Chapter 39: New Experience

As I took the field for the 26th over after the drinks break, I felt a rush of adrenaline. I had been tasked with a new challenge - to deliver slow swingers, a delivery I had never attempted before.

But with every game, I learned and honed my skills, and my years of experience playing under-16 cricket had taught me the finer points of seam techniques. Now, even with an older ball, I was confident in my ability to make it swing. It was time to put my skills to the test.

First Delivery, a slow inswinger, though the ball didn't swing much but the overcast weather and the damp pitch did its work and the ball swung but was defended perfectly.

As I began my first delivery, I focused on executing a slow inswinger. Despite the lack of significant swing, the overcast weather and the damp pitch worked in my favor.

The ball dipped and swerved, but to my disappointment, the batsman was equal to the task and defended it with ease. Nevertheless, I was determined to keep pushing and see where this new challenge would take me.

For the remainder of the over, I alternated between simple slower balls and slower inswingers, all clocking in around 130 kmph. I was reminded that even at such a modest pace, the ball could be made to swing.

In fact, it was possible to create movement with speeds as low as 90 kmph. I was eager to see the result of my experimentation and hoped to surprise the batsman with each delivery.

I decided to mix things up by introducing a fast ball every now and then. This strategy paid off as it reduced the runs I was conceding. By the end of the third over, I had only given away 6 runs. I was pleased with my progress and felt proud of myself for adapting my game plan on the fly.

As I returned to bowl the 28th over, I was filled with determination. This time, I was determined to make a difference. I had refined my plan and was ready to unleash a barrage of deliveries that would test the batsman's skill. My arsenal was now loaded with swingers that moved both ways, with varying speeds to keep the batsman guessing.

With my first delivery of the over, I aimed for an inswinger. To my delight, it was perfectly executed and the batsman was unable to score a run.

With my second delivery, I aimed for a good length delivery, just outside off-stump. I hoped to tempt the batsman, Razzaq, into playing at it, and he obliged and just as the ball left my hand, it swung in the opposite direction, taking the outside edge of Razzaq's bat. The catch was a simple one for Dhoni, who was behind the stumps. I was overjoyed at the success of my delivery

As soon as the catch was taken, Dhoni sprinted towards me and was joined by my overjoyed teammates. This was my first wicket of the day, and even more special as it was my first on a pitch like this.

Dravid approached me and patted my back, saying, "Didn't I say to try new things? You never know, they just might work. And they did in your case."

His words were like fuel to my fire. I looked up at him and nodded in agreement, "Good. Now do that again." I was determined to keep pushing my limits and making the most of this opportunity.

Third Delivery, New batsman was ready to face my next delivery. I bowled short of a good length delivery, this one pitched in line and straightened and Younis Khan was trapped plumb in front of the stumps.

The next delivery was faced by a new batsman. With my third ball, I aimed for a short of a good length delivery that would pitch in line and straighten.

My plan worked to perfection, and the new batsman, Younis Khan, was trapped plumb in front of the stumps. A beautiful LBW! Back-to-back wickets and the excitement was palpable. There was no doubt in the umpire's mind, and he quickly raised his finger in our favor.

I was on a roll and heading towards a hat-trick. The crowd was buzzing, and my teammates were cheering me on, their energy fueling me even further. I was in the zone and ready for my next delivery.

The next delivery was faced by yet another batsman. I bowled a well-angled line and length delivery that was angled across the right-hander. Despite my best efforts, the batsman managed to steer it down to third man for a single. My chance of a hat-trick was gone, but I didn't let it get to me.

The fifth delivery was faced by Pakistan's only set batsman, Mohammad Yousuf. I was determined to take him out once and for all. I started my run-up, but as I was about to release the ball, my foot skidded, and the ball went astray from my hand.

The ball went short and wide of the off stump, and Yousuf took advantage by cutting it. Unfortunately, the edge went high in the air and headed towards third man.

Raina was there, but he couldn't hold on to the tough catch, and the ball sailed over the ropes for a six. It was a disappointing moment, but I quickly regrouped and focused on the next delivery.

The final delivery of the over was an inswinger. The batsman managed to get a single, and the over came to an end.

Even though I gave up 8 runs in that over, I took back two valuable wickets in return. Pakistan's score was now 127-7 after 29 overs, and I was proud of the contribution I had made to the game so far.

Our efforts paid off, and we were able to end their innings early, in the 35th over with Agarkar taking their final wicket. In the end, they managed to score a total of 143 runs. It was a great effort from the entire team.

Although my performance with the ball wasn't the best today, I was still able to take three wickets in the six overs I bowled, even though I gave up 45 runs. My economy wasn't the greatest, but it was still better than many others. Most importantly, I learned something new today, and that's what counts.

Although I possess the technical skill and proficiency to perform at a high level, my lack of experience and mentality may hold me back from reaching my full potential. I am determined to cultivate a winning mindset and gain valuable game-time experience to elevate my play to new heights.

As I watched our openers prepare to step up to the crease, their confident grins put me at ease. I thought to myself, 'I'll be able to learn a thing or two from their mastery.' The anticipation of watching them in action filled me with excitement and a renewed sense of purpose.