Shivam Dube became the latest Indian star to conquer the Netherlands in T20 cricket, smashing a rapid 66 off 31 deliveries in Ahmedabad during the T20 World Cup 2026 qualifier. His boundary-laden knock—featuring 4 fours and 6 massive sixes—catapulted India to 193/6, marking him as the fourth Blue to register a half-century against the Associate nation.
The match on Wednesday saw India lose Abhishek Sharma early for nought, prompting Ishan Kishan (18) and Tilak Varma (31) to rebuild with a 39-run stand. Suryakumar Yadav (34) followed suit, adding crucial runs through partnerships before Dube took over. His 76-run alliance with Hardik Pandya off 35 balls rescued India from 110/4, showcasing raw power and composure under pressure.
Netherlands’ Logan van Beek toiled with 3/56, Aryan Dutt grabbed 2, and Kyle Klein one, but it wasn’t enough to stem the Indian tide. Looking back, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 62* off 44 in the 2022 T20 World Cup clash—where Rohit Sharma (53 off 39) and Suryakumar Yadav (51* off 25) also feasted—set the benchmark. That Sydney showdown remains a high point in India-Netherlands T20 history.
Dube’s rise mirrors his teammates’ exploits, transforming potential collapses into towering totals. With no Namibian achieving the feat against India, this list remains an exclusive Indian preserve. As the qualifiers intensify, Dube’s ability to accelerate could be India’s secret weapon, blending finesse with fireworks for World Cup aspirations.