Asia Cup 2025: "I was under pressure 100%"- Shivam Dube admits being scared of bowling first over in the final against Pakistan

Shivam Dube received Impact Player of the Match award by Indian team management after Asia Cup 2025 final.

Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube admitted that he was very scared to bowl the first over of Asia Cup 2025 final between Indian Cricket Team and Pakistan Cricket Team on Sunday, September 28. In the absence of injured Hardik Pandya, Dube was given the task to share the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah.

Shivam Dube played a key role in India winning Asia Cup 2025 as he contributed both with bat and ball in the encounter. He bowled two overs in the powerplay and gave just 12 runs, ending up with the figures of 0/23 in three overs. With the bat, he brought his team as he scored 33 runs off 22 balls to go with two sixes and two boundaries. His innings came at a time when India were under massive pressure in the chase of 147 runs

Dube etched a crucial partnership of 60 runs with Tilak Varma, who scored unbeaten 69, for the fifth wicket, playing a key role in India’s victory.

After the match, Dube was given the Impact Player of the Match award in the Indian dressing room. As per the tradition, where support staff member is asked to present the award, the honour was given to team physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain.

I was very scared: Shivam Dube on bowling first over in Asia Cup 2025 final

While giving award to Dube, Jain lauded the all-rounder for his brilliant effort in both batting and bowling.

“What a day to give this medal. A big day, a big game, a big final and he had to do a slightly different role which the team wanted him to do. From bowling that first over and initial punch to those two crucial overs in the powerplay, and hitting those boundaries exactly when the team required it, today’s impact player – Shivam Dube,” he said.

While receiving the medal, Dube mentioned that he was under a lot of pressure and very scared before bowling the first over in the match.

“Bowled the first over, I was under pressure 100%. If I say I wasn’t, I’d be lying. I was very scared as well. But everyone supported me and it went away,” he said.

During the tournament, the Indian all-rounder scored 50 runs across four innings and clinched five wickets at an economy of 7.76.

Coming to the match, India crushed Pakistan by five wickets, chasing a 147-run target. Opting to bowl, the Men in Blue bowled out Pakistan for 146 runs on account of a fabulous four-wicket haul by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. In the chase, Tilak Varma (69*) played a prominent role with the bat, bringing the team home in the final over with his unbeaten half-century. He was later adjudged as Player of the Match.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.