Ahmedabad, February 19: India secured a 17-run victory against the Netherlands in the 36th match of the T20 World Cup 2026. Shivam Dube, who scored 66 runs and took 2 wickets, was named ‘Player of the Match’. He disclosed that the captain and coach instructed him to maintain a high strike rate during the middle overs.

With Dube’s half-century, India posted a total of 193 runs, losing 6 wickets. In response, the Netherlands managed only 176 runs, losing 7 wickets.

After being awarded ‘Player of the Match’, Dube stated, “The wicket was a bit challenging, but it was the kind of situation I enjoy batting in. I was under some pressure, especially when the off-spinner bowled well. There were four dot balls, and that over went in his favor, but I knew I would make up for it later. The ball was skidding and staying low, and one ball turned as well. It was crucial for me to understand that I could hit, but the match situation demanded a different approach, so I had to play accordingly. I try to hit boundaries; I love hitting sixes and enjoy it, but when the bowler is good, I have to prepare myself to hit boundaries based on the situation.”

Dube also mentioned, “I prepared this way because I knew the bowlers would try to block me. They wouldn’t bowl yorkers or length balls but would deliver short and slower balls. So, I was waiting for that.”

In this match, Dube hit 6 sixes and 4 fours in just 31 balls. He added, “The captain and coach told me to keep a high strike rate as soon as I came in during the middle overs, but it depends on the situation. When I came in today, the conditions weren’t immediately favorable for aggressive play. Then a moment came when I felt it was time to go for it.”

Dube bowled 3 overs, conceding 35 runs and taking 2 wickets. Regarding his bowling role, he said, “I am working hard on my bowling, and the results are showing. It’s T20 cricket; sometimes you hit, sometimes you get hit, but you will also take wickets.”

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