CHAPTER 9 SEMI FINAL PART 3

During the break, the old coach finalized the batting order, and I was slotted in at number 4. It was a crucial position, requiring both stability and aggression, depending on the match situation. I felt a mix of excitement and responsibility. The coach gave me a reassuring nod, reminding me to stay focused and play according to the team's needs. As I mentally prepared myself, I knew this was my chance to make a significant contribution to the game.

Once everything was settled, the openers padded up and walked confidently towards the field to face the Little Boys Youth Club. As I waited for my turn, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves, knowing I would soon step onto the pitch to contribute to the team's effort. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd cheering and the opposition bowlers warming up.

I took a deep breath, tightened my grip on my bat, and mentally prepared myself to face whatever challenges came my way. This was my moment to shine, and I was ready to give it my all.

In the first over, the Little Boys Youth Club captain handed the ball to his main bowler, hoping for an early breakthrough. The bowler lived up to expectations, delivering a disciplined and aggressive spell. He struck early, taking a crucial wicket and conceding only 8 runs. The dismissal sent a wave of confidence through the opposition, while our team felt the pressure mounting.

In the second over, our batsmen showcased their skills, playing some confident and well-timed shots. They added 10 valuable runs to the scoreboard without losing any wickets, steadying the innings after the early setback.

In the third over, the final over of the powerplay, the Little Boys Youth Club captain once again handed the ball to his main bowler. True to his reputation, the bowler lived up to the captain's expectations, delivering a fiery spell. He claimed another crucial wicket while conceding only 9 runs, further tightening the opposition's grip on the game.

End of powerplay

**Commentator 1:** "What a fantastic over from the main bowler of little boys youth club He's delivered exactly what his captain asked for—another wicket and just 9 runs. The captain's decision to bring him back in the powerplay has paid off big time."

**Commentator 2:** "True, but let's not forget the fielders as well. They've been sharp and energetic, backing the bowler perfectly. That catch at mid-wicket was taken cleanly, and it came at such a crucial moment."

**Commentator 1:** "Absolutely, though the batsmen did manage to sneak in a couple of boundaries earlier overs. But the bowler kept his composure and struck back immediately. That's the mark of a quality player—staying focused under pressure."

**Commentator 2:** "No doubt about it. This powerplay has belonged to the Little Boys Youth Club. The bowling has been disciplined, and the fielding has been top-notch. The batting side will need to regroup quickly if they want to turn things around."

In the fourth over, just after the powerplay, the Little Boys Youth Club continued to dominate, this time with the help of some exceptional fielding. Their sharp efforts on the field restricted our batsmen to just 8 runs, despite no wickets falling in the over. The fielders were agile, cutting off boundaries and saving crucial runs, which added to the pressure on our team.

In the fifth over, the Little Boys Youth Club players once again showcased their exceptional fielding, saving crucial runs and building pressure on our batsmen. The mounting pressure forced one of our batsmen to attempt a big shot on the fifth ball of the over, but he ended up losing his wicket. To make matters worse, on the sixth ball, a miscommunication between the batsmen's led to an attempt at stealing a quick single, resulting in another wicket falling through a run-out.

At the fall of the fourth wicket, I quickly padded up and made my way to the field. The situation was tense—we needed 57 runs in just 30 balls. The pressure was immense, but I knew this was my chance to step up and make a difference for the team.

As I walked out, I took a moment to assess the field placements and the bowler's strategy. The opposition was charged up, and their fielders were positioned aggressively, ready to pounce on any mistake. I took a deep breath, adjusted my gloves, and focused on the task ahead.

I tapped my bat on the crease, took my stance, and prepared to face the first ball. The bowler ran in, and the game was on. The next few overs would be crucial, and I was determined to give it my all to keep our team in the hunt. The crowd was buzzing, and the tension was palpable—it was time to deliver.

Sixth Over

First Delivery: I waited for the ball to arrive and played a late cut towards third man, picking up 2 runs with ease. The timing was perfect, and the fielders had no chance of stopping it.

Second Delivery: The bowler aimed at my feet, but I instinctively flicked the ball without even looking. I knew it was going for six the moment it left the bat. The ball sailed high and deep over the boundary, much to the delight of the crowd.

Third Delivery: I nudged the ball towards deep mid-wicket, taking a single to keep the scoreboard ticking. The placement was precise, and the fielder had no chance to prevent the run.

Fourth Delivery: The bowler bowled at the batsman's feet, and the batsman tried to mimic my earlier shot. However, he completely missed the ball, and it struck his pad, ball missing the stumps so, no one appealed for an LBW except the bowler himself.

Fifth Delivery:The bowler attempted a slow ball. The ball drifted past the batsman, and the keeper collected it comfortably. Another dot ball was added to the over, increasing the pressure on us.

**Sixth Delivery:** The bowler delivered a good-length ball, and the batsman tried to drive it towards the cover region. However, the ball took the edge of the bat, narrowly missed the stumps, and trickled away between the wicket and his legs. The batsmen quickly scrambled for a double, adding just two run to the score. The batsman breathed a sigh of relief, knowing it could have been much worse.

_________________________________________

Author -- please write your suggestion for story in comment and power stone please...