In the icy grip of a North Indian winter, Mohali hosted a gripping T20 clash that unfolded on a bone-chilling evening with the mercury hovering at a numbing 8 degrees Celsius. As the cold wave tightened its hold on the region, the cricketing action on the field promised to warm the hearts of fans.
Rohit Sharma, making a comeback into the T20I format, won the toss and opted to field first, capitalizing on the chilly conditions. Afghanistan, undeterred by the biting cold, managed to post a competitive 158-5 in their 20 overs on what seemed to be a batsman-friendly pitch.
India’s disciplined bowling unit played a pivotal role in restricting Afghanistan’s innings. Despite the challenging weather, the bowlers maintained their composure and controlled most parts of the opposition’s innings. The half-century partnership between Omarzai and Nabi emerged as the saving grace for Afghanistan, pushing their total beyond the 150-run mark.
However, in response, India faced an early setback as Rohit Sharma departed for a duck in the very first over. Gill’s promising start was curtailed by Mujeeb, but India, after a slow powerplay of 36 runs, gradually shifted gears.
Tilak Varma‘s departure in the 20s momentarily interrupted India’s progress. Nevertheless, Jitesh Sharma and Shivam Dube seized the initiative, constructing a crucial 45-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their collaborative efforts ensured that India maintained control of the chase.
IND vs AFG: Fans Heap Praise On Shivam Dube After He Smashes A Half Century Against Afghanistan
Dube, in particular, stole the spotlight by notching up a fifty and steering the team to victory. Engaging in three substantial 40+ partnerships, Dube remained unbeaten till the end, guiding India to a comfortable win on the chilly Mohali evening.
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Shivam Dube, a force in Indian cricket, possesses a remarkable ability to effortlessly clear boundaries, making him a crucial asset for the team. His class was showcased during his stint under MS Dhoni at CSK in 2023, where he emerged as a revelation, honing his skills under the veteran’s guidance. As India gears up for the T20 World Cup in 2024, Dube’s all-round capabilities become pivotal, particularly in light of Hardik Pandya’s injury concerns. Dube’s knack for contributing with both bat and ball adds a vital dimension to India’s campaign, making him an indispensable player in their quest for glory.
Shivam Dube, The Star. 🇮🇳
– Dube won the Player of the match in his return match for India. pic.twitter.com/0IVsaGXxbC
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2024
