All-rounder Shivam Dube attributed India’s commanding 48-run victory over Australia in the fourth T20 at Carrara Oval to tactical planning and composure under pressure. This win handed the visitors an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Addressing the media after the game, Dube said India's total of 167/8 was more than defendable, considering the ground dimensions and bowling strength.

“167 on this ground is definitely a good score because of the quality bowling we have — the spinners, the fast bowlers. I trust them and the whole team trusts our bowlers,” Dube told reporters.

During the chase, Australia got off to a rapid start but India’s bowlers applied the pressure in the middle overs, with collective effort ensuring the hosts lost their way. Washington Sundar claimed three wickets while Axar Patel and Dube returned with two prized scalps each as the tourists bundled out Australia for 119 in 18.2 overs.

“The plan was to bowl on the sides which have bigger boundaries because it's difficult to hit big — the boundaries were 80 metres plus,” Dube revealed.

“We knew it won't be easy to hit, no matter how well you connect. So, the idea was to bowl smartly and force set batters to target the bigger sides.”

Dube, who took two wickets in as many overs by conceding 20 runs, credited India's coaching staff and captain Suryakumar Yadav for his growing confidence as a bowler.

“Morne, Gauti bhai, and Surya prepared a good plan for me. Morne also gave small but useful tips that made my bowling better,” he said.

Promoted to No. 3, Dube contributed 22 off 18 balls in the penultimate T20I and the southpaw revealed that he had worked particularly on handling bounce ahead of the tour.

“In nets, I practised a lot on short balls because the bounce is more here. The plan was to rotate strike against pacers and attack the spinners,” he remarked.

The fifth and final T20I of the series will be played at the Gabba, Brisbane on Saturday (November 8).