West Indies and India have developed an interesting rivalry in T20 International cricket. Their matches often feature aggressive batting, high-scoring chases, powerful hitting and quality bowling. The two teams first met in T20I cricket during the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, and since then they have played 31 T20Is. West Indies vs India Head-to-Head in T20I
As of March 1, 2026, India lead the overall head-to-head record with 20 wins, while West Indies have won 10 matches. One match ended without a result.
Their most recent meeting was at the 2026 T20 World Cup, when India defeated West Indies by five wickets after chasing 196. Sanju Samson played a decisive innings of 97 not out from 50 balls.
West Indies vs India T20I Head-to-Head Record
| Category | India | West Indies |
|---|---|---|
| Total T20I matches | 31 | 31 |
| Wins | 20 | 10 |
| Losses | 10 | 20 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Tied | 0 | 0 |
| First T20I meeting | 2009 | 2009 |
| Latest meeting | 2026 | 2026 |
The overall numbers show India’s advantage, although West Indies have produced several important victories, particularly in World Cups and bilateral series. West Indies vs India Head-to-Head in T20I
First T20I Meeting: 2009
The first T20I between India and West Indies took place at Lord’s during the 2009 ICC World Twenty20.
West Indies won that match by seven wickets, giving them the early advantage in the rivalry. The result was significant because it came in an ICC tournament and established West Indies as a difficult T20 opponent for India.
The match also began what would become a long-running T20I rivalry between two teams known for attacking cricket.
India’s Growing Advantage
After the first meeting, India gradually built a stronger overall record against West Indies in T20Is.
India’s batting depth, variety in bowling and ability to adapt to different conditions have contributed to their success. At the same time, West Indies have remained dangerous because of their power-hitting ability and experience in franchise T20 cricket.
The head-to-head record currently stands at 20 wins for India and 10 for West Indies, with one no-result match.
2023 T20I Series: West Indies Start Strongly
One of the most memorable recent bilateral series between the teams was India’s tour of West Indies in August 2023.
West Indies won the first two matches. In the opening T20I on August 3, West Indies defended 149/6 and defeated India by four runs.
They then won the second T20I by two wickets, successfully chasing India’s 152/7.
India responded strongly in the remaining matches. They won the third T20I by seven wickets and the fourth by nine wickets. West Indies then won the fifth match by eight wickets.
Therefore, West Indies won the five-match series 3-2. The series demonstrated how closely matched the sides could be in a bilateral T20I contest.
2026 T20 World Cup: India Win a High-Scoring Thriller
The latest meeting between the teams came on March 1, 2026, in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup.
West Indies batted first and scored an impressive 195/4. Rovman Powell contributed 34 runs, while Jason Holder scored 37. The West Indies middle order provided a strong finish and gave India a challenging target of 196.
India’s chase initially looked uncertain after early wickets. However, Sanju Samson produced an outstanding unbeaten 97 from 50 balls.
His innings contained 12 boundaries and four sixes. Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube also contributed important runs as India eventually reached 199/5, winning with four balls remaining.
India therefore won by five wickets.
The victory was especially important because it secured India’s place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals.
Head-to-Head Results in Recent Matches
| Date | Match | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 3, 2023 | 1st T20I | West Indies | 4 runs |
| Aug. 6, 2023 | 2nd T20I | West Indies | 2 wickets |
| Aug. 8, 2023 | 3rd T20I | India | 7 wickets |
| Aug. 12, 2023 | 4th T20I | India | 9 wickets |
| Aug. 13, 2023 | 5th T20I | West Indies | 8 wickets |
| Mar. 1, 2026 | T20 World Cup Super Eight | India | 5 wickets |
These recent results show that both teams have been capable of producing winning performances, despite India’s larger overall advantage.
T20 World Cup Head-to-Head
India and West Indies have also faced each other at the T20 World Cup.
Their rivalry at ICC tournaments has produced some notable matches. West Indies won the first meeting in 2009, while India have subsequently recorded victories in important tournament encounters.
The latest World Cup match in 2026 was particularly memorable because India successfully chased 196, with Sanju Samson’s 97 not out playing the central role.
Batting Strengths
Both teams traditionally rely on aggressive batting in T20 cricket.
India
India have frequently benefited from technically strong top-order batters combined with explosive middle-order options. Their batting approach has increasingly emphasized aggressive powerplay scoring and maintaining a high run rate throughout the innings.
In the latest match against West Indies, Samson’s 97 not out demonstrated India’s ability to chase a large total under pressure.
West Indies
West Indies have a long tradition of producing powerful T20 batters. Their ability to hit sixes and accelerate during the middle and death overs makes them particularly dangerous.
In the 2026 World Cup match, West Indies reached 195/4, with Powell and Holder providing important contributions.
Bowling Comparison
Bowling has also been an important factor in this rivalry.
India have traditionally possessed a varied attack combining fast bowling, wrist-spin and finger-spin. Their ability to take wickets during the middle overs can restrict West Indies’ powerful batting lineup.
West Indies, meanwhile, have used a combination of pace, bounce and spin. Their bowlers can be particularly effective when conditions provide assistance to fast bowlers.
The 2026 match showed the importance of bowling during a high-scoring contest. India conceded 195 but managed to take enough wickets and then complete the chase successfully.
India vs West Indies T20I Rivalry: Key Statistics
Some of the most important facts from the head-to-head record are:
- Total T20Is: 31
- India wins: 20
- West Indies wins: 10
- No results: 1
- First T20I: 2009
- Latest T20I: March 1, 2026
- Latest winner: India
- Latest winning margin: 5 wickets
- Latest West Indies total: 195/4
- Latest India total: 199/5
- Highest recent individual score: Sanju Samson’s 97*
- Most recent venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Overall Head-to-Head Analysis
The overall record gives India a clear statistical advantage, with twice as many T20I wins as West Indies. However, the numbers do not mean that the contests have always been one-sided.
West Indies have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to challenge India, especially when their power hitters establish momentum. Their 3-2 series victory in 2023 is a good example.
India’s strength has been their ability to recover from difficult situations and produce successful chases. The 2026 T20 World Cup match was another example: West Indies posted 195/4, but India chased the target with four balls remaining.
The upcoming 2026 West Indies tour of India is scheduled to include five T20Is beginning October 6, providing another opportunity for the head-to-head record to change.
Conclusion
The West Indies vs India T20I head-to-head record currently stands at 31 matches, with India winning 20 and West Indies winning 10, while one match produced no result.
West Indies won the first T20I between the teams in 2009 and have continued to produce memorable performances over the years. Their 3-2 series victory in 2023 demonstrated their ability to compete strongly in bilateral cricket.
India’s latest victory came in the 2026 T20 World Cup, when they chased 196 and won by five wickets. Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 was the standout performance of that match.
With another five-match T20I series scheduled for October 2026, the West Indies-India T20I rivalry is set to continue.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many T20Is have India and West Indies played?
India and West Indies have played 31 T20Is as of March 1, 2026.
2. Who has won more T20Is between India and West Indies?
India have won 20 T20Is, while West Indies have won 10. One match ended without a result.
3. When did India and West Indies first play a T20I?
Their first T20I was played on June 12, 2009, at Lord’s during the ICC World Twenty20. West Indies won by seven wickets.
4. Who won the latest India vs West Indies T20I?
India won the latest meeting on March 1, 2026, defeating West Indies by five wickets in the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage.
5. Who scored 97 not out in the latest India vs West Indies T20I?
Sanju Samson scored 97 not out from 50 balls in India’s successful chase of 196 during the 2026 T20 World Cup.