Despite a promising start by Afghanistan, the visitors encountered a hiccup due to exceptional spells from Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh.
Shivam Dube, however, proved to be expensive, giving away 36 runs in his three overs without claiming any wickets. Nonetheless, he managed to create a memorable moment late in the first innings.
In the 18th over, Dube delivered a back-of-the-hand slower ball on the third delivery, almost resembling a dead ball. The ball lacked momentum after pitching and bounced for a second time beyond the crease, catching Mujeeb off guard as he swung blindly towards the leg side.
This slower delivery sparked amusement among skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, evident in their laughter and applause.
— Travis Head (@TravisHead8441) January 14, 2024
It’s over for overhyped hardik Pandya imo! Captain Rohit Sharma reviving Shivam Dube’s Career 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zT8bbAiDhb
— ` (@shiv0037) January 14, 2024
The joy, however, was short-lived as Mujeeb responded with a colossal six off the subsequent full delivery, sending the Kookaburra soaring into the night sky beyond deep mid-wicket.