“I was definitely nervous” - Shivam Dube on bowling the 20th over of the semi-final vs England

Team India all-rounder Shivam Dube has stated that he backed himself while revealing that he wanted to focus on the first two balls of his over to seal the game for his team in England’s 254-run chase at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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Speaking exclusively in the video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Dube also disclosed he was nervous while bowling the 20th over, adding that it is always going to be challenging in a game like semi-final.

"I just wanted to back myself. I knew the first two balls of the over would be crucial, so my focus was on getting them right because that could decide the game. It had already been decided that I would bowl the last over. I was definitely nervous - bowling the final over of a World Cup semi-final is always challenging," Shivam Dube said in a video posted by BCCI.

Delving into the details of the game, India was tasked to bat first after losing the toss. Sanju Samson's exceptional 89-run knock off 42 balls with eight fours and seven sixes propelled India to post a daunting total of 253/7 in 20 overs.

In the chase, England looked in complete control, thanks to Jacob Bethell's impressive century, scoring 105 runs in 48 balls with eight fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 218.75. England required 30 runs off the last six balls with Bethell on strike.

With India having only Axar Patel left with his quota, Suryakumar Yadav went ahead with Shivam Dube, who emerged as the sixth bowling option. On the first ball, Bethell got run out while attempting for the second run. Later, Dube conceded singles on the next two balls.

With 27 runs required from the last three balls, Dube conceded a wide and three consecutive sixes to Jofra Archer, with India eventually bagging a close seven-run win to advance to the grand finale.

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