𝐎𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫 [Completed]

34. Semi finally

Not edited yet.
Do vote and comment.
________________

The energy in the packed stadium was electric. It was the semi-final of the Asia Cup, and Nepal had given India a serious challenge. Nepal's disciplined bowling and sharp fielding had reduced India to 90 runs for 3 wickets loss in 18 overs, chasing a target of 290. The pressure was immense, and hopes were starting to waver.

But at the crease, Dev stood firm. His face was calm, eyes focused, as if the situation wasn't slipping out of control. With the team in trouble, he knew the weight of the nation was on his shoulders. His bat rested lightly in his hands, but there was a fire burning inside him-a determination that could shift the game.

At the other end, Ishan Kishan, trying to keep the scoreboard ticking, looked up at Dev. "We're going to need something special here."

Dev nodded. "Let's make them work for every run. No mistakes. We stay in till the end."

Nepal continued their relentless attack. Their bowlers were swinging the ball with precision, and the fielders were cutting off singles. But Dev started to find his rhythm. After playing cautiously for the first 20 balls, he unleashed a powerful pull shot for four, sending a message to Nepal, he was just getting started.

The next few overs saw him building a partnership with Ishan. The boundaries were few, but Dev worked the gaps, rotating the strike, refusing to let the run rate climb too high. As they reached the 30th over, India needed 140 runs from 20 overs. The equation was tough, but not impossible.

Then, Dev shifted gears.

In the 32nd over, with a short-pitched ball coming his way, Dev rocked back and hammered it over deep mid-wicket for six. The crowd erupted. The pressure was beginning to shift back to Nepal. From then on, Dev was unstoppable. His placement was impeccable, timing the ball to perfection, and as the boundaries flowed, so did India's chances.

Ishan, playing the perfect support role, kept the strike rotating. The partnership blossomed, crossing 100 runs in just 15 overs. Dev's shots pierced through the field like bullets, but his calm demeanor never wavered.

With India needing 60 from the last 7 overs, the crowd sensed something special. In the 43rd over, with 98 to his name, Dev faced Nepal's best bowler. The field was spread, the tension thick. The bowler ran in, delivered a fuller-length ball, and Dev drove it crisply through extra cover for four.

The stadium erupted as Dev raised his bat, acknowledging the crowd, his teammates, and the dressing room, where Prarthana was literally jumping like a child, when she saw him pointing his bat in her direction she give a flying kiss in his direction. Dev smiled at her enthusiasm and again continuing his game.

A century under immense pressure-112 runs off 97 balls, with 9 fours and 2 sixes. It was a knock of pure class, grit, and determination.

But the job wasn't done yet.

With 30 needed from 18 balls, the match had reached its climax. Nepal, fighting till the last breath, brought back their main pacers. Ishan, looking to finish the match quickly, fell to a sharp delivery, but Dev stood firm.

India needed 10 runs from the final over. The Nepali bowlers gave it everything, but Dev, calm as ever, placed a low full toss perfectly through point for four on the third ball. With 3 needed from 2 balls, the field came in tight, hoping to force a mistake.

The next ball was short, and Dev pulled it effortlessly, sending the ball to the square-leg boundary for four.

India had done it. The crowd went wild as Dev stood victorious, unbeaten on 112, having guided India to one of their most remarkable victories in recent history. His innings wasn't just about runs; it was about character and resilience when the chips were down. The Indian players rushed onto the field, lifting Dev in celebration as fireworks lit up the Colombo sky.