Shivam Dube played a key role in the third T20I between India and Australia in Hobart on November 2, taking an important wicket and celebrating energetically.
Tim David scored a rapid 74 runs off 38 balls, boasting a strike rate of 194.74 with eight fours and five sixes. The key breakthrough came on the last ball of the 13th over during Australia's innings. After earlier conceding two sixes in the same over, Dube bowled a fuller delivery on middle stump. David tried to loft it straight down the ground but ended up flat-batting the ball.
Tilak Varma timed his move perfectly, taking a clean catch just inside the boundary at long-off without stepping over the ropes.
Dube celebrated the wicket with a double first-pump, highlighting its significance to the match.
Tim David and Marcus Stoinis put together a steady partnership to take Australia to 186/6. Stoinis contributed a fluent 64 off 39 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. Matthew Short added a quick 26* off 15 balls towards the end.
Australia’s top order, however, failed to make strong contributions. Travis Head scored 6 off 4 balls, captain Mitchell Marsh added 11 off 14, and both Josh Inglis (1) and Mitchell Owen (0) struggled.
“Dube’s wicket was pivotal in checking Australia’s momentum,” noted the commentators during the match highlight.
Overall, Dube’s breakthrough and Varma’s sharp fielding shifted the momentum in a tightly contested third T20I.
Author’s Summary: Shivam Dube’s crucial wicket of Tim David, supported by Tilak Varma’s stunning catch, proved decisive in India’s competitive T20I against Australia.