New Delhi: Shivam Dube delivered a commanding all round performance as India defeated the Netherlands by 17 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday. The left handed all rounder struck a blistering 66 off 31 balls, his highest score in T20 internationals, before returning to claim two wickets and secure the Player of the Match award.
Walking in under pressure on a surface that offered variable bounce and grip, Dube paced his innings smartly. He acknowledged that the off spinner troubled him early with a tight over, but remained confident of making up for it later. The pitch, he noted, produced deliveries that skidded, stayed low and occasionally spun, demanding calculated shot selection rather than outright aggression.
Known for his six hitting ability, Dube said he consciously adapted to the match situation by targeting straight boundaries and rotating strike when required. Anticipating that bowlers would rely on short balls and slower deliveries rather than predictable lengths, he prepared accordingly and waited for scoring opportunities.
Dube also made an impact with the ball, dismissing key batters to stall the Netherlands chase. He emphasized his continued focus on improving his bowling, accepting that T20 cricket involves both conceding runs and taking wickets in equal measure.
Reflecting on his evolution, Dube credited MS Dhoni for valuable advice during his early years with Chennai Super Kings. Once vulnerable to short pitched bowling, he worked extensively to overcome that weakness. Dhoni’s guidance that not every short ball needs to be hit for six helped him adopt a more measured approach, focusing on boundaries or singles when necessary.
That balance between power and patience was evident in Ahmedabad, where Dube’s mature innings and disciplined bowling steered India to a crucial victory.
