Chapter 25 : Against The Aussies

That evening, after settling into their hotel rooms, the India U-19 team gathered in the Hilton's lobby, dressed casually in hoodies and jackets, eager to step out and explore Auckland a little before their intense training schedule kicked in.

"So, where are we going?" Prithvi Shaw asked, stuffing his hands into his pockets as they waited for the last few players to arrive.

"A local pizzeria," Shubman Gill answered. "One of the staff recommended it. Said it's one of the best spots in the city."

"Best pizza in Auckland? That's a big claim," Riyan Parag smirked. "I'll be the judge of that."

"As long as it's not airplane food, I don't care," Abhishek Sharma muttered, making the group laugh.

"Honestly, I don't know what was worse—the food or the fact that we had to sit still for so many hours," Arshdeep Singh added.

With everyone gathered, they headed out on foot, enjoying the cool evening breeze as they walked through the well-lit streets of Auckland. The city had a certain charm—modern yet peaceful, with a mix of high-rises and cozy little cafes tucked away in corners.

After a ten-minute walk, they arrived at a small, lively pizzeria on a quieter street. The scent of freshly baked dough and melted cheese filled the air, making everyone's stomachs growl in anticipation. Inside, the place had a warm, rustic feel, with wooden tables and an open kitchen where they could see the chefs at work.

The team quickly took over a long table at the back, squeezing into their seats as menus were passed around.

"Alright, what's everyone getting?" Shivam Mavi asked, flipping through the menu.

"Just get a bunch of everything," Shubman suggested. "We'll share."

A few minutes later, the table was filled with multiple large pizzas, garlic bread, and soft drinks. The first few bites were met with complete silence—a sure sign that the food was as good as promised.

As the meal went on, conversations flowed freely. They talked about their training sessions, their expectations for the World Cup, and even their favorite cricket moments. But soon, the conversation shifted in a different direction.

"Alright, I have a very important question," Abhishek Sharma said suddenly, setting down his slice of pizza.

"Here we go," Prithvi muttered, already sensing trouble.

Abhishek grinned, his eyes landing on Advay. "Advay, do you have a girlfriend?"

The table went completely silent for half a second—before bursting into laughter.

"Yeah, man," Pankaj Yadav added, nudging Shivam. "You're always so damn calm, you look like some movie star, and you never talk about girls. What's the deal?"

Advay, who had just taken a bite of his pizza, raised an eyebrow and chewed slowly. He set his slice down, wiped his hands on a napkin, and looked around at the group—completely unbothered.

"No, I don't," he answered simply.

"WHAT?" Riyan Parag dramatically dropped his fork onto his plate. "You're telling me you've never dated anyone?"

"Not interested," Advay replied casually, reaching for his drink. "I have other priorities."

Shubman leaned forward, smirking. "Bro, you're 17, not 37."

"Exactly!" Prithvi chimed in. "There's still time, don't worry. Maybe you'll meet someone here in New Zealand."

"Oh yeah," Shivam Mavi added, grinning. "Some Kiwi girl will take one look at you and fall head over heels."

"Yeah, yeah," Riyan laughed. "She'll go, 'Oh Advay, you're so mysterious, so handsome. Please take me out on a date.'"

The team burst into laughter at the exaggerated impersonation, but Advay just shook his head, smirking slightly.

"You guys have too much free time," he muttered, taking another bite.

"C'mon, man!" Abhishek pressed. "Not even a crush?"

Advay looked at him for a second before replying, "You guys are thinking about romance. I'm thinking about cricket. Different wavelengths."

Riyan threw his hands up. "This guy is unreal."

"He's built different," Arshdeep chuckled.

The teasing continued for a while, but soon the conversation shifted again, this time to their excitement for the upcoming matches.

By the time they finished their meal and stepped outside, the air was crisp and cool, the streets quiet but alive with city lights.

"That was good pizza," Shivam Mavi admitted, stretching. "Almost worth the harassment Advay just went through."

Advay smirked. "Almost."

The atmosphere in the India U-19 conference room was relaxed as the players sat around, chatting casually. Some leaned back in their chairs, while others scrolled through their phones or discussed the latest cricket news.

"Man, I can't wait to just get on the field already," Prithvi Shaw sighed, stretching his arms. "Feels like we've been training forever."

"Tell me about it," Shubman Gill nodded. "We've been in New Zealand for days, and all we've done is nets and practice matches. I need that real match intensity."

"At least we got good food here," Riyan Parag added, smirking. "Would've been worse if we had to survive on airplane meals this whole time."

Just as the group shared a laugh, the conference room door opened, and Advay walked in alongside Coach Rahul Dravid.

The casual chatter immediately died down as everyone straightened up in their seats. Dravid's presence alone commanded attention.

Dravid took a seat at the front of the room, glancing at the players before speaking. "Alright, boys. We've trained hard, and now it's time to talk about the real thing. Two days from now, we take on Australia in our first group match."

The room remained silent, focused.

"I know you're all eager to play, so let's get straight to it." He picked up a piece of paper and continued, "Here's the starting eleven for our first match, along with your positions."

Starting XI vs Australia U-19:

Prithvi Shaw – Opening Batsman Advay Rai (C) – Opening Batsman Shubman Gill (VC) – One-Down Batsman Harvik Desai – Wicketkeeper-Batsman Riyan Parag – Batting All-Rounder Abhishek Sharma – Batting All-Rounder Anukul Roy – Spin All-Rounder Shivam Mavi – Fast Bowler Kamlesh Nagarkoti – Fast BowlerArshdeep Singh – Fast BowlerPankaj Yadav – Spinner

Dravid looked up after reading the list. "This is our playing XI. Everyone here has earned their spot. Our strength lies in our balance—we have strong openers, a solid middle order, and a dangerous bowling attack."

He then glanced at Advay. "As captain, Advay will lead from the front. You've all worked with him over the past few weeks, so I expect you to back each other up on the field."

Advay nodded, looking around the room. "We play aggressive, fearless cricket. Stick to our strengths, and we'll dominate."

Dravid smiled slightly. "That's the mindset I want from all of you. We're not here just to compete—we're here to win. So prepare yourselves, and let's get to work."

With that, the meeting ended, and the focus shifted toward match preparations. The countdown to the first big challenge had begun.

The morning of January 15, 2018, was electric as Eden Park in Auckland came alive with cheers and chants. The stadium was packed with fans, a vibrant mix of blue and yellow, as India and Australia U-19 prepared to face off in their first group-stage match of the World Cup.

As the two captains, Advay Rai and Jason Sangha, walked out to the center for the toss, the energy in the stadium intensified. The coin went up, spinning under the bright New Zealand sun before landing in Advay's favor.

"India have won the toss!" The announcer's voice echoed through the stadium as the Indian fans erupted in cheers.

The presenter turned toward Advay, microphone in hand. "Advay, congratulations on winning the toss. What's the decision?"

Advay adjusted his cap slightly before responding, his voice calm and confident. "We'll bowl first."

"Why the decision to chase?" the presenter asked.

Advay nodded slightly. "The pitch looks good for batting, but there's some movement for the pacers early on. We want to make the most of the conditions, restrict them to a manageable total, and then back our batting lineup to chase it down."

The presenter smiled. "Sounds like a solid plan. Best of luck, Advay!"

Advay stepped aside as the mic was handed to Jason Sangha.

"Jason, you'll be batting first. Happy with that?"

Sangha, looking composed, replied, "Yeah, we don't mind batting first. The pitch looks great, and if we can put a strong total on the board, we back our bowlers to defend it."

"Any key areas you'll focus on?"

Sangha nodded. "It's all about building partnerships. India have a strong bowling attack, but if we play smart, we can put up a good score."

The presenter wrapped up the interview. "Alright then! India will be bowling first. Stay tuned as we get ready for the action!"

With the formalities complete, the captains shook hands and headed back to their teams.

The battle was about to begin.

The India U-19 team took the field, ready to defend their decision to bowl first. The atmosphere at Eden Park was buzzing with excitement as the Australian openers, Max Bryant and Jack Edwards, walked to the crease.

Commentator 1: "Alright, here we go! The 2018 U-19 World Cup campaign kicks off for both these teams. India has elected to bowl first, and all eyes will be on their fast bowlers to see if they can extract some movement early on."

Commentator 2: "That's right! The conditions look good for batting, but there's definitely something in it for the pacers. Let's see how the Aussies handle the opening spell."

The first few overs were a tight contest. Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti started strong, bowling with pace and precision. In the third over, Max Bryant, known for his attacking strokeplay, cracked a beautiful cover drive off Mavi for four.

Commentator 1: "Oh, what a shot! That's classic Bryant, leaning into it and driving beautifully through the covers!"

Edwards, on the other hand, looked to rotate the strike, playing risk-free cricket. By the end of 10 overs, Australia was 50/0, with a solid foundation.

India needed a breakthrough, and Advay made a bowling change, bringing on Arshdeep Singh and Riyan Parag to break the partnership. In the 12th over, Arshdeep delivered a sharp inswinger, trapping Bryant LBW for 31.

Commentator 2: "That's OUT! Arshdeep Singh strikes! It looked plumb, and Bryant has to walk back. India gets their first wicket!"

Two overs later, Parag dismissed Edwards, who mistimed a lofted shot straight to Shubman Gill at mid-off. Australia was 82/2 in the 14th over. Jason Sangha, the captain, and Nathan McSweeney tried to stabilize the innings. McSweeney played some gorgeous strokes through the leg side, while Sangha focused on building a partnership. By the 20-over mark, Australia had recovered to 120/2.

India was searching for another breakthrough, and Advay turned to Pankaj Yadav, the leg-spinner. In the 22nd over, Pankaj got McSweeney stumped after drawing him out with a deceptive leg-break.

Commentator 1: "That's smart bowling! The flight, the turn, and the batsman is beaten. Simple stumping for Harvik Desai!"

Jonathan Merlo came in and looked solid, but in the 26th over, Nagarkoti returned for his second spell and produced a brilliant short ball, forcing Merlo to edge it to the keeper. By the 30th over, Australia was 175/4.

With the run rate slowing down, the Australians tried to accelerate. Will Sutherland played a few big shots, including a massive six over long-on, but in the 34th over, Advay, who had brought himself on to bowl, trapped Sutherland LBW with a beautifully disguised off-cutter.

Commentator 2: "Excellent bowling from the captain! That was cleverly disguised, and Sutherland completely misread it!"

The pressure mounted as wickets began falling in clusters. Arshdeep got Sangha caught behind for a well-made 42, and Lloyd Pope tried to slog but holed out to long-on. By 40 overs, Australia was struggling at 225/8.

With just two wickets in hand, the Australian tail tried to push the total past 250, but the Indian pacers wrapped things up quickly. Mavi clean bowled Xavier Bartlett with a perfect yorker, and Nagarkoti ended the innings in the 44th over, forcing the last batsman to mistime a lofted shot straight to Advay at cover.

Commentator 1: "And that's the final wicket! Australia are bowled out for 237 in 43.2 overs! India will be very happy with that performance."

The Indian players high-fived each other as they walked off the field, knowing that 237 was a very chaseable target. Now, it was up to the Indian batters to finish the job.

The Indian openers, Advay Rai and Prithvi Shaw, walked onto the field, their expressions calm yet focused. The Eden Park crowd erupted in cheers, with Indian fans waving their flags, knowing that their team was in a strong position. 237 was a chaseable target, but Australia had a talented bowling attack, and the pitch had some movement early on.

Commentator 1: "And here we go! India needs 238 to win, and at the crease, we have their captain, Advay Rai, alongside Prithvi Shaw, both incredibly talented young batsmen."

The Australian team huddled together as Jason Sangha made some quick field adjustments. Zak Evans had the new ball in hand, ready to test the Indian openers with some early swing.

The first few overs were all about patience. Advay and Shaw played cautiously, ensuring they didn't lose an early wicket.

In the third over, Evans bowled a full outswinger, and Shaw leaned into a gorgeous cover drive, sending the ball racing to the boundary.

Commentator 1: "Beautiful shot! That's Shaw at his best—perfect timing, elegant placement, and four runs."

Advay, on the other hand, was taking his time, rotating the strike, and reading the bowlers carefully. By the end of the fifth over, India was 32/0.

The runs started flowing as both batsmen settled in. In the ninth over, Ryan Hadley pitched one short, and Advay rocked back, pulling it over mid-wicket for six.

Commentator 2: "Oh, that's a cracking shot from Advay Rai! Short ball, and he absolutely punishes it!"

At the 10-over mark, India stood at 67/0, looking comfortable.

Shaw began accelerating first, smashing a straight drive past the bowler for four, then cutting a short ball behind point for another boundary. Advay soon joined in, stepping down the track to loft Sutherland over extra cover for a majestic six.

By the 15th over, India was 118/0.

Commentator 1: "This is smart batting. They built a solid foundation early on, and now they're shifting gears."

Advay played a perfect scoop shot in the 18th over, guiding the ball over the keeper's head for a one-bounce four. The crowd roared in appreciation.

Commentator 2: "Advay Rai is showing his class now! That was pure innovation!"

Shaw was the first to reach his century, in the 27th over, flicking a delivery to deep square leg for two runs. He raised his bat, acknowledging the crowd and the dressing room.

Commentator 1: "And there it is! A magnificent hundred from Prithvi Shaw! He has anchored this chase beautifully."

Advay soon followed, reaching his century in the 32nd over with a stunning inside-out drive over cover. He removed his helmet, taking in the applause from the Indian fans in the stands.

Commentator 2: "What a debut in the U-19 World Cup for Advay Rai! A hundred in his very first match—this young man is something special!"

With only a few runs needed, the two openers finished in style. In the 38th over, Shaw flicked one through midwicket for the winning boundary.

Commentator 1: "That's it! India wins their opening match in dominant fashion! An unbeaten partnership between Advay Rai and Prithvi Shaw—absolutely brilliant batting!"

The Indian dugout erupted in cheers, and the players rushed onto the field to congratulate the openers. Advay and Shaw shook hands with the Australians before walking off, their bats raised in triumph.

As the winning runs were scored, the Indian team erupted in celebration, and the two unbeaten openers walked off the field with their bats raised high. It had been a dominant chase, a statement performance.

Final Scores:

Prithvi Shaw – 114 off 98 balls* (14 fours, 2 sixes)

Advay Rai – 107 off 92 balls* (11 fours, 3 sixes)

India U-19: 238/0 in 38 overs (Target: 238)

India won by 10 wickets.

As they walked back to the pavilion, Shaw playfully nudged Advay.

"Not bad, Captain," Shaw smirked.

Advay chuckled, adjusting his gloves. "You weren't too bad yourself."

With this emphatic victory, India had announced themselves as serious contenders for the U-19 World Cup.