Chapter 187

As the 32nd over approached in a match already brimming with tension and spectacle, the stadium buzzed with anticipation and anxiety. Australia stood at a formidable 212/3, with Travis Head nearing a magnificent century. It was at this crucial juncture that Nitish was handed the ball for the first time in the match. The decision raised eyebrows; Nitish, having exerted himself in the batting innings, appeared visibly drained. His initial deliveries did little to quell the growing apprehension among Indian fans, as he bowled three consecutive wides, exacerbating the tension.

However, what followed was a display of sheer brilliance and determination that would forever be etched in the annals of World Cup history. With a sudden burst of energy, Nitish unleashed a yorker clocked at 150 km/h, a delivery that tore through the defenses of Travis Head and shattered the stumps. The stadium erupted in disbelief and exhilaration. Head, just two runs shy of a well-deserved century, made his way back, his wicket marking a pivotal shift in the game's momentum.

The very next ball saw Glenn Maxwell at the crease, facing an in-swinging yorker that was as lethal as it was unexpected for the first delivery to a new batsman. The appeal for LBW was immediate, and despite taking a review, the decision was upheld. Maxwell departed, leaving the Australian side in a sudden state of disarray.

The hat-trick ball was a moment of high drama. Nitish, riding on a wave of adrenaline, delivered another masterful yorker that clean bowled Josh Inglis, securing his place as the third Indian bowler to achieve a hat-trick in World Cup history. The over, a maiden filled with wides and wickets, was a paradox that mirrored the unpredictable nature of cricket.

But Nitish wasn't done. The next over saw him claim the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins, each dismissal a testament to his skill and precision. In just two overs, Nitish had dismantled the Australian middle order, completing a five-wicket haul that sent the crowd into a frenzy, effectively silencing any doubts and criticisms, including those from Pat Cummins in the pre-match interview.

Mohammed Shami, not to be outdone, added to Australia's woes by taking the wicket of Mitchell Starc in the following over. Nitish, now an unstoppable force, claimed the wicket of Adam Zampa in his next over, his sixth of the match, sealing a victory that clinched the World Cup for India.

The scenes that followed were euphoric. Ravi Shastri, in the commentary box, was ecstatic, his voice capturing the magnitude of the moment. Virat Kohli, who had earlier received a king-like respect from Nitish, reciprocated with a kneel pose, a gesture that epitomized the mutual admiration and respect among the teammates. The stadium resonated with chants of "Nitish, Nitish," as he was hoisted onto the shoulders of his teammates, reminiscent of the iconic moment with Sachin Tendulkar in the 2011 World Cup. Unlike Tendulkar's farewell ride, however, Nitish's journey was far from over.

In the midst of the celebration, Nitish's eyes scanned the crowd, looking for one specific person whose presence and wishes meant the world to him. Despite not finding her, he smiled, understanding the improbability of her being there. The dressing room was a mix of jubilation and emotional relief; teammates hugged, cried, and expressed their gratitude towards Nitish. The victory was not just a triumph over Australia but a healing moment for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who had faced heartbreak in previous ICC knockouts.

Nitish's performance was a beacon of hope, resilience, and unmatched skill, transforming him into a national hero overnight. His story, from coming back from a coma to winning the World Cup for India, was a narrative of overcoming insurmountable odds, a reminder that in the realm of sports, miracles do happen. As the celebrations continued, Nitish's thoughts lingered on the journey, the sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of glory that had defined this World Cup campaign, a campaign that would forever remain a golden chapter in the history of Indian cricket.