Chapter 12 : Knockouts ??

The next match came and went in a blur—a completely dominant performance from Karnataka. Unlike their first game, which had its moments of tension, this one was a one-sided affair from the very start.

Winning the toss again, Aryan chose to bowl first, and the Karnataka bowlers wasted no time in dismantling the opposition's batting lineup. Vishal and Rahul tore through the top order, while Advay, coming in as the first-change bowler, delivered another fiery spell, picking up two crucial wickets with his sharp inswingers.

The opposition struggled to gain any momentum, and despite a late partnership, they barely managed to scrape past 180 runs in their 50 overs.

When it was Karnataka's turn to bat, Aryan and Rahul opened once more, and this time, they made sure there were no early hiccups. Aryan played the anchor role, while Rahul took the aggressive approach, smashing boundaries with ease.

By the time the first wicket fell, Karnataka was already in a dominant position. Advay walked in at one-down, and from that moment, it was absolute carnage.

Batting with his usual calmness, he played a mix of textbook strokes and unorthodox shots, toying with the field placements. The scoop shot made another appearance, drawing cheers from the small crowd watching the match. He accelerated effortlessly, punishing anything loose and dispatching even good deliveries with precision.

With no real pressure, Karnataka chased down the 181-run target in just 32 overs, winning by eight wickets.

It was a statement win, solidifying their place at the top of the league standings. The entire team left the field with smiles, knowing that if they kept up this level of performance, the trophy was well within reach.

The league stage had been a gruelling yet rewarding journey for Karnataka. Over the course of nine matches, they had played some of the best cricket in the tournament, establishing themselves as one of the strongest teams. Each match had its own story—some were dominant wins, others were hard-fought battles that tested their resolve.

From the very start, Karnataka showcased their all-round strength. Their batting lineup remained solid, with Aryan leading from the front as captain, Rahul providing aggressive starts, and Advay becoming a reliable backbone at one-down. With every match, Advay's batting grew more refined, his stroke play sharper, and his ability to read the game almost second nature.

On the bowling side, Vishal and Rahul formed a deadly combination, dismantling top orders with ease. Advay, with his increasing pace and control, became one of the most reliable first-change pacers, often breaking partnerships at crucial moments.

Despite their two losses, Karnataka had shown resilience and adaptability, bouncing back from setbacks with even stronger performances. Their ability to adjust to different match situations had been one of their biggest strengths.

Final League Standings:

Mumbai – 8 wins, 1 loss (16 points)

Karnataka – 7 wins, 2 losses (14 points)

Delhi – 7 wins, 2 losses (14 points)

Punjab – 6 wins, 3 losses (12 points)

Tamil Nadu – 5 wins, 4 losses (10 points)

Hyderabad – 4 wins, 5 losses (8 points)

Bengal – 3 wins, 6 losses (6 points)

Rajasthan – 3 wins, 6 losses (6 points)

UP – 2 wins, 7 losses (4 points)

Kerala – 1 win, 8 losses (2 points)

With Karnataka finishing second, they comfortably qualified for the semifinals, setting up a high-stakes knockout match. Mumbai, the only team above them, had dominated the league, but Karnataka had their eyes firmly on the championship.

Now, the real challenge was about to begin. The knockout stage—where every mistake could cost them the title.

One step closer to the championship, one step closer to glory.

The winter morning was crisp, the sky still a shade of soft blue as the Karnataka team jogged onto the practice field. Despite finishing second in the league stage, no one was relaxed—they all knew the knockout rounds were an entirely different challenge. The coaches and support staff were already setting up nets and marking fielding drills as the team stretched and warmed up.

The session started with bowling drills. The pacers, including Vishal, Rahul, and Advay, lined up at the run-up mark as the coach instructed them.

"Focus on your rhythm," the coach called out. "These are pressure matches—you don't want your form dipping now."

Vishal was the first to bowl, sending down a sharp outswinger that beat the edge. He nodded in satisfaction, adjusting his grip before preparing for the next ball.

Rahul followed, delivering a perfect off-break that spun sharply past the imaginary batter.

Then it was Advay's turn. He marked his run-up, took a deep breath, and charged in. His first delivery was a quick in-swinging yorker, hitting the base of the off-stump with precision. The sound of the ball crashing into the stumps echoed across the field.

The coach nodded. "Good speed. Keep that up, and you'll trouble their top order."

Advay adjusted his grip, thinking back to what the coach had told him earlier in the tournament about his release point. He bowled again—this time, an outswinger that pitched on off-stump and moved away late.

The coach clapped. "Perfect! That's the line you need."

After the bowlers finished their session, the batters padded up and stepped into the nets. Aryan, Rahul, and Advay took turns facing the bowlers, with the coaches voicing instructions after each shot.

Rahul, always aggressive, pulled a short ball fiercely to the leg side, earning an approving nod from the coach. Aryan played a classy cover drive, showing his usual composure.

Then it was Advay's turn.

The first ball he faced was a bouncer from Vishal, but Advay was ready. He swayed back, letting the ball pass close to his helmet before effortlessly rolling his wrists and directing it down to fine leg for four.

The next delivery was a good-length ball just outside off, and Advay reacted instantly. He opened the bat face and played a late cut, guiding the ball between slip and gully.

The coach chuckled. "That's a shot only someone with confidence plays."

As the session continued, Advay practiced a mix of textbook strokes and unorthodox shots, rotating strike and ensuring he stayed in control. His ABD template was at 89%, and it was evident in the way he handled pace and spin effortlessly.

The last part of the training was fielding drills. With the semifinals approaching, the team needed to be sharp in the field. The players practiced diving stops, quick throws, and catching under pressure.

At the end of the session, the coach gathered the team together. "The semifinals won't be easy, but we've worked too hard to stop now. Keep the intensity up—we win this through skill and discipline."

The players nodded, sweat dripping but minds sharp. The semifinals were just days away, and Karnataka was more than ready.

The day of the semifinal had finally arrived. The stadium, though not packed, had a lively crowd—families, cricket enthusiasts, and academy coaches eager to watch some of the best young talents in the country compete. The sky was clear, the conditions perfect for a high-stakes knockout match.

The commentators, seated in the modest commentary box, began their introductions as the players warmed up on the field.

Commentator 1: "Good morning, everyone! Welcome to the semifinals of the U-16 Cooch Behar Trophy! After a fiercely competitive league stage, we are down to the final four teams, and today, we have a thrilling contest lined up between Karnataka and Delhi!"

Commentator 2: "Absolutely! Both teams have been in excellent form throughout the tournament. Karnataka finished second in the standings with seven wins out of nine, while Delhi finished just behind them in third, also with seven wins. On paper, this is a battle between two evenly matched sides, and with a spot in the finals at stake, neither team will hold back!"

On the field, the two captains, Aryan from Karnataka and Delhi's captain, walked to the center for the toss, accompanied by the umpires.

The match referee held up the coin. "Karnataka, you will spin the coin. Delhi, you call."

Aryan flicked the coin into the air. It landed, and the umpire checked before turning to the Delhi captain. "It's tails. Karnataka wins the toss!"

Commentator 1: "And Aryan has won the toss! Big moment for Karnataka—what will they decide?"

Aryan didn't hesitate. "We'll bowl first."

Commentator 2: "No surprises there! Karnataka has relied on their bowling strength throughout the tournament, and with their pacers in fine form, Aryan has chosen to put Delhi in and chase later."

Commentator 1: "A smart decision! This pitch has looked good for batting, but early on, it tends to offer some movement for the fast bowlers. With the likes of Vishal, Rahul, and Advay in the attack, Karnataka will look to make early inroads."

As the Karnataka players huddled up for a final discussion before taking the field, the Delhi openers padded up and prepared to walk out. The semifinal was officially underway.

Commentator 1: "We're twenty overs into this high-stakes semifinal between Karnataka and Delhi, and it's been an intriguing battle so far. Delhi's batters have played positively, keeping the scoreboard ticking, but Karnataka's bowlers have managed to find a breakthrough. The score stands at 94 for 1 after 20 overs, and the game is beautifully poised."

Commentator 2: "Absolutely! Delhi's openers got off to a steady start, finding the gaps and rotating the strike well. But Karnataka struck back early, thanks to a brilliant delivery from Advay Rai, who continues to prove his worth with the ball."

It was the ninth over of the innings, and Advay was steaming in for his second over. He had already been troubling the batters with his pace and movement, and on the third delivery, he produced a perfect outswinger.

Commentator 1: "Advay, charging in again—good length, outside off—OH, HE'S EDGED IT! STRAIGHT TO SLIP! Gone!"

Commentator 2: "That's top-class bowling! Drew the batter forward, found the outside edge, and an easy take for first slip! Karnataka get their first wicket, and Advay is the one to provide it!"

Commentator 1: "Just what they needed! Delhi were looking comfortable, but this wicket will slow things down. The scoreboard now reads 47 for 1 in the 9th over."

After that wicket, Delhi didn't go into a shell. Their batters continued to play aggressive strokes, capitalizing on any loose deliveries.

In the 12th over, Vishal bowled one slightly short, and the Delhi batter rocked back, pulling it powerfully through midwicket for four.

Commentator 2: "That's a cracking shot! Short ball, and it's been dispatched with ease."

Commentator 1: "Delhi's batters aren't holding back here! They're keeping the pressure on Karnataka's bowlers."

In the 15th over, Rahul tossed up an off-break, looking for some turn, but the Delhi batter stepped out and lofted him straight down the ground for six!

Commentator 1: "OH, THAT'S HUGE! Stepped down the track and launched it over long-on!"

Commentator 2: "That's confidence for you! Delhi are not letting Karnataka settle—they move to 78 for 1 in 15 overs."

Advay came back for his fourth over in the 18th, keeping things tight. On the second ball, he bowled a sharp inswinging delivery, which the batter tried to flick but missed, rapping him on the pads!

Commentator 1: "BIG APPEAL! Karnataka players are convinced!"

The umpire shook his head.

Commentator 2: "Not out! Maybe a bit high, but Advay is asking the right questions."

By the 20th over, Delhi had positioned themselves well, reaching 94 for 1.

Commentator 1: "So, at the end of twenty overs, Delhi are in a strong position at 94 for 1. They've built a solid foundation, but Karnataka will know that a couple of quick wickets can turn this match on its head."

Commentator 2: "Absolutely. We've seen teams lose momentum after a good start, and Karnataka will be banking on their bowlers to step up in the middle overs."

With 30 overs to go, the semifinal was finely balanced, with Delhi looking strong but Karnataka searching for a breakthrough.

Commentator 1: "We're forty overs into this semifinal, and Delhi are firmly in control! What a partnership this has been—they have not lost a single wicket since that early breakthrough, and they're scoring at a breathtaking rate. The scoreboard now reads 253 for 1 after 40 overs!"

Commentator 2: "Absolutely! Karnataka's bowlers are struggling to find an answer here. Delhi's batters have been clinical, finding the gaps, rotating strike, and punishing anything loose. This is turning into a batting masterclass!"

Rahul ran in to bowl the 22nd over, trying to slow things down with some flighted off-spin. His first delivery was tossed up, but the batter stepped down the track and drilled it past the bowler for four!

Commentator 1: "That's classy! Quick footwork, got to the pitch of the ball, and absolutely nailed the drive past the bowler!"

Commentator 2: "Delhi are not holding back! They know a big total is the only way to challenge Karnataka's strong batting lineup, and they are going after every scoring opportunity."

Vishal was brought back for the 26th over, trying to use his pace and bounce to break the partnership. He bowled a good-length ball outside off, but the batter rocked back and slashed it late between backward point and third man for four.

Commentator 1: "Gorgeous shot! He used the pace of the ball perfectly and placed it with precision. Karnataka need to find an answer quickly!"

Commentator 2: "The worrying thing for Karnataka is that Delhi aren't just relying on boundaries. They're rotating strike exceptionally well, never letting the bowlers settle."

Advay returned in the 30th over, looking for a breakthrough. He ran in hard, sending down a full, straight delivery, but the batter was waiting for it, flicking it effortlessly through midwicket for another boundary.

Commentator 1: "Oh, that's beautifully played! Just a simple roll of the wrists, using the angle, and it races away to the boundary!"

Commentator 2: "That brings up the hundred-run partnership between these two! They have completely taken control of this match."

The Karnataka fielders were now looking frustrated, their body language showing signs of pressure. The captain, Aryan, made field adjustments, but nothing seemed to work.

By the 35th over, Delhi had powered their way to 215 for 1, and they were accelerating even more.

Commentator 1: "Karnataka are on the back foot here! The Delhi batters have their eye in, and now they're shifting gears!"

Rahul tried a short ball, but the batter was ready for it, pulling it fiercely over deep square leg for six!

Commentator 2: "Oh, that's gone miles! What a hit! Picked up the length early and absolutely crushed it into the stands!"

Commentator 1: "This is pure domination! Delhi's batters are playing with absolute authority here, and Karnataka are desperate for a breakthrough!"

Even Vishal, Karnataka's most reliable bowler, was feeling the heat. In the 38th over, he bowled a slower delivery, trying to deceive the batter, but it was picked early and lofted over extra cover for four more.

Commentator 2: "Every trick Karnataka tries, Delhi seems to have an answer for! That was just sheer confidence."

By the end of the 40th over, Delhi had cruised to 253 for 1, looking set to post a massive total.

Commentator 1: "And that's forty overs done! Delhi are dominating this match at 253 for 1, with ten overs left to really push for a big finish!"

Commentator 2: "Karnataka need something special here. They have ten overs left, and unless they pick up wickets quickly, Delhi are going to post a huge total."

The Karnataka players gathered in a huddle, discussing their strategy for the final ten overs. They needed wickets, and they needed them fast.