Chapter 35: Ind vs Pak II

The atmosphere was electric as the U19 cricket match began between our team and Pakistan. Babar Azam and Sami Aslam strode confidently to the crease as the opening batsmen for Pakistan, determined to set a challenging total for us to chase. Their self-assured presence hinted at the battle that lay ahead.

Reflecting on a previous encounter with Pakistan in my cricketing journey, I vividly recalled the intensity of that match. It had been a nail-biting affair, with the game decided by a mere one wicket in hand. Baba Aparajith, one of our star players, had emerged as the hero and received the well-deserved man of the match award for his outstanding performance. Memories of that exhilarating victory fueled my desire to lead the team to success once again.

As I observed Babar Azam at the crease, I couldn't help but admire his impeccable technique and the grace with which he played his shots. His half-century against us showcased his skill and determination. On the other hand, Sandeep Sharma, our ace bowler, displayed his ability to swing the ball both ways, making it challenging for the batsmen to settle in. While I lacked proficiency in reverse swinging, I was confident in my ability to deliver accurate inswingers and outswingers.

Considering the conditions and the opposition's strengths, I made a tactical decision to bowl the first over and assess the pitch's behavior. With a steely resolve, I charged in and released a perfectly executed inswinging yorker. Sami Aslam, taken by surprise, was left in a state of shock as his stumps were shattered. Who expects an inswinging yorker right from the first ball of an innings? But as the captain, I had meticulously planned strategies for each of the eleven players in the opposition team.

Before the match, I gathered my teammates and conveyed my instructions. I urged them to adhere to my plan of bowling a minimum of two balls per over as per my guidance. The field placements were meticulously set to support this strategy. Sandeep Sharma and I formed a formidable bowling partnership, taking charge from one end. Meanwhile, Babar Azam, the standout batsman, exhibited his class and elegance, playing some exquisite shots that even as an opponent, I couldn't help but appreciate.

While Babar continued to bat with authority, his partners struggled to withstand the relentless pressure exerted by our bowling attack. Wickets tumbled from one end, with me claiming five and Sandeep accounting for the remaining five. The sense of satisfaction from taking five wickets in my inaugural match as captain was immeasurable. It was a testament to our collective effort and teamwork. We were able to restrict Pakistan to a total of 120 runs in the 25 overs we played, thanks in large part to our disciplined bowling performance.

Babar Azam's brilliant knock of 80 runs formed the backbone of Pakistan's innings. His strokeplay was a treat to watch, displaying a blend of power and finesse.

Despite losing both our openers early in the chase, our team managed to successfully chase down the total, primarily due to a crucial partnership between Baba Aparijith and Hanuma Vihari. Recognizing the need for stability and a solid partnership, we made the strategic decision to send Hanuma Vihari up the batting order. This decision proved to be a game-changer as Vihari showcased his batting prowess and played a pivotal role in steering our team towards victory. The partnership between Aparijith and Vihari not only stabilized the innings but also ensured that we achieved our target, highlighting the importance of making bold and strategic decisions in cricket.