On Thursday, January 11, Shivam Dube shone as a valuable player for India, resulting in a six-wicket win against Afghanistan at the observable PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
Dube, a left-handed player, delivered an impressive performance, achieving 60 runs without being dismissed. He accomplished this in just 40 balls, showcasing a powerful strike rate of 150. His performance also consisted of two soaring sixes and five exciting boundaries. This helped India cross the victory line. Additionally, Dube halted Afghanistan’s momentum by dismissing opener Ibrahim Zadran, ending with a bowling figure of 1/9 from his two overs.
Dube recently returned with 25* and 22* from two innings that he played for India in the T20I match against Ireland at the 2023 Asian Games, respectively. In the Asian Games final, the medium pacer also claimed one wicket against Afghanistan.
After some time out of the spotlight, Dube has found his stride on the international cricket stage, thanks to his performance with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Playing in 14 rounds, the 30-year-old cricket star racked up 411 runs at a striking rate of 159.92. His impressive gameplay included crafting three half-centuries in the 2023 IPL season.
Cheers for Shivam Dube’s game-changing half-century in the first Afghanistan T20I match flowed on X (formally Twitter). Here’s what a fan posted:
“A comeback to remember”
Here are some more reactions:
“I got the opportunity and I executed” – Shivam Dube
In the absence of injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube was happy to seize the chance. At the post-match show, he stated:
“It was really cold. I enjoyed playing on this ground, There was some pressure. I had one thing on my mind – I had to play my game. First 2-3 balls, I feel some pressure, after that, I focus on the ball. I know I can hit big sixes. Bowling, I got the opportunity and I executed.”
Shivam Dube
In the game, Afghanistan scored 158 runs in 20 overs. The standout was Mohammad Nabi, making 42 runs in 27 balls, with three sixes and two fours. For India, Mukesh Kumar and Axar Patel captured two wickets each.
The hosts responded by chasing the target down with 15 balls remaining. In addition to Dube, Shubman Gill, Jitesh Sharma, and Tilak Varma each contributed with scores of 23 (12), 26 (22), and 31 (20). With 16 off of 9 deliveries, including two boundaries, Rinku Singh remained undefeated.
With a 2/21 score, Mujeeb Ur Rahman proved to be the most effective bowler for Afghanistan, with Azmatullah Omarzai taking one wicket.
The Men in Blue bagged a victory, placing them ahead 1-0 in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The scene moves to Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium for the second T20I. Be ready for action this Sunday, January 14.