Shivam Dube continued to underline his growing value as a genuine all-round option in India’s T20I setup with another impactful performance in Raipur during the second T20I against New Zealand. While the spotlight largely fell on the top-order fireworks, Dube’s contribution with both bat and ball played a key role in India’s emphatic series-defining win.
A crucial breakthrough with the ball
Shivam Dube was used sparingly with the ball, bowling just a single over, but made it count immediately. Introduced at a stage when New Zealand were looking to accelerate, Dube dismissed the dangerous Daryl Mitchell, breaking momentum at a critical juncture.
The wicket added further balance to India’s bowling effort, helping restrict New Zealand to 208 for 6 in their 20 overs, a total that looked imposing on paper but ultimately proved insufficient.
The six that lifted the Raipur crowd
Dube’s most eye-catching moment came early in his innings during the chase. Facing leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, he was offered a delivery in his hitting arc. Dropping onto his knee, Dube swung cleanly through the line and launched the ball high and long over long-on for a towering six, estimated at close to 100 metres.
The strike immediately drew gasps from the crowd and summed up Dube’s confidence and power-hitting ability. It also ensured India maintained relentless pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers even after the required rate was already under control.
An explosive cameo to finish the job
Coming in during the latter half of the chase, Dube wasted no time settling in. He smashed an unbeaten 36 off just 18 balls, complementing the earlier assault led by Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan. His innings featured clean hitting down the ground and smart shot selection, ensuring there were no late stumbles.
India eventually chased down the 209-run target in just 15.2 overs, sealing a dominant seven-wicket victory and racing to a 2–0 lead in the T20I series.
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India’s dominance reflected in the result
The Raipur win underlined India’s aggressive approach in the format. After conceding a big total, the batting unit responded with intent and depth, showing little hesitation in taking the attack to New Zealand’s bowlers.
With contributions spread across the lineup, including Dube’s decisive cameo, India sent a strong message about their batting firepower and series control.
Why Dube’s role keeps growing
Dube’s performance may not headline the scorecard, but its value was unmistakable. A crucial wicket, a momentum-shifting six, and a brisk finishing knock highlighted his versatility. In a team increasingly looking for multi-dimensional players in T20 cricket, such outings strengthen his case as a reliable middle-order enforcer who can also deliver timely breakthroughs.
As the series progresses, Dube’s consistent all-round contributions continue to add depth and flexibility to India’s plans, making him an increasingly important piece in India's T20 World Cup plans.
