Chapter 147

The stadium stood still, a collective breath held as Nitish Reddy, despite a bleeding nose and an imminent sense of exhaustion, valiantly took his crease. The young cricketer, who had already captured hearts with his fearless batting, had now etched his name in the annals of cricket history with an extraordinary display of courage and determination.

The Unseen Warrior:

As Nitish faced the bowler, there was something different about his stance. He had altered his batting pose, lowering his bat and shifting his weight slightly forward. It was as if he had transformed into a warrior, ready to take on the bowler and battle the odds.

Harsha Bhogle (with admiration): "Look at Nitish Reddy! Despite the challenges, he's back at the crease with a new stance."

Ravi Shastri (with respect): "This is the spirit of a true champion, Harsha. Nitish is determined to fight."

The equation was daunting: 33 runs needed in just 12 balls. Nitish, with a bloody nose and unyielding resolve, was determined to make every delivery count. He understood that hitting boundaries might be difficult, but he was ready to fight for every single run.

A Fight to Remember:

Nitish took a quick single off the first ball, giving the strike to Virat Kohli. The responsibility now fell on the captain's shoulders, and Kohli was equal to the task. David Willey, the English seamer, delivered a wide yorker, but Kohli, with his impeccable timing, managed to get his bat on it. The ball raced away to the boundary, and the crowd erupted in joy.

Harsha Bhogle (with excitement): "Kohli is a master of chasing. That was beautifully timed!"

Ravi Shastri (with enthusiasm): "That's Kohli for you. He knows when to strike."

With a boundary and a single off the next ball, the equation was reduced to 22 runs needed off 9 balls. Kohli was in sublime touch, and his batting was a testament to his incredible skill under pressure.

Kohli's Masterstroke:

As Willey prepared to bowl the next delivery, the crowd's anticipation was palpable. Kohli, with unwavering focus, came forward, meeting the low full toss with the sweet spot of his bat. The ball sailed over the boundary ropes, a perfect six.

Harsha Bhogle (with awe): "What a shot! Kohli is turning on the style. India needed that!"

Ravi Shastri (with admiration): "That's a captain's knock! Kohli is leading from the front."

The stadium reverberated with chants of "Kohli! Kohli!" as the Indian skipper showcased his class. With 18 runs needed off 6 balls, the momentum had shifted firmly in India's favor. But the match still hung in the balance, and every delivery remained crucial.

Nitish's Valiant Effort:

Kohli took a single off the next ball, retaining the strike. Nitish, standing at the non-striker's end, knew that he had to support his captain in every way possible. The equation was now 21 runs needed off 8 balls.

Nitish, who had batted brilliantly earlier, was now feeling the toll of his physical exertion. But he had come too far to back down. With Kohli's guidance, they continued to run hard between the wickets, extracting every possible run from each delivery.

Harsha Bhogle (with appreciation): "Nitish and Kohli are running brilliantly. They understand the importance of every run."

Ravi Shastri (with determination): "This is a masterclass in running between the wickets. They're fighting for every inch."

Nitish's relentless running took him to 83 runs, just shy of a century. He had slowed down after his fiery start, preserving his energy for this crucial stage of the match. His captain, Kohli, had been the anchor, providing stability amidst the storm.

The Final Stretch:

As the 19th over came to a close, India needed 18 runs off the last over to win the T20 World Cup. The scenario was intense, and the stadium echoed with nervous energy. Stokes, the English fast bowler, was entrusted with the daunting task of defending the total.

Harsha Bhogle (with anticipation): "We're into the final over, and it's a nail-biter, Ravi. India needs 18 runs to win."

Ravi Shastri (with excitement): "Stokes has the ball. This is the moment that defines champions."

Stokes was under immense pressure as he prepared to deliver the first ball of the over. The entire stadium was on edge. Nitish, despite his physical discomfort and fatigue, stood resolute at the crease.

The First Five Balls:

The first ball was bowled with pace and venom. Nitish missed it, and the wicketkeeper collected the ball cleanly. The stadium collectively sighed, the tension mounting with every delivery.

The second ball was a bouncer, but it went straight for Nitish's helmet. The concern for his well-being was palpable, but the young cricketer signaled that he was okay, ready to continue the battle.

The third ball was a slower delivery, and it found Nitish's bat, but it went straight to a fielder, and there was no chance for a run.

The fourth ball was crucial. Stokes delivered it with precision, but Nitish had something special in store. With a perfect swing of the bat, he dispatched the ball for a massive six. The stadium erupted in joy.

Harsha Bhogle (with exhilaration): "What a shot! Nitish Reddy sends it out of the park. India needed that!"

Ravi Shastri (with excitement): "That's the spirit, young man! He's not giving up."

The equation now stood at 12 runs needed off 2 balls. The improbable suddenly seemed possible. The fans in the stadium and the millions watching on TV were on the edge of their seats.

The Penultimate Delivery:

Stokes, feeling the pressure, decided to bowl a bouncer. Nitish, anticipating the delivery, had already crouched low. With a perfect uppercut, he sent the ball soaring over the boundary ropes for another six. The stadium was delirious.

Harsha Bhogle (with ecstasy): "Incredible! Nitish Reddy is turning this match around. What a fight!"

Ravi Shastri (with exhilaration): "He's playing the innings of a lifetime, Harsha. This is cricket at its finest."

India needed 6 runs off the final ball to win the T20 World Cup. Nitish, batting on 95, was on strike. The stadium, once silenced by despair, now echoed with hope and excitement. The fairytale ending seemed within grasp.

The Grand Finale:

As Stokes marked his run-up for the final ball, the tension was unbearable. Nitish, with the weight of the nation's hopes on his shoulders, took a deep breath and looked to the heavens. He adjusted his grip on the bat and, in a moment that would be etched in cricketing history, changed his batting pose, resembling a baseball player ready to swing for the fences.

Harsha Bhogle (with anticipation): "This is it! The final ball of the World Cup. India needs 6 runs to win."

Ravi Shastri (with excitement): "Nitish Reddy, the young sensation, is on strike. Can he be the hero?"

Stokes ran in with determination, but Nitish was ready. The ball came in as a wide yorker, but Nitish had anticipated it. He went deep into his crease and swung with all his might. The connection was sweet, and the ball sailed over the boundary ropes.

Harsha Bhogle (with exhilaration): "It's a six! A century for Nitish Reddy on the final ball! India wins the T20 World Cup!"

Ravi Shastri (with jubilation): "What a moment! What a player! Nitish Reddy, take a bow!"

The stadium erupted in a cacophony of cheers, tears, and celebrations. Nitish Reddy, despite all odds and adversities, had secured a fairytale ending. His century on the final ball had not only won India the T20 World Cup but also etched his name in the pantheon of cricketing legends.

The Unforgettable Victory:

As Nitish was embraced by his ecstatic teammates, Virat Kohli, the captain, lifted the coveted T20 World Cup trophy. The fans, who had journeyed through the rollercoaster of emotions, rejoiced in this remarkable triumph. The fairytale ending was not just a victory for a team; it was a victory for belief, resilience, and the enduring spirit of cricket.

Harsha Bhogle (with emotion): "This is a story for the ages. Nitish Reddy, remember the name!"

Ravi Shastri (with pride): "Indeed, Harsha. This is cricket at its most magical."

And so, in the world of cricket, where heroes are made and legends are born, Nitish Reddy had etched his name in the annals of history with an innings that would be remembered for generations to come.