At the Punjab Cricket Association's IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday, the opening game of the three-match Twenty20 International series between India and Afghanistan saw Shivam Dube produce an undefeated sixty off forty balls, leading India to victory by six wickets.
Dube, batting at number four, hit the game-winning blowout with five fours and two sixes. The all-rounder was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.
Following India's triumphant return home, Dube talked about his discussion with skipper Rohit Sharma.
I've been back on the Indian side for a long time, so this innings has a particular place in my heart. I felt very important and that the chance I was given was really important. Every batter in a Twenty20 International game wants to see the game through, especially during a chase. I'm thrilled that I was able to do that for my side, Dube said in a video that the BCCI shared on social media.
My time at the crease was quite enjoyable. After a few deliveries, I forgot about the cold weather and became engrossed in the game, even though I was having trouble gripping the bat correctly at first. The happy mood was evident, with everyone expressing their satisfaction and commending my innings, the all-rounder remarked.
After holding Afghanistan to 158 for 5 in 20 overs, Dube scored his second half-century in T20 cricket as India concluded with 159 for 4 in 17.3 overs. Apart from the innings that won the match, Dube bowled two overs at a ratio of 1 for 9.
My teammates, coach, and captain were really happy. Rohit stated, 'We know you can score from anywhere and win us the game. Keep playing this way and be positive in your game.' Continue playing this way," he said. The 30-year-old player remarked, "It was a memorable experience when I grabbed a wicket on the second ball of the over in a T20 match."
On Sunday, the second game will take place in Indore. The third Twenty20 will be held in Bengaluru on January 17.
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