The first match of the five-match T20I series between India and West Indies took place on Tuesday, October 6, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. In this encounter, the Indian team won by eight wickets. The Indian squad reached a target of 172 runs, finishing the game in just 14.4 overs, thus taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Captain Shreyas Iyer played a key role in the victory, scoring 102 runs off 10 fours and 6 sixes in 43 balls.
A major controversy arose during the match concerning the dismissal of Ishan Kishan. Although the West Indies managed to secure a crucial wicket of Ishan Kishan, the third umpire's decision completely changed the situation. Caribbean players, including Matthew Ford, who caught the ball, appeared extremely disappointed with the verdict.
At the start of the game, the Indian team showed a quick start. Abhishek Sharma scored 21 runs off 10 balls. After he and Sandeep Samson (11 runs) were dismissed, Ishan Kishan took responsibility alongside Shreyas Iyer.
In the eleventh over, on the fifth delivery from Shamir Springer, Ishan Kishan attempted to hit the ball over the off-stump. The ball left the edge of the bat and flew towards deep cover, where Matthew Ford quickly dived and caught the ball very close to the ground.
Coach Sami also expressed his dissatisfaction. The West Indies players believed they had taken the wicket of Ishan Kishan. However, the field umpires referred the catch to the third umpire, Rohan Pandit, for review. Upon reviewing the replay, Ford's fingers were visible under the ball, but a small gap between his hand and the ground was also noticed at the moment of the catch.
After analysis from different angles, the third umpire concluded that the ball touched the ground. Consequently, Ishan Kishan was ruled not out. As soon as this decision was known, the disappointment of the West Indies players became evident. Ford sat on the field reacting, holding his head. Other team players also looked surprised by the decision. Coach Darren Sammy also appeared upset by the third umpire's ruling.
This dispute complicated Matthew Ford's position. In the fourteenth over, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan scored 24 runs off his bowling. Shortly after, West Indies had another opportunity. Shamir Joseph failed to catch Shreyas Iyer. Taking advantage of this chance, the Indian captain completed his century milestone. The sequence of opportunities completely dashed West Indies' hopes of a comeback.