'We planned it smartly': Shivam Dube reveals India's bowling strategy in 48-run win over Australia

NEW DELHI: India all-rounder Shivam Dube credited tactical planning and composure under pressure for India's commanding 48-run victory over Australia in the fourth T20I on Thursday, which handed the visitors an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking after the match, Dube said India's total of 167 for 8 was more than defendable given the ground dimensions and bowling strength.“167 on this ground is definitely a good score because of the quality bowling we have — the spinners, the fast bowlers. I trust them and the whole team trusts our bowlers,” Dube said at the post-match press conference.India's bowlers backed up that confidence with a clinical display, bundling out Australia for 119 in 18.2 overs.

Dube, who picked 2 for 20, explained that exploiting the larger boundaries was central to their plan.

“The plan was to bowl on the sides which have bigger boundaries because it's difficult to hit big — the boundaries were 80 metres plus,” he revealed. “We knew it won't be easy to hit, no matter how well you connect. So, the idea was to bowl smartly and force set batters to target the bigger sides.”Dube also credited India's coaching staff — head coach Gautam Gambhir, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and captain Suryakumar Yadav — for his growing confidence as a bowler.

“Morne, Gauti bhai, and Surya prepared a good plan for me. Morne also gave small but useful tips that made my bowling better,” he said.Promoted to No. 3, Dube contributed 22 off 18 balls and revealed that he had worked specifically on handling bounce ahead of the tour.“In nets, I practised a lot on short balls because the bounce is more here. The plan was to rotate strike against pacers and attack the spinners,” he added.