Shivam Dube continues his rich vein of form with the bat in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. After playing crucial hands against Namibia and Pakistan, Dube stepped up once again, this time equalling his career-best score against Netherlands in another pressure situation.
Just like the previous two games, Dube walked in with expectations piled high. India were struggling against spin yet again, having slipped to 69 for 3 in nine overs. The innings needed stability, but it also needed intent. That is when Dube took charge.
Dube Scores Sixth T20I Fifty
In a surprising tactical move, Dube was promoted up the order and sent ahead of Hardik Pandya, breaking the pattern of the last three matches. The thinking was simple: give him time at the crease and allow him to settle before launching. It proved to be a masterstroke.
Three overs into his stay, Dube began to shift gears. Colin Ackermann bore the brunt first, conceding 17 runs in the 13th over as Dube found his range. Roelof van der Merwe followed, dispatched for 15 in his over as the left-hander began to dominate the spinners who had troubled India earlier.
The real acceleration came in the 17th over. Dube and Pandya plundered 20 runs off Van de Beek, and in the same over, Dube brought up his sixth T20I fifty. It was not just another milestone; it was a statement. He continued to attack, matching his highest score in the format before eventually falling to a sharp catch in the deep. By then, the damage had been done and India were firmly on top.
Dube The All-rounder Comes To Party
Dube’s impact did not end with the bat. He chipped in with two crucial overs and picked up a wicket in each. His first breakthrough came in the 14th over when he removed Bas de Leede, who was beginning to look dangerous.
But the defining moment came at the death. Netherlands needed 28 runs off the final over. With Bumrah and Chakravarthy having bowled well, many expected one of them to close it out. Instead, captain Suryakumar Yadav handed the ball to Dube, backing his confidence over convention.
The faith was justified. Dube held his nerve, defended the 28 runs comfortably, and even picked up another wicket in the over. It could have been an even cleaner finish had India not put down two chances on consecutive deliveries.
He ended the night with a match-winning fifty and figures of 2 for 35 in his three overs. Named Player of the Match, Dube once again showed why he has become one of India’s most reliable performers in ICC tournaments, delivering with both bat and ball when it mattered most.
