Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy Exploit Conditions In Ahmedabad As India Sail Into T20 World Cup Super 8s Unbeaten

India vs Netherlands T20 World Cup: India's unbeaten streak in the T20 World Cup continues as Shivam Dube and Varun Chakaravarthy masterfully exploited the Ahmedabad conditions, propelling the team to a 17-run win against Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.

Dube's explosive batting, marked by six sixes, and Chakaravarthy's cunning spin, were instrumental in India's dominant performance in their last Group Stage match.

India's top order struggled against Aryan Dutt's off-spin, but Dube's tumultuous 66 off 31 balls in the second half propelled them to a challenging 193/6.

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The Netherlands' chase was hindered by Chakravarthy's masterful bowling, with his 3/14 in 3 overs proving pivotal in shutting their doors.

Netherlands' Chase

Chakravarthy removed Colin Ackermann and Aryan Dutt in consecutive balls in the 13th over to leave the Netherlands at 94/4. The well-set Bas de Leede and captain Scott Edwards' dismissals snuffed out all hopes for the Dutches.

A late surge by Zach Lion-Cachet (26 not out off 16) and Noah Croes (25 not out off 12) in the death overs added intrigue and 18 runs off Pandya's over in the 19th over proved insufficient.

For the last over, Suryakumar Yadav entrusted Shivam Dube with the final over as the all-rounder successfully defended 28 runs off the last six balls, despite two dropped catches. The Netherlands ultimately fell short, finishing at 176/7 in 20 overs.

India's Innings

Dube's tempestuous batting in the second half of India's innings propelled the team to a competitive total, as he smashed 66 off 31 balls, unleashing a barrage of sixes to break the shackles.

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Michael Levitt's dropped catch off Logan van Beek's bowling when Suryakumar was on 13 proved costly, as India went on to lose just three wickets in the first 10 overs.

Dube's half-dozen sixes transformed India's innings after 74/3 in 10 overs. He cleared his front leg, discovered freedom, and partnered Hardik Pandya (30 off 21) in a 76-run stand, fueling a 75-run surge in the last five overs.