'I backed myself': Dube on bowling final over against England
What's the story
India's all-rounder Shivam Dube has opened up about his experience of bowling the last over against England in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final. Despite Jacob Bethell having already scored a stunning century off just 45 balls, Dube remained focused on self-belief to execute his plan. He admitted that he was nervous but ready to take on the challenge of defending 30 runs in the final over.
Game plan
'I just wanted to back myself'
"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," Dube said in a video posted by BCCI. He added, "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."
Match details
Dube's last over was a nail-biter
Dube's last over was a nail-biter. Jacob Bethell was run out while attempting a second run on the first ball, and Dube gave away singles on the next two deliveries, reducing England's target to 27 runs from three balls. Although he bowed a wide and conceded three sixes from Jofra Archer, India's win was already secured by his initial three deliveries.
Performance
Dube's all-round brilliance helps India reach final
Along with his bowling heroics, Dube also contributed significantly with the bat. He scored a quickfire 43 off just 25 balls, hitting one four and two sixes to help India set a challenging target of 253 runs. His all-round performance was instrumental in India's victory over England by seven runs in the nail-biting semi-final at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
Upcoming match
India set to face New Zealand in T20 WC final
With this win, India has secured a place in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup. They will take on New Zealand at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The Kiwis reached the final after defeating South Africa in Kolkata. This will be a repeat of the 2025 Champions Trophy final, where both teams had also faced each other.
Twitter Post
Here is the video!
Bowling the final over in a thrilling World Cup semi-final 😮
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 6, 2026
🎥 🗣️ Shivam Dube relished the challenge and delivered to take #TeamIndia into the #Final 👏
🔽 Watch | #T20WorldCup | #MenInBlue | #ENGvIND | @IamShivamDube https://t.co/0bSMq6ayX3