde appeared to complete a brilliant low catch, but after a third-umpire review, Kishan was declared not out.
The decision left the West Indies players visibly disappointed, while India went on to register a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
India Beat West Indies by 8 Wickets, Take 1-0 T20I Series Lead
The opening match of the five-match T20I series between India and West Indies was played on Tuesday, October 6, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
West Indies posted a target of 172 runs for India. However, the Indian batters made the chase look easy, reaching the target in only 14.4 overs and losing just two wickets.
India captain Shreyas Iyer was the star performer. He smashed an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes, to guide India to a commanding win.
Ishan Kishan Catch Controversy Sparks Drama in India vs West Indies T20I
India started the chase aggressively, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 21 runs from 10 balls. Sanju Samson then contributed 11 runs before both batters were dismissed.
Ishan Kishan joined Shreyas Iyer at the crease and helped maintain India's momentum.
The major controversy occurred during the 11th over. Shamar Springer bowled outside the off stump, and Kishan attempted to play the delivery. The ball took the outside edge and travelled towards deep cover.
Matthew Forde quickly moved across and launched himself forward to take a low diving catch. The West Indies players celebrated, believing they had dismissed Kishan at a crucial stage.
However, the on-field umpires decided to send the catch upstairs for further review.
Matthew Forde Takes Stunning Catch, But Ishan Kishan Given Not Out
The third umpire examined the catch from several camera angles. The replays showed Forde's fingers underneath the ball, but there was doubt over whether the ball had touched the ground while he completed the catch.
After reviewing the available footage, third umpire Rohan Pandit ruled that the ball had made contact with the ground.
As a result, Ishan Kishan was declared not out and continued his innings.
The decision came as a major disappointment for West Indies, who believed Forde had completed the catch cleanly.
West Indies Players Left Furious After Ishan Kishan Catch Decision
The reaction from the West Indies camp was immediate. Matthew Forde was seen sitting on the field with his head in his hands after the decision went against his team.
Several West Indies players also appeared frustrated by the call. The Caribbean side had been hoping to remove Kishan and put pressure on India during the chase, but the reprieve allowed the Indian batting pair to continue attacking.
Darren Sammy Reacts as Third Umpire Overturns Ishan Kishan Catch
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy was also visibly unhappy with the decision. The controversial call became an important moment in the match, particularly because India were already in a strong position during the run chase.
The West Indies side needed to capitalize on every opportunity, but the missed chance against Kishan proved costly.
West Indies Miss Another Chance as Shreyas Iyer Completes Century
West Indies had another opportunity to change the momentum of the match when Shamar Joseph dropped a catch offered by Shreyas Iyer.
Iyer made West Indies pay for the mistake. The Indian captain continued his aggressive batting and went on to complete a brilliant century.
Earlier, Iyer and Kishan had also taken 24 runs from Matthew Forde's 14th over, taking India even closer to the target.
With West Indies repeatedly failing to convert their chances, India's victory became almost inevitable.
Shreyas Iyer Smashes Unbeaten 102 to Power India to Easy Victory
Shreyas Iyer finished the match unbeaten on 102 runs from 43 deliveries. His innings featured 10 boundaries and six maximums, providing the perfect finish to India's dominant chase.
Ishan Kishan also played an important role in supporting Iyer after India lost their opening wickets.
The pair ensured that India never allowed West Indies to regain control of the contest.
India Chase 172 Runs in Just 14.4 Overs Against West Indies
India completed the 172-run chase in only 14.4 overs, winning the first T20I by eight wickets.
The result handed India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
For West Indies, the loss was made more frustrating by the missed opportunities. The controversial Ishan Kishan catch and Shamar Joseph's dropped chance against Iyer both proved costly as India capitalized on the errors and finished the match in emphatic fashion.
Missed Chances Cost West Indies as India Dominate First T20I
West Indies had moments where they could have put India under pressure, but their inability to hold on to crucial chances ultimately hurt them.
India, meanwhile, made the most of the opportunities that came their way. With Iyer producing a sensational century and India completing the chase well inside 15 overs, the hosts started the T20I series in commanding fashion.
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