In India’s Super Four match against Pakistan on Sunday, September 21, in Dubai, skipper Suryakumar Yadav attributed the victory to the halfway point of the first innings. Pakistan was scoring a lot and cruising steadily at the 10-over mark, but the tide swung slightly in India’s favour, and the captain attributed this to the bowlers, particularly Shivam Dube’s performance.
With the next seven overs producing just 38 runs—the lowest total for any team between overs 10–17 in the tournament—India was able to slow down Pakistan after the interval. Dube’s outstanding performance in his four overs on Sunday was hailed by Suryakumar Yadav as a pivotal moment in the game.
“In my opinion, the first drinks in the first inning marked a turning point. After that, people’s body language changed. After the powerplay, you always notice that the game generally shifts. However, after 10 overs today, the game altered as the bowlers adjusted their line and lengths, realised what was required in that circumstance, and displayed a bit more vigour. The spinners did a good job bowling.
And in my opinion, Shivam Dube’s spell was a game-changer,” Suryakumar Yadav remarked following the game.
For just the third time in his 38-match T20I career, Dube bowled his whole allotment of overs. Jasprit Bumrah had a bad day, but his amazing spell made up for it. Bumrah concluded with stats of 4-0-45-0 after giving up 34 runs in his three overs, his most costly powerplay period. Nevertheless, Axar Patel
“Dube always makes the right preparations.”
The all-rounder made major strides during Bumrah’s tenure, ending with 2 for 33, which included the wickets of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan. Because it ended a thriving 72-run partnership for the second wicket off just 48 balls, Ayub’s demise was especially significant. The all-rounder then trapped Farhan with an off-cutter that was steered to mid-off in the 15th over, dismissing him for 58.
“He has been putting a lot of effort into improving his bowling during every practice session. And he had the right opportunity at the right game. Bowling at least two overs was always his goal. He was thrilled to be able to bowl his allotted number of overs today. Suryakumar Yadav stated, “And the way he delivered, he had very clear plans.”
Only when he bowls a lot do I get to bat in the nets. He bowls to every batter who is eligible. He occasionally bowls with the new ball as well. Thus, he always makes the right preparations. And I believe he will always be prepared to perform for the team whenever he has a chance like today,” the skipper continued.