Shivam Dube's Record-Breaking Innings
In a thrilling T20I match against New Zealand, Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube launched a remarkable innings, hitting a fifty off just 15 balls. This phenomenal feat occurred on January 28, 2026, at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Dube's milestone came on the penultimate delivery of the 13th over, showcasing his explosive batting style. Facing Jacob Duffy, he elegantly flicked a full toss over deep square leg, sealing his half-century and setting the stage for a high-scoring chase.
Historical Context of Dube's Achievement
This performance marked the third-fastest fifty recorded by an Indian in T20 internationals, trailing only former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who made a fifty in just 12 balls back in 2007 against England. Abhishek Sharma previously achieved a 14-ball fifty earlier in the same series, proving the caliber of batting displayed by the Indian squad.
| Player |
Time Taken |
| Yuvraj Singh |
12 balls |
| Abhishek Sharma |
14 balls |
| Shivam Dube |
15 balls |
Match Summary and Key Performances
Despite a turbulent start where India lost Abhishek Sharma on the first ball, Dube's explosive batting provided hope as he turned the tide. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav managed only eight runs, while Sanju Samson chipped in with 24 off 15 balls. The middle order struggled as Rinku Singh scored 39 runs, but the team's dynamics shifted dramatically with Dube's powerhouse performance.
As the innings progressed, India found itself struggling at 82 runs for 5 wickets but Dube's aggressive approach built momentum, achieving his half-century as India reached 134/5 after 14 overs. At that point, he had amassed 54 runs, showcasing his prowess and determination.
Opposing Team's Performance
Earlier in the match, New Zealand set a challenging target, scoring 215 runs for 7 wickets in their 20 overs. Tim Seifert was the standout performer, scoring 62 runs off just 36 balls, supported by Devon Conway’s solid 44 and Daryl Mitchell’s quick-fire 39 off 18 deliveries. On the bowling front, India's Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh each contributed with two wickets.
This match exemplified the thrilling nature of T20 cricket, with explosive batting taking center stage.
Conclusion
Shivam Dube’s phenomenal 15-ball fifty not only lit up the scoreboard but also etched his name in T20 history as one of the fastest scorers. As the match progresses, fans eagerly await how the rest of the innings unfolds.