Arjun received the news of his selection in the team with a sense of accomplishment. Amir, his coach, was also proud of Arjun's achievement. However, Chotu, his close friend, was feeling a sense of melancholy, knowing that he would be lonely without Arjun's presence.As Arjun prepared to depart for Delhi, he began packing his luggage. The cab he had booked arrived at his location.Arjun addressed Amir, "Okay, sir. I think it's time to leave."Amir wished him well, offering some words of encouragement, "All the best, Arjun. Remember, pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. Don't forget your basics. As a coach, I gave my 100 percent. Now, it's all up to you."As Arjun was about to leave, he noticed Chotu crying behind a tree."Chotu!! You're crying? That's the best thing I have seen so far," Arjun remarked with a grin.Arjun, attempting to lighten the mood, inquired, "Okay, Chotu, tell me, what do you want from my first match?"Chotu didn't hesitate and replied, "A CENTURY!!"
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C-1: Welcome everyone. It's time for the toss between India and Zimbabwe. Both the captains are up to the center. Kushal spins the coin and tails is the call. Tails it is. Zimbabwe won the toss and they gonna bowl first.
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In the dressing room, Kushal, the team captain, addressed his teammates with a sense of determination and caution, "Guys, every match is important for us. Don't underestimate them. Stick to your potential, and Arjun, you will go in if a wicket falls."Arjun acknowledged the captain's instructions, responding with a simple, "Yes, Captain."
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C-2: A bright sunny day. Looks like a perfect weather to play. The batsmen are on their way to the center. Here goes the bowler.
(The ball swings out and the batsmen makes a thin edge giving a catch to the slip.)
C-1: What a blow for the first delivery!!! India are in a sort of bother. Wicket of very first ball. Trying to drive it over the extra cover a fine outside edge and the slip makes no mistake. India 0 with a wicket loss.
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In the dressing room, Kushal looked at Arjun and delivered a vote of confidence, saying, "It's all up to you, Arjun."Arjun responded with determination, "I'm not done yet, Captain!"
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(Arjun makes his way to the center)
C-1: Looks like a debutant is walking to the center of the pitch. He looks confident. Here goes the bowler to bowl his second ball of the over.
(Arjun pulls the ball to a 100 meter six)
C-2: What a shot to begin a career with. A superb six over the deep square leg. Arjun, putting the pressure on the bowler. Six of the very first ball.
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(By the end of the powerplay. India's score is 54/4)
C-1: Looks like India is in trouble. They are maintaining the run rate but loosing the wickets on the other hand. The captain made his way to join Arjun.
(Arjun and Kushal batted well and gave a good stand by the end of the 15th over India's score is 97/4 and Arjun reached his half century.)
C-2: A good way to bring up his half century. An innings that requires an applause. What a knock under pressure! If he keeps going this could be interesting.
(By the end of the 35th over India's score is 179/7)
C-1: India's only hope is Arjun. He is on 96 and he can turn the game into India's favour. Here goes the bowler.
(Arjun hits a classic straight drive for a four and reaches his century.)
C-2: It's a dream innings for a debutant. Batted for a very long time. A century mark finally something to cheer for. Standing ovation by the crowd and he deserves it. The teammates are happy.
(By the end of 50th over India managed to score 270/9 and Arjun score was 157*)
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In the dressing room, Coach Anil commended Arjun for his remarkable innings but emphasized, "This is not over yet. We need to bowl them out for less than 200. That's our primary goal. Come on, boys, let's do it."
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Zimbabwe's batsmen struggled to score runs, and once again, Arjun worked his magic with the ball. He achieved a remarkable feat by taking a 5-wicket haul, becoming the first all-rounder to score a century and pick up 5 wickets in his debut match.After a hard-fought battle, Zimbabwe managed to score 180/10, and India emerged victorious by 90 runs. Arjun's exceptional performance played a crucial role in the team's success.
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(Post match presentation)
C-1: Kushal, the game was comfortable right?
Kushal: Yeah, obviously. The way our bowlers bowled was really good. I think we need to appreciate the effort of Zimbabwe bowlers for putting up the pressure on us and they way Arjun batted was really impressive. Especially the way he made partnerships with tail-enders was amazing.
C-2: May I now announce the Man of the Match. It's none other than Arjun who has scored a brilliant knock of 150 and for picking up 5 wickets with the ball as well.
(Arjun collects his man of the match award )
Arjun: Thank you gentlemen. It's really a honor for me. It was dream for me to play under Kushal's captaincy. This will be memorable day for me. I would like to dedicate this to my friend Chotu because he was the one who asked me to hit a century in the first game. So, this for him.
YOU ARE READING
The Unknown
General Fiction"In 'The Unknown', follow the inspiring journey of Arjun, a struggling cricketer who faces personal and professional setbacks. With the guidance of his mentor and the support of a friend, Arjun embarks on a determined quest for redemption. As he fig...
