Bab 101: Chapter 99
The day was set for a thrilling encounter between India and England, with both teams eager to claim victory in the T20 match. The pitch was known to be difficult for batting, and the team winning the toss would have a significant advantage. England won the toss and opted to bat first, seeking to capitalize on the early advantage of the pitch.
The English openers, Jason Roy and Jos Buttler, came out all guns blazing in the powerplay. They took on the Indian bowlers with aggression, finding gaps in the field and dispatching the ball to the boundary with ease. The score quickly raced to 72/0 in just six overs, and it seemed like England was on its way to post a formidable total.
However, Indian captain Virat Kohli had a master plan up his sleeve. He decided to introduce the young and talented Nitish into the attack. Nitish, known for his clever variations and ability to control the game, was a surprise inclusion in the playing XI. The move turned out to be a game-changer.
While Nitish did not take any wickets, his disciplined and accurate bowling tied the English batsmen down. He consistently hit the right areas on the difficult pitch, making it challenging for the batsmen to score freely. Nitish's tight spell created pressure on the English batsmen, and they were unable to capitalize on the good start they had.
At the other end, the Indian bowlers took advantage of the pitch's slowness and executed their deliveries under the guidance of the mastermind, MS Dhoni. He marshaled the bowling attack with precision, making calculated changes and field placements to maximize the impact of the bowlers.
As the wickets began to tumble, India's fielding prowess also came to the fore. Nitish was instrumental in taking two run-outs with his quick reflexes and accurate throws. His sharp fielding skills and agility were on full display, leaving the English batsmen stunned.
Jos Buttler, who was looking dangerous after a well-made half-century, fell victim to a brilliant diving catch by Nitish at the boundary rope. The catch was a turning point in the match, as Buttler's dismissal halted England's momentum and triggered a collapse in their batting order.
In a remarkable turn of events, England, which was cruising at 72/0 in the powerplay, was eventually bundled out for a mere 148 runs. Nitish finished his spell with figures of 0/17 in four overs, proving to be the economical cog in India's bowling wheel. His discipline and control over his bowling had contributed significantly to India's comeback in the game.
When it was India's turn to bat, MS Dhoni provided crucial guidance to the team. He suggested that they should score as many runs as possible in the powerplay without taking unnecessary risks. The openers followed the plan and played sensibly, capitalizing on the loose deliveries while respecting the tough pitch conditions.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma played anchor roles, keeping the scoreboard ticking and avoiding any rash shots. The Indian batsmen applied themselves well and managed to build partnerships, ensuring that the required run rate was always under control.
As the match entered its final overs, India was in a strong position to chase down the target. MS Dhoni's composed knock of 40 runs from 30 balls proved to be the decisive factor in India's victory. His finishing skills and ability to absorb pressure were on display as he guided India across the finish line with four balls to spare.
Unfortunately, Nitish didn't get a chance to bat in this match, but his all-round contribution in the field and with the ball was invaluable in turning the game in India's favor. His economical spell and two crucial run-outs had a significant impact on the result.
In the end, India emerged victorious, with Nitish playing a pivotal role in dismantling the formidable English batting line-up. The match showcased his potential as a young all-rounder and left the cricketing fraternity in awe of his talent. As Nitish walked off the field, he received a standing ovation from the Hyderabad crowd, who were proud to witness their fellow Telugu player making his mark on the international stage.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone