Shivam Dube started the thrilling final against England in the T20 World Cup semi-final on Thursday, March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With England needing 30 runs from the last over, India had to decide whether to bring back Axar Patel for his fourth over or hand the ball to Dube, who had not played until then.
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India eventually opted for Dube and he held his nerve to secure victory in seven rounds and secure a place in the finals. Dube admitted he was nervous but ready to take on the challenge. With Jacob Bethell already smashing a 45-ball century, he said he decided to back himself and his abilities to help India close out the match.
“I just wanted to back myself up. I knew the first two balls of the over would be crucial, so I concentrated on hitting them right because it could have decided the match. It was already decided that I would play the last ball. I was definitely nervous – playing the final of a World Cup semi-final is always challenging,” Dube said in a video at the BCCI.
“Bethell was batting on a hundred so I knew it was going to be tough. But I told myself to stay confident and trust my abilities. Even if you contribute just 10 percent to the team in a situation like the semi-finals, it can make a big difference,” added Dube.
AS THE LAST ROUND ROUNDS
Dube’s final began with the dismissal of Bethell, who ran out at the striker’s end while attempting a second run. After the next two deliveries, Dube conceded singles as India closed in on victory with England needing 27 runs off the last three balls.
Dube then bowled a wide and was hit by three sixes from Jofr Archer, but his first three deliveries were enough to seal victory for India.
Dube also played a crucial knock of 43 off 25 balls, hitting one four and two sixes to help India reach a daunting total of 253 for seven. He will now look to carry that form into the finals where India take on Mitchell Santner’s side on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
06 March 2026 21:28 IST
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