102 Chapter 100
The fourth T20I between India and England was set to be a high-octane encounter. England had already won two matches, and India was determined to level the series. The pitch at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai seemed to be a batting paradise, and both teams were eager to exploit it to their advantage.
India won the toss and elected to bat first. The openers, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, got off to a flying start, providing a solid foundation for the middle order. However, both openers fell quickly, leaving India at 70/2 in the powerplay. Virat Kohli, the Indian captain who replaced Dhoni as he is taking rest, joined Rohit Sharma at the crease, hoping to rebuild the innings.
The duo started cautiously, taking their time to assess the conditions. They rotated the strike well, punishing the loose deliveries, and gradually built a partnership. Rohit, in particular, looked in sublime touch, displaying his trademark elegance and timing.
As the partnership grew, Rohit shifted gears and unleashed an array of strokes. He brought up his half-century in style, sending the ball sailing over the boundary ropes with effortless ease. Kohli, on the other hand, played the anchor role, providing valuable support to Rohit's aggressive approach.
With Rohit going strong, India was well-positioned to post a competitive total. However, the moment of magic came when Nitish Reddy walked in to bat at number five. The crowd erupted with excitement and anticipation as the young all-rounder took guard.
Nitish, unfazed by the pressure, showed incredible maturity beyond his years. He took some time to settle in and get his eye in. Once he found his rhythm, there was no stopping him. He took on the English bowlers with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, announcing his arrival in grand style.
The commentary box was abuzz with praise for Nitish's fearless stroke play. The commentators couldn't help but marvel at the young talent's composure and audacity to take on the experienced English attack. As Nitish reached his half-century, the excitement in the crowd reached a fever pitch.
As the innings progressed, Nitish's confidence soared, and he unleashed an array of innovative shots. The 'Dil Scoop,' popularized by Sri Lankan legend Tillakaratne Dilshan, was executed to perfection by Nitish. The ball sailed over the wicketkeeper's head for a boundary, leaving the English bowlers dumbfounded.
But the best was yet to come. In the last over, Nitish was on 96, just four runs away from a historic century. The tension was palpable in the stadium as everyone held their breath in anticipation. David Willey, the English bowler, was under immense pressure to deny Nitish the milestone.
The first ball of the last over went for a single, and Nitish was on strike for the next five balls. With just three balls remaining, he was on 99. The crowd was on its feet, urging him on to create history.
On the second-last ball, Nitish showed his sheer class. He nonchalantly played a beautiful uppercut, sending the ball soaring over the third-man boundary for six. The stadium erupted in joy, and Nitish had achieved his maiden T20 century in a grand style.
The commentators were in awe of the young sensation, hailing his achievement as the youngest player to score centuries in both T20s and Tests. His talent and temperament under pressure had left everyone speechless. The long-off six off Chris Jordan was met with an eruption of applause from the fans, and even the English fielders couldn't help but acknowledge the brilliance of the young cricketer.
As India finished their innings with a mammoth total of 243/4, Nitish's incredible knock of 105 not out off just 54 balls had set the stage for an enthralling contest. The Wankhede Stadium had witnessed a masterclass from the young all-rounder, who had announced his arrival on the international stage with a bang.
The English team had a daunting task ahead of them to chase down the target, but their spirits remained high. As they walked back to the dressing room, they knew that they had witnessed something special, a knock that would be etched in the annals of cricket history.
