NEW DELHI: India secured a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan within the first T20I after an exciting encounter at Mohali, taking a 1-0 lead within the three-match collection. The star of the match was Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube, who marked his comeback with an unbeaten half-century and a vital wicket.
Batting at quantity 4, Dube expressed the preliminary stress however emphasised sticking to his distinctive model of cricket.

“I believe it was actually chilly however I loved enjoying on this floor. Taking part in after a very long time and batting at No. 4 was a little bit of stress for me, however I had one factor on my thoughts that I needed to play my model of cricket. I do know I can hit large sixes in T20s, so I do know I can get runs anyway,” Dube mentioned within the post-match presentation.

Dube’s impactful efficiency included an unbeaten 60 off 40 balls, that includes 5 fours and two sixes. His partnership with Tilak Varma and Jitesh Sharma performed a pivotal position in India’s profitable chase of the 159-run goal.
When requested concerning the chat he had with captain Rohit Sharma, who made his return to T20Is after a spot of 14 months, after the match, Dube mentioned, ”He [Rohit] mentioned I performed rather well and that we’ll chat to enhance my sport in upcoming video games. Immediately I received the chance and executed what I needed to in bowling.”

Within the first innings, Afghanistan posted a aggressive complete of 158/5, driving on a vital 68-run stand between Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammed Nabi. Indian bowlers Axar Patel (2/23) and Mukesh Kumar (2/33) have been instrumental in proscribing Afghanistan’s innings. Dube additionally contributed with the ball, claiming a wicket.
The chase noticed Shubman Gill‘s aggressive begin and essential stands between Dube, Varma, and Sharma. Dube’s well-deserved ‘Participant of the Match’ award mirrored his all-round excellence.
India now lead the collection 1-0, with two video games remaining. The upcoming matches promise extra cricketing pleasure as each groups purpose for supremacy within the T20I collection.

(With inputs from ANI)