Chapter 35: Nervousness

As I walked out to the middle, I couldn't help but feel the pressure of the situation. The Pakistani players on the field were sizing me up with questioning gazes, trying to gauge my abilities and determine my weaknesses.

A voice from their team jeered, "So, now you need children to play for you?"

But then Sachin Tendulkar, who was just one run away from his own century, turned to me and said, "Don't listen to them and play your A game. Just rotate the strikes and don't panic. Everything will be fine."

My nerves were at an all-time high as I took my position at the crease. I could hear the sounds of the spectators in the background, adding to the pressure of the moment. But I took a deep breath, centered myself, and focused on the task at hand.

Mohammed Asif came back to bowl his over, and I was facing him for the first time in my career. He started his run-up, gathering momentum with each stride, and then delivered the ball with precision. I could sense the ball being released earlier from his hand, and I knew that I needed to be at my very best to face this challenge.

I was focused and ready to hit the ball for a massive six, but suddenly my concentration was disrupted by the shouting from the stands. In an instant, my focus shifted and I missed the ball.

To my surprise, even the wicket-keeper was unable to grab the ball, and I quickly ran down to rotate the strike, taking advantage of the opportunity for a bye run. It was a lucky break, and I used it as a chance to regroup and refocus for my next turn at the crease.

Sachin Tendulkar approached me as I returned to our end of the pitch and asked, "What happened? Why didn't you execute your shot?"

I responded, "I got distracted for a second," with my head down. Sachin reassured me, "It happens to everyone. Focus and you'll be okay."

The next ball was a yorker-length delivery, and Sachin expertly defended it and took a single, advancing us both down the pitch.

Sachin finally reached his century and the crowd erupted in cheers. He hugged me and lifted his bat in celebration, holding it aloft with his helmet in his other hand. He spun 360 degrees, taking in the applause from every corner of the stadium.

With Sachin taking a well-deserved break, I was back at the striker's end. The next four balls were dots, and I felt the pressure mounting. The Pakistani bowlers were in top form, and I knew I had to focus if I wanted to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The 44th over began, and to everyone's disappointment, Sachin was out on the first ball. Arshad Khan bowled a full length delivery on the off stump, Sachin attempted a reverse sweep but missed it completely and was given out LBW. The stadium fell silent as the legend walked back to the pavilion.

Next up to bat was Mohammed Kaif, but unfortunately, he was unable to make a single connection with the ball. Despite being an experienced player, he struggled to find his rhythm in the game. As the only one left to bat, the pressure was on, but Kaif remained stoic and said nothing to me.

After his turn at bat, Mohammed Kaif approached me with some sage advice. He reminded me of the pressure and responsibility I was facing as a debuting all-rounder replacing another player.

"Vipin," he said, "it may not mean much to my career if I score or not, but you have a lot to prove here. The outcome of this match will determine your future, so don't give them any reason to replace you. I know it's nerve-wracking to play on such a big stage, but stay focused and remember why you're here."

Kaif's words were both inspiring and motivating, and I felt a renewed sense of determination to perform my best.

I nodded, silently absorbing Kaif's advice, and he smiled before returning to his position. As I thumped my bat on the ground, I could feel my determination return. It wasn't my turn to bat yet, but I was ready when the time came.

It was as if time stood still. I was completely focused on the moment, every detail standing out in sharp relief. The bowler's grip on the ball, the clicking of the umpire's counter, and even the scent of the grass behind me were all crystal clear. I was back in the zone, fully immersed in the game.

First ball was a short delivery just outside the off-stump. With a quick move back, I square drove the ball behind point and watched as it raced to the fence for a magnificent four runs! The crowd erupted with cheers and I felt a rush of adrenaline

The second delivery was a swinging ball down the leg stump, but I was ready. With a swift flick of my bat, I sent the ball flying wide of the short fine leg fielder and straight to the boundary for another four runs!

The third delivery was a length ball outside the off-stump, and I was determined to make it count. With a fierce front-foot smash, I sent the ball flying to the cover point fence for yet another four runs!

The fourth delivery was a length ball with width outside the off-stump, and I was ready. I seized the opportunity and unleashed a powerful shot through extra-cover, scoring yet another four runs!

The fifth delivery was a tricky yorker length ball outside the off-stump, but I was up for the challenge. With a well-placed steer, I sent the ball away to third man, where the fielder, Razzaq, missed it by a hair, allowing it to race to the boundary for another four runs!

The crowd erupted in cheers, and I felt a rush of excitement as I made my way back to the striker's end. My batting was on fire, and I was determined to keep the momentum going.

The final delivery was a flighted ball around the off-stump, and I was ready to finish strong. I charged down the track and lofted the ball over mid-wicket, but it dipped just before the boundary and landed safely for another four runs! The crowd erupted in cheers.

I ran straight towards Mohammed Kaif and hugged him tightly in gratitude. He was taken aback, but soon his face lit up with a big smile.

"My speech did wonders, I guess," he said, proud of his impact.

"It's all thanks to you," I replied with a smile, knowing that his words had given me the confidence to perform at my best.

The crowd was in a frenzy, with people standing in both the Pakistan and India stands. The umpire approached me and revealed that I had made some records today, which was a surreal and humbling moment.

First Player in the world to hit 6 fours in an over in ODIs.

Youngest Player in the world to hit 6 consecutive fours in an over.

First Player in the world to hit 6 fours in an over in his debut in international cricket.

First Player in the world to hit 6 fours in an over in his debut in ODIs.

I was over the moon with excitement and pride. Mohammed Kaif had me in a tight embrace, and as he heard the news of my records, he beamed with joy.

"My credit is due, you know. If it wasn't for my speech, you might have gotten out in this over. Well done, my boy," Kaif said, as he loosened his grip on me.

At this point, I was batting on 24* (11) and our team's score was 311-6 after 45 overs. It was a thrilling moment for me and the team, and I was eager to continue my innings and help drive the score even higher.

With Kaif taking a single on the third ball of the next over, I was back on strike and ready to face the bowler. The cheers of the crowd only added to the thrill.

As I stepped back up to the crease, the stadium erupted with noise. The expectations of the crowd that had once felt like a burden on my shoulders were now a source of strength. I felt energized and ready to deliver another thrilling performance.

I disrupted the bowler's rhythm by breaking their streak of three solid deliveries. I had the upper hand and I was determined to capitalize on it.

The crowd erupted with excitement as I hit my first six of my career. I stepped up out the crease and delivered a magnificent shot. The flighted ball outside leg stump was no match for my determination and skill. The sound of the ball hitting the fence echoed around the stadium, and the roar of the crowd was music to my ears.

I made history by achieving my first fifty in just 21 balls in my ODI debut, setting a new record for the fastest fifty by a debutant player. Celebrating this milestone was truly unforgettable!

I finished strong, scoring an unbeaten 69 off just 25 balls, with a phenomenal strike rate of 276. My performance helped push our team's total to a commanding 363-6 in 50 overs. It was a proud moment for me and the team!

Pakistan faces a challenging task of scoring 364 runs at a demanding run rate of 7.26 runs per over, if they hope to come out victorious in this match.