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The India vs Pakistan World Cup match was one of the most anticipated fixtures, with a massive crowd buzzing in excitement at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
It was October 14, and the pressure was immense. After a long recovery, Shubman had finally returned to the squad, and India had won the toss, choosing to field first.
As the players took their positions on the field, the energy was electric. Everyone could feel the weight of the match, but they were ready. Naima, having found her rhythm over the tournament, was mentally prepared for the battle ahead.
The game kicked off with Mohammed Siraj steaming in, his fiery pace immediately testing Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq.
But the first few overs were tight. Pakistan looked to build a foundation, playing cautiously against the pace attack. The field was alive with noise—every ball that beat the bat or every single taken was followed by intense chatter.
Naima, stationed at point, was already shouting directions, hyping up the team.
By the 8th over, the breakthrough came. Shafique tried to cut a ball from Bumrah but edged it to KL Rahul behind the stumps. Shafique out for 20, and the scoreboard read 1-41. The entire stadium erupted the pressure building for Pakistan.
Naima was brought into the attack in the 12th over. The tension was thick as she stood at the top of her mark, her ponytail swaying in the light breeze. Her first ball to Imam-ul-Haq turned sharply and nearly clipped the edge.
By the third ball, she delivered a full-length ball that trapped Imam right in front. The umpire's finger went up almost instantly! 2-73 in 12.3 overs. Naima gave a small fist pump as the crowd roared in approval.
Her spell was relentless. She kept a tight line, making it impossible for Pakistan to free their arms. Babar Azam, Pakistan's captain and main man, was starting to look comfortable by the 29th over. He had built a steady 50 and was looking dangerous.
But Naima had other plans. She baited him with a flighted delivery, Babar went for a drive and ended up slicing it straight to Shreyas Iyer at cover. Pakistan 3-155, and Babar out for 60. Naima grinned as her teammates rushed in to celebrate. This was the big one.
Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja were introduced, and their spin attack tightened the screws further. Saud Shakeel tried to counterattack but fell prey to Kuldeep, edging to Rohit Sharma at slip. 4-162.
