Shivam Dube made a spectacular return to competitive cricket with a blistering knock in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), leading Mumbai to an emphatic win over Services. Alongside Suryakumar Yadav, the duo unleashed a batting onslaught at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad, propelling Mumbai to a formidable total of 192/4 and setting up a 39-run victory on Tuesday.
Dube and SKY Deliver Explosive Partnership
After Mumbai faced early setbacks, losing opener Prithvi Shaw for a duck, Ajinkya Rahane for 22, and captain Shreyas Iyer for 20, Shivam Dube and Suryakumar Yadav took charge. The pair stitched together a scintillating 130-run partnership off just 11 overs, dismantling the Services bowling attack with their power-packed strokes.
Suryakumar Yadav, known for his aggressive batting style, smashed 70 runs off 46 balls, featuring 7 fours and 4 sixes. However, it was Shivam Dube who stole the show. Returning to the field after nearly three months, Dube bludgeoned an unbeaten 71 off just 36 balls, boasting a strike rate of over 197. His innings included 7 towering sixes, leaving the opposition bowlers in disarray.
Services Struggle in Reply
Chasing 193, Services stumbled early, losing four wickets for just 34 runs. Although captain Mohit Ahlawat fought valiantly with a half-century, his effort proved insufficient. Mumbai’s bowling attack, led by Shardul Thakur with 4 wickets and Shams Mulani’s 3/40, ensured Services were bowled out for 153.
Dube’s Remarkable Comeback
Dube’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award in what was his first game for Mumbai in the ongoing SMAT. The all-rounder has been steadily rebuilding his form after recovering from injuries that sidelined him for matches against Bangladesh and South Africa.
With this innings, Dube not only announced his return but also reinforced his credentials as a dependable T20 batter. As India looks ahead to future tournaments, including the T20 World Cup, performances like this could help Dube secure a consistent spot in the national squad.
Mumbai’s commanding win and Dube’s return to form have certainly set the tone for the rest of their SMAT campaign.
