Tue Dec 03 09:49:41 UTC 2024: ## Dube’s Blitz and Yadav’s Firepower Power Mumbai to Victory in SMAT

**Hyderabad, India** – Shivam Dube announced his return to competitive T20 cricket with a stunning 71 off just 35 balls, including seven sixes, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. Playing for Mumbai against Services, Dube, who had been sidelined for four months due to an injury sustained during the Duleep Trophy, rekindled his explosive batting form. His 197-strike rate innings, alongside Suryakumar Yadav’s equally impressive 70 (7 fours, 4 sixes) off 46 balls, propelled Mumbai to a commanding 193/4 in their 20 overs.

The duo’s devastating partnership of 130 runs in just 11 overs, formed after Mumbai was struggling at 60/3, was highlighted by the BCCI on social media. Both Dube and Yadav plan to continue playing in the remaining matches of the tournament.

Dube’s absence from the Bangladesh and South Africa T20 series due to injury had raised concerns, but this blistering performance strongly suggests he’s back to his best. His inclusion in the Indian team, especially with captain Suryakumar Yadav’s endorsement, seems a strong possibility.

The all-rounder, retained by Chennai Super Kings for a hefty ₹12 crore, has consistently impressed in the IPL, scoring 289 runs in his debut season, followed by 418 (strike rate 158.33) and 396 (strike rate 162.3) runs in 2023 and 2024 respectively. His impressive IPL record earned him a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. This latest performance further solidifies his claim as a key player for both Mumbai and potentially, Team India.

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