Shivam Dube has impressive performance, scoring 65 runs off just 23 balls. However, his effort couldn’t save India from a 50-run loss to New Zealand in the fourth T20I.
While chasing a target of 216, India struggled and was bowled out for 165, allowing New Zealand to cut the series deficit to 3-1. The match highlighted Dube’s explosive batting, but the team’s early struggles sealed their fate.
Dube Early Struggles for India
With Ishan Kishan out due to injury, India faced a tough start to their innings. Abhishek Sharma and SuryakumarYadav were expected to give a solid foundation, but disaster struck quickly. Abhishek was out on the very first ball, caught by Devon Conway off Matt Henry’s bowling. Suryakumar followed soon after, dismissed by a great catch from Jacob Duffy, leaving India at a precarious 9 runs for 2 wickets.
As the innings continued, Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson tried to stabilize the team. Unfortunately, both struggled to find their footing. Rinku was out lbw by Zak Foulkes, while Samson, after hitting a beautiful six, was bowled by Mitchell Santner. By the 11th over, India was in serious trouble at 82 for 5, with Hardik Pandya also failing to make a mark. The pressure grew, and it was up to Dube to take charge.
Explosive Innings
Despite the mounting pressure and a challenging asking rate, Shivam Dube played with remarkable freedom. He got a break on 46 runs after a DRS review, which reignited hopes for the Indian side. Dube struck a flurry of boundaries, scoring 29 runs off Ish Sodhi’s third over, including multiple sixes and fours that thrilled the crowd. He reached his half-century in just 15 balls, showcasing his batting style. Dube’s partnership with HarshitRana added 63 runs, though Rana only contributed four runs.
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