'Batting at No. 4 was...': Dube after leading India to win

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."

In 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)