Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube admitted he was under a bit of pressure when he went out to bat in the first T20I against Afghanistan at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Thursday. Dube was making a comeback to the national team after a long time and he was able to grab his chance.
The southpaw made great use of his reach and scored a match-winning knock of 60 runs off just 40 balls, his second T20I fifty. Thus, he played a key role in taking India to a six-wicket victory in the run-chase of 159 runs.
The attacking left-hander scored five fours and two sixes and played with a strike rate of 150. Furthermore, Dube was also able to contribute with the ball as he returned with figures of 1-9 in the two overs he bowled. Dube accounted for Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran. Ergo, he was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
Dube said in the post-match presentation, “It was really cold. I enjoyed playing on this ground. Playing after a long time and batting at number four, there was some pressure one me. I had one thing in my mind that I have to play my game.”
He added, “First 2-3 balls, I feel a bit of pressure, after that I just focus on the ball and I don’t think much on what’s going on. In T20s, I know what I bat, and I know I can hit big sixes, so I can generate runs any time. Bowling, today I got the opportunity and I executed what I needed.”
Dube will look to grab his chances with both hands in the absence of Hardik Pandya. The lanky batter has scored 212 runs in 19 T20I matches at an average of 35.33.
The second T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Sunday.
