India vs Ireland. Birthday boy Shivam Dube joins the elite club, becoming only the fourth Indian to… |: Cricket News:

Birthday boy Shivam Dube celebrates with Prasidh Krishna after taking a wicket. (Image credit: BCCI)

NEW DELHI: Shivam Dube The stylish turned 33 on Friday, marking his birthday with a remarkable and memorable feat during India’s first T20I against Ireland in Belfast — becoming the fourth Indian bowler to take a T20I wicket on his birthday.Operating as a fourth-choice option, Dube was introduced into the attack at eight and made an immediate impact. With his very first delivery, he bowled Benjamin Calitz, who made a lively 15 off 11 balls with two sixes, as Ireland looked to build momentum.Dube’s short delivery rushes the batter into a mistimed pull, sending the top edge looping towards fine leg, where Prasidh Krishna completes a comfortable catch after running back and keeping his eyes glued to the ball.It was a birthday present for Dube to remember – his 32nd T20I wicket in his 65th international appearance in the format.

Elite birthday club with Indian stars

With the wicket, Dube joined an exclusive list of Indian cricketers who have taken a T20I wicket on their birthday. The club includes Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav – names that highlight the rare feat.Yuvraj Singh was the first to achieve this, returning 3 for 23 against Sri Lanka in Mohali on his 28th birthday in 2009. Ravindra Jadeja joined the list a decade ago with 1 for 30 against West Indies in Hyderabad on his 31st birthday in 2019.Kuldeep Yadav managed the feat twice – first with a stunning 5 for 17 against South Africa in Johannesburg on his 29th birthday, and again with 2 for 12 against the same opposition in Dharamsala on his 32nd birthday.Dube’s inclusion adds a new name to a rare but prestigious statistical club, mixing celebration with impact on the field.

Indian cricketers pick a T20I wicket on their birthday

A handy spell in a high-scoring contest

Dube finished with figures of 1 for 18 in three overs as Ireland posted a competitive 182 for 9 in their 20 overs. The all-rounder, now in his 65th T20I, has quietly built a useful international record. Before this match, he had 31 wickets and 991 runs at an average of 30.96, including six half-centuries, showing his growing value as a genuine dual-role option.