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In the first T20I between India and Afghanistan at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday (January 11), the Men in Blue registered a comprehensive six-wicket victory, largely fueled by Shivam Dube‘s explosive and calculated innings. Batting at the crucial number four position, Dube showcased his aggressive style, amassing 60 runs off 40 balls at a strike rate of 150. The left-handed batter displayed power and finesse, hitting five fours and two towering sixes.
Shivam Dube’s towering six: A spectacle in Mohali
One of those sixes left spectators in awe as the ball traveled an impressive 98 meters off the bat of Dube, facing Afghan bowler Naveen-ul-Haq. The spectacular hit sent the ball into a state of oblivion, disappearing from view.
In the second ball of the 18th over, with Team India requiring 10 runs to secure the victory, Naveen delivered an overpitched ball around off. Dube, with minimal effort, executed a simple swing of the bat, sending the ball soaring over Naveen’s head. The ball traveled straight behind the side screen, and to the amazement of everyone, it was lost.
Here’s the video:
6⃣,4⃣ and Shivam Dube wraps the chase in style 🙌#TeamIndia win by 6 wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the T20I series 👏👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/BkCq71Zm6G#INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @IamShivamDube pic.twitter.com/4giZma4f1u
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2024
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Afghanistan posts competitive 158/5 in the first innings
In the earlier part of the fixture, Afghanistan set a target of 158/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Nabi played a starring role with the bat, contributing 42 runs off 27 balls, which included three sixes and two boundaries. Meanwhile, for India, Mukesh Kumar and Axar Patel were among the wickets, each picking two wickets.
India’s chase and contributions from other batters
India exhibited a formidable chase, reaching the target with 15 balls to spare. Alongside Dube’s heroics, Jitesh Sharma (31 off 20), Tilak Varma (26 off 22) and Shubman Gill (23 off 12) played crucial roles in steering India towards victory. Rinku Singh remained unbeaten at 16 off nine deliveries. In the bowling department, Mujeeb Ur Rahman stood out for Afghanistan with figures of 2/21, while Azmatullah Omarzai secured one wicket.
Next stop: Indore for the second T20I
The win propelled India to a 1-0 lead in the three-game T20I series against Afghanistan. With the series now shifting to Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, the Indian team aim to extend their dominance in the second T20I scheduled for Sunday, January 14.
