NEW DELHI: Shivam Dube scored an unbeaten 60 off 40 balls to help India defeat Afghanistan by six wickets in the opening match of the three-match T20I series at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday.
Dube, who came to bat at number four, smashed two sixes and five fours in his match-winning knock. For his stupendous show, the allrounder was adjudged Man of the Match.
After taking India home in style, Dube spoke about the conversation he had with his captain Rohit Sharma.
"It (This innings) holds a special place in my heart as I've made a comeback to the Indian side after a considerable time. The opportunity given to me was crucial, and I felt a deep sense of importance. In a T20I game, especially during a chase, every batsman aims to finish the game, and I'm elated that I could achieve that for my team," Dube said in a video posted by BCCI on social media.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the crease. Initially, I struggled to grip the bat properly, but after a couple of deliveries, I found my rhythm and settled in. At that moment, I forgot about the chilly winter; I was completely absorbed in the game. The joyous atmosphere was palpable, with everyone expressing their happiness and commending my innings," the allrounder said.
1/10:All-round Dube helps India beat Afghanistan in chilly T20I opener
ANI
2/10:Shivam Dube's unbeaten fifty
All-rounder Shivam Dube (60* off 40 balls) defied bitterly cold weather to hit an unbeaten half-century for India.PTI
3/10:India take 1-0 lead vs Afghanistan
India eased to a comfortable six-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first Twenty20 international.PTI
4/10:India's bowlers restrict Afghanistan
India's bowlers led by spinner Axar Patel restricted Afghanistan to 158/5 despite an attacking 42 by Mohammad Nabi.AFP
5/10:Chilly weather in Mohali
Temperatures plummeted to just nine degrees (48 Fahrenheit) in the northern city of Mohali where summer heat can soar to a scorching 40-plus degrees.ANI
6/10:Positive performance by spinners
"There were a lot of positives, especially with the ball. Wasn't the easiest of conditions but our spinners bowled particularly well," India skipper Rohit Sharma said.AFP
7/10:Key partnerships in India's chase
Shivam Dube steered the chase with key partnerships including a 45-run stand with Jitesh Sharma, who made 31, and an unbeaten 42 with Rinku Singh, 16 not out.PTI
8/10:Man of the Match: Shivam Dube
The 30-year-old Shivam Dube (1/9 & 60*) won the game with a six and four and was named man of the match.ANI
9/10:Afghanistan's batting struggles
Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz put on 50 for the opening wicket before the Indian bowlers hit back with Axar returning figures of 2-23.AP
10/10:Afghanistan's fielding woes
"We were quite lazy with the fielding today," Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran said. "We will try to improve batting as well. Bowling we have no issue. Will focus on what we did wrong today."PTIDube recorded his second T20 half-century as India finished with 159 for 4 in 17.3 overs, after restricting Afghanistan to 158 for 5 in 20 overs.
Apart from the match-winning innings, Dube bowled two overs for figures of 1 for 9.
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"My captain, coach, and fellow players were genuinely pleased. Rohit said - keep playing this way, be positive in your game and we know you can score from anywhere and win us the game. He said keep playing like this. It was indeed a special moment when I took a wicket on the second ball of the over in a T20 game," the 30-year-old cricketer said.
The second game will be played in Indore on Sunday. Bengaluru will host the third T20 on January 17.
