Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube made his mark in the 1st ODI against Sri Lanka, claiming his maiden wicket in the format. Dube, playing only his second ODI, dismissed Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis in the 14th over to open his account in ODI cricket.
Dube, who was part of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup squad, struck with a good length delivery that straightened after pitching. Mendis, looking to defend, was beaten on the outside edge and struck on the back pad. Despite a late appeal from Dube, the umpire adjudged Mendis plumb.
The right-arm medium pacer, who last played an ODI in 2019, has come a long way since then. He has represented India in 33 T20Is, scoring 448 runs and claiming 11 wickets.
Dube’s Breakthrough Moment
Dube’s breakthrough moment came in his third over when he bowled a good length delivery that angled in and straightened a tad. Mendis, who had scored 14 runs, prodded forward and was beaten on the outside edge, struck on the back pad. The funny part was that Dube was late to appeal for the LBW call, joining in after Rahul started appealing from behind the stumps.
The ball-tracking showed it to be hitting off and middle-stump. Just a hint of movement was enough to beat Mendis, thus giving Dube his maiden ODI wicket.
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India Dominate Sri Lanka’s Batting
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka’s decision soon turned awry as Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj got rid of opener Avishka Fernando in just the third over.
By the time of reporting, Sri Lanka were 62 for the loss of three wickets in 19 overs. India’s bowlers, led by Siraj and Dube, have put the hosts on the back foot in the series opener.
Dube’s Journey to the Top
Dube’s inclusion in the playing XI was a bit of a surprise, with many expecting Riyan Parag to get the nod. However, Rohit Sharma and the team management opted for Dube’s all-round abilities, and the Mumbai-born cricketer has repaid their faith with a crucial breakthrough.
The 25-year-old’s journey to the top has been a steady one. After making his ODI debut in 2019, he had a forgettable outing, scoring just 9 runs off 6 balls and conceding 68 runs in 7.5 overs. However, he has since worked on his game and has become an integral part of the Indian T20I setup.
With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, Dube will be hoping to cement his place in the Indian team with consistent performances. His maiden ODI wicket is a step in the right direction as India look to build a strong squad for the prestigious tournament.
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