NEW DELHI: Riding on
Shivam Dube
's all-round show, Team India opened the new year in the white-ball format with a commanding six-wicket win over
Afghanistan
in the first T20I of the three-match series in
Mohali
.
Left-handed batter Dube fired an unbeaten innings of 60 runs off 40 balls, playing a pivotal role in India's successful chase of a 159-run target.
His contribution allowed India to achieve the target with 15 balls to spare, indicating his capability and form with the bat, which could be valuable for the team in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Opting to field, India restricted Afghanistan to a modest 158-5. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (23) and Ibrahim Zadran (25) stitched a 50-run opening partnership, but it was
Mohammad Nabi
's 42 off 27 balls that helped Afghanistan cross the 150-mark.
Another left-hander,
Rinku Singh
, who scored a 9-ball 16, stayed till the last, giving Dube good company to finish off the chase. The duo put on a fine unbeaten 42-run stand for the fifth wicket, denying any chance whatsoever to Afghanistan.
Rinku, who is an attacking batsman himself, kept his cool and gave credit to former Indian skipper MS Dhoni's advice for his calm and composed approach towards the game.
"I've spoken with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), he just told me to react according to the ball, keep your calm and I just do the same thing. I don't think a lot while batting, just react to the ball," Rinku said at the post-match interaction.
"I have got a habit of batting at 6 and finishing games, I'm feeling very happy with this job. Enjoyed the cold conditions, it was tough while fielding though.
"I just try to talk to myself, batting at 6, I don't have the chance to face too many balls or score too many runs, that's the thing I keep telling myself," Rinku concluded.
English (US) ·