In the fourth T20I match against Team India, New Zealand emerged victorious by 50 runs at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
The “Black Caps” had posted a total of 215 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. In an attempt to chase a target of 216 runs, the “Men in Blue” were bowled out for 165 runs in 18.4 overs.
During the run chase, Team India`s burly all-rounder Shivam Dube played a fiery knock of 65 runs off just 23 deliveries. His knock was laced with three boundaries and seven maximums.
Speaking about his knock, Dube said that he has been practising to bat in similar situations, and he is also working on his mindset.
“It is just the hard work which I am doing. I am getting better with my mindset because I am playing all those matches now and batting in situations like these. So all these things, that what is going to happen and what bowlers are going to come up against me, I know them really well,” he said.
Dube then credited Team India`s head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav for allowing him to sharpen his bowling skills.
“I am bowling thanks to Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) and Surya (captain Suryakumar Yadav). They have given me the bowling opportunity. So when you bowl, you become a little smart. So I am working on that as well. I am trying to develop some more skills,” he added.
Reflecting on his takedown of spinner Ish Sodhi in the 12th over — when he hammered three sixes and two fours to plunder 29 runs — Dube said there was no specific game plan, adding that he simply trusted his instincts.
“I thought yes, it is difficult to hit spinners and he was bowling well. But I knew even he was a little scared and could bowl a few bad ones. So I was ready for that. I wanted to dominate at that point and I could,” concluded the 32-year-old cricketer.
The win also helped New Zealand register their first victory of the series, though the hosts have already sealed it with a 3–1 lead.
IND vs NZ 5th T20I: Date and venue
The fifth and final T20I match between Team India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played on Saturday at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
(With ANI Inputs)
