India’s four-wicket loss to Australia in the second T20I International snapped Shivam Dube's long-standing unbeaten streak in the shortest format. The defeat halted Dube’s historic 37-match unbeaten run in T20Is. This streak, which had become the stuff of legend, spanned 34 wins and three no-results since his debut in 2019. The last time India lost a T20I with Dube in the playing XI was over 2,150 days ago, against the West Indies in December 2019. The loss in Melbourne also brought similar streaks held by key players Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav to an end.
Shivam Dube loses first T20I clash after 37 matches
The high-octane clash in Melbourne, following the washed-out series opener in Canberra, saw India's batting unit collapse against a clinical Australian bowling attack. Spearheading the assault was Josh Hazlewood, who delivered a masterclass in seam and bounce to claim brilliant figures of 3 wickets for 13 runs in his four overs. India could only manage a total of 125 all out. This low score was mitigated only by the valiant effort of Abhishek Sharma, who scored a combative 68 off 37 balls, and a spirited rearguard knock from Harshit Rana, who contributed a gutsy 35 off 33 deliveries.
Unfortunately, even Dube's golden touch could not change the script at the MCG. After India's early batting faltered, Dube, who was slotted in at number eight due to a reshuffled lineup, could not prevent the inevitable. His long-standing unbeaten aura was finally broken as Australia chased down the target in a dominant fashion, completing the chase in just 13.2 overs. The comprehensive nature of the defeat made it Australia’s most dominant win over India in T20Is in recent years.
Biggest defeats for India in T20Is (balls to spare):
52 vs Australia, Melbourne 2008
40 vs Australia, Melbourne 2025
33 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo RPS 2021
33 vs New Zealand, Dubai 2021
31 vs Australia, Colombo RPS 2012
Dube’s remarkable 37-match unbeaten stretch remains the longest by any player in T20I history, a streak that eclipsed those of Uganda's Pascal Murungi (27) and India's Jasprit Bumrah (24). Bumrah himself saw the conclusion of his incredible run of 23 consecutive T20I matches without defeat, a streak that had held since India's loss to New Zealand in Dubai four years prior. Moreover, captain Suryakumar Yadav’s streak of nine consecutive wins as skipper also ended, leaving him two victories short of equaling Rohit Sharma's all-time Indian record of 11.
ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya to make India return with South Africa series? Report provides huge injury update
Abhishek Sharma's blistering in vain
Amidst the disappointing team performance and the broken records, the resilience of two young batters offered the only solace. Abhishek Sharma once again underlined his class, demonstrating remarkable skill where his teammates faltered against the pace and bounce under lights. The left-hander struck a fluent 68 off just 37 deliveries, an innings highlighted by eight fours and two sixes, including a majestic lofted drive off Hazlewood that earned applause from all corners. His 23-ball half-century showcased his growing maturity, but a critical lack of support and rotation from the other end ultimately prevented him from carrying India beyond the eventual total of 125. The other major positive was the emergence of Harshit Rana's batting grit. Though initially listed at No. 6 on the team sheet, Harshit came in at No. 7 with India's innings in tatters at 49 for 5 in the eighth over. Displaying surprising composure for a specialist bowler, he countered Australia's varied attack with solid technique and temperament. He faced the second-most balls in the Indian innings (33) and added a crucial 56-run partnership with Abhishek Sharma for the sixth wicket. His fighting knock, which included three boundaries and a six, ensured India managed to cross the 120-run mark. The team will now look to regroup for the next T20I, scheduled to be played at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Sunday, November 2.