NEW DELHI: India secured a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first T20I after a thrilling encounter at Mohali, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The star of the match was Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube, who marked his comeback with an unbeaten half-century and a crucial wicket.
Batting at number four, Dube expressed the initial pressure but emphasized sticking to his distinctive style of cricket.
"I think it was really cold but I enjoyed playing on this ground. Playing after a long time and batting at No. 4 was a bit of pressure for me, but I had one thing on my mind that I had to play my style of cricket. I know I can hit big sixes in T20s, so I know I can get runs anyway," Dube said in the post-match presentation.
Dube's impactful performance included an unbeaten 60 off 40 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. His partnership with Tilak Varma and Jitesh Sharma played a pivotal role in India's successful chase of the 159-run target.
When asked about the chat he had with captain Rohit Sharma, who made his return to T20Is after a gap of 14 months, after the match, Dube said, ”He [Rohit] said I played really well and that we'll chat to improve my game in upcoming games. Today I got the opportunity and executed what I had to in bowling."
1/10:All-round Dube helps India beat Afghanistan in chilly T20I opener
ANI
2/10:Shivam Dube's unbeaten fifty
All-rounder Shivam Dube (60* off 40 balls) defied bitterly cold weather to hit an unbeaten half-century for India.PTI
3/10:India take 1-0 lead vs Afghanistan
India eased to a comfortable six-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first Twenty20 international.PTI
4/10:India's bowlers restrict Afghanistan
India's bowlers led by spinner Axar Patel restricted Afghanistan to 158/5 despite an attacking 42 by Mohammad Nabi.AFP
5/10:Chilly weather in Mohali
Temperatures plummeted to just nine degrees (48 Fahrenheit) in the northern city of Mohali where summer heat can soar to a scorching 40-plus degrees.ANI
6/10:Positive performance by spinners
"There were a lot of positives, especially with the ball. Wasn't the easiest of conditions but our spinners bowled particularly well," India skipper Rohit Sharma said.AFP
7/10:Key partnerships in India's chase
Shivam Dube steered the chase with key partnerships including a 45-run stand with Jitesh Sharma, who made 31, and an unbeaten 42 with Rinku Singh, 16 not out.PTI
8/10:Man of the Match: Shivam Dube
The 30-year-old Shivam Dube (1/9 & 60*) won the game with a six and four and was named man of the match.ANI
9/10:Afghanistan's batting struggles
Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz put on 50 for the opening wicket before the Indian bowlers hit back with Axar returning figures of 2-23.AP
10/10:Afghanistan's fielding woes
"We were quite lazy with the fielding today," Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran said. "We will try to improve batting as well. Bowling we have no issue. Will focus on what we did wrong today."PTIIn the first innings, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 158/5, riding on a crucial 68-run stand between Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammed Nabi. Indian bowlers Axar Patel (2/23) and Mukesh Kumar (2/33) were instrumental in restricting Afghanistan's innings. Dube also contributed with the ball, claiming a wicket.
The chase saw Shubman Gill's aggressive start and crucial stands between Dube, Varma, and Sharma. Dube's well-deserved 'Player of the Match' award reflected his all-round excellence.
India now lead the series 1-0, with two games remaining. The upcoming matches promise more cricketing excitement as both teams aim for supremacy in the T20I series.
(With inputs from ANI)
