Chapter 62 : Trashing South Africa

Back in his hotel room, Advay sat on the edge of the bed, phone in hand, scrolling through the forums and social media. The post-match buzz was still alive, and his name was everywhere.

His shrug celebration had already become a meme. One fan had posted a side-by-side edit—Advay shrugging next to Michael Jordan's famous "I took that personally" meme. The caption read:

"Bowlers: We have a plan for Advay Rai. Advay Rai: …"

Another post had his match stats—124 (61), 12 fours, 6 sixes*—with the caption:

"He didn't debut in international cricket. International cricket debuted for him."

On Twitter, an old clip from a pre-match discussion was going viral, where a commentator had said, "Let's see if he can do it against a big team." Someone had now stitched it together with a clip of Advay's hundred and his ice-cold shrug, captioned:

"He did. Any more questions?"

Reddit was flooded with threads:

"Is Advay Rai already the best young batter in world cricket?"

"How do you even bowl to this guy?"

One comment caught his attention:

"Some players make their debuts. Others make a statement. Advay Rai just set the standard."

Advay smirked, shaking his head. He had been through this before—after the IPL, after the West Indies tour. The hype would only keep getting louder.

Just then, his phone buzzed. A message from Rohit Sharma.

"Bro, stop scrolling and sleep. Even legends need rest."

Advay chuckled, tossing his phone aside and lying back on the bed. Tomorrow, another match, another chance to prove himself. But for now, he let the world talk.

September 18, 2019 – Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

The stadium was packed with roaring fans, the air electric with anticipation as India and South Africa lined up for the toss. Under the floodlights, the coin was flipped, and the call was made.

Virat Kohli stood with a confident smirk as the referee signaled toward India. They had won the toss. Without hesitation, Virat turned to the presenter. "We'll bat first."

The crowd erupted in cheers, the noise almost deafening. Batting first in Mohali was always an advantage, and the Indian openers were ready to put up a show.

As the South African fielders took their positions, two familiar figures emerged from the dressing room, bats in hand.

Rohit Sharma and Advay Rai.

The stadium lights reflected off Advay's flawless white sweater-like t-shirt, his black denim contrasting against the green of the outfield. His emerald-green eyes stayed locked on the pitch ahead, while Rohit walked beside him, twirling his bat casually.

The chanting began almost immediately.

"Advay! Advay!"

"Rohit! Rohit!"

Mark Nicholas, in the commentary box, smiled as he watched them approach the crease. "This is what the crowd came for—India's deadly opening duo. Rohit Sharma, the experienced Hitman, and the Crown Prince of Indian Cricket, Advay Rai."

Sunil Gavaskar chuckled. "And what a combination they are—Rohit, elegant yet destructive, and Advay, a man who plays with icy composure but can tear apart any bowling attack in the world."

Rabada marked his run-up. The field was set.

Harsha Bhogle's voice rang through the microphones. "Here we go, ladies and gentlemen, the second T20I is underway!"

The first ball—a hard length delivery from Rabada, shaping away slightly. Rohit watched it closely, let it go to the keeper.

Sunil Gavaskar analyzed immediately. "Good carry on that one! Rabada already getting some bounce. He'll be dangerous with the new ball."

Rabada steamed in again—pitched up this time. Rohit leaned into it, timing it perfectly past extra cover—FOUR!

Mark Nicholas laughed. "Well, if that's any indication of what's to come, we're in for a treat!"

Advay smirked slightly at the non-striker's end, adjusting his gloves. Rabada finished the over, and now, it was time for Advay to take strike.

Anrich Nortje took the ball, eyes locked onto the young batter. The field tightened slightly.

Harsha Bhogle spoke with curiosity. "Alright, let's see what Advay Rai has in store today. He's shown time and again that pressure doesn't affect him."

Nortje ran in, first ball—short, fast, rising toward Advay's body.

But Advay didn't flinch. He simply leaned back, swaying out of the way, letting the ball sail past him to the keeper.

The crowd roared in approval.

Sunil Gavaskar chuckled. "Oh, the composure! The young man saw that coming a mile away. No panic, no rush—just complete control."

Nortje frowned, charging in again. This time, he pitched it full and fast.

Advay stepped forward, bat coming down with surgical precision. The ball raced past mid-off—FOUR!

Mark Nicholas's voice rose. "Oh, what a shot! That is pure class from Advay Rai!"

The South African captain shouted instructions from mid-off, already sensing the danger.

Nortje tried a bouncer again. Big mistake. Advay rocked back, pulled it viciously over deep midwicket—SIX! The ball soared into the night sky, disappearing into the stands.

Harsha Bhogle couldn't contain his excitement. "And that's why he's special! What a shot! The balance, the power—this is a man in complete control!"

The crowd was on its feet, chanting his name.

Virat Kohli, watching from the dressing room, smirked. He knew it already—Advay Rai had arrived.

The match progressed under the bright Mohali floodlights, with the crowd fully behind the Indian team. Rohit Sharma and Advay Rai were in complete control, setting the tone for a dominant start.

4th over – Rabada to Advay

Rabada ran in, hard length outside off. Advay stood tall and punched it past cover—FOUR! The ball raced to the boundary, splitting the field perfectly.

Harsha Bhogle: "Advay Rai, pure elegance! You give him width, and he will punish you."

The next ball, Rabada went fuller, looking for swing. Advay anticipated it, stepped forward, and lofted it over mid-off—FOUR more!

The South African captain looked frustrated, signaling for a field change.

5th over – Andile Phehlukwayo to Rohit

Phehlukwayo tried to slow things down with a cutter, but Rohit waited for it, adjusting his hands beautifully, and pulled it over square leg for SIX!

Sunil Gavaskar: "What a shot! Rohit Sharma showing his power and timing yet again. The Hitman is in the mood!"

With that, India moved to 52/0 in 5 overs.

6th over – Tabraiz Shamsi into the attack

South Africa introduced spin, hoping to break the rhythm. Shamsi tossed one up outside off, and Advay leaned into it, driving it inside-out over extra cover—FOUR!

Mark Nicholas: "Oh, that is an exquisite shot! Advay Rai just glides the ball away, effortless timing!"

But Shamsi struck back on the final ball of the over.

A slightly quicker one, skidding in—Rohit misjudged it, went for the sweep, and got trapped right in front. Big appeal—GIVEN!

The entire South African team erupted, as Rohit shook his head and started walking back.

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, that's plumb! Rohit was looking so good, but Shamsi gets the breakthrough South Africa desperately needed!"

Rohit walked off after a well-made 36 off 24 balls, India at 78/1 in 7 overs.

8th over – Virat Kohli joins Advay at the crease

The crowd exploded with cheers as Virat Kohli made his way in. Advay walked up to him, exchanging a quick nod before they resumed the innings.

The first ball Kohli faced, Shamsi tossed one full outside off. Virat leaned forward and drove it past covers—FOUR!

Sunil Gavaskar: "Ah, classic Virat Kohli! Perfect timing, pure class."

At the other end, Advay continued his onslaught. In the next over, Phehlukwayo bowled short—Advay rocked back and pulled it flat over deep midwicket for SIX!

The South African bowlers were under pressure, and India crossed 100 in just 9.3 overs.

10th over – Nortje returns

Nortje steamed in, looking to break the partnership. He bowled a sharp yorker—Advay dug it out perfectly, guiding it past point for a couple.

The next ball, Nortje tried another short one, but Advay was ready. He swiveled and hooked it beautifully—SIX over fine leg!

The crowd erupted, chants of "Advay! Advay!" filling the air.

Mark Nicholas: "This man is just something else! That was pure class!"

At the end of 10 overs, India was flying at 112/1. Advay stood on 57 off 32 balls*, while Virat looked settled on 16 off 12.*

The foundation was set—now, it was time to accelerate.

The second half of the innings was all about acceleration. With Advay looking in sublime touch and Virat settling in, India continued to dominate under the bright Mohali floodlights.

11th over – Rabada returns

Rabada came steaming in, determined to break the growing partnership. First ball, full and straight, Virat flicked it nonchalantly past midwicket—FOUR!

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, that's wristwork at its finest! Virat Kohli, smooth as ever."

Rabada adjusted his line, went short. Virat anticipated it, rocked back, and uppercut it over third man—SIX! The ball sailed into the stands as the crowd exploded.

Mark Nicholas: "What a shot! Virat is shifting gears now!"

At the other end, Advay continued his masterclass. The next over, Shamsi tossed it up outside off—Advay danced down and lofted it effortlessly over extra cover for SIX!

Sunil Gavaskar: "That is just gorgeous! Advay Rai showing his range yet again!"

India raced to 145/1 in 13 overs.

14th over – Phehlukwayo gets Virat

Phehlukwayo, brought back to control the flow of runs, bowled a smart slower one. Virat mistimed his drive, and the ball went straight to cover. OUT!

Virat shook his head, annoyed with himself, walking back after a well-made 45 off 28 balls. The crowd applauded, appreciating his contribution.

Harsha Bhogle: "Not the ending he wanted, but Kohli has done his job. The platform is well and truly set!"

India 156/2 in 14.3 overs.

15th over – Rishabh Pant joins Advay

Pant wasted no time. First ball he faced—a full toss from Nortje—he swung hard, launching it straight down the ground for SIX!

Mark Nicholas: "That's Pant for you! No sighters, just power!"

At the other end, Advay was inching closer to a hundred. The 17th over saw him pull Nortje powerfully over deep midwicket—SIX!

India crossed 180 in 17.2 overs.

Then, in the next over, came the breakthrough.

18th over – Advay departs at 89

Phehlukwayo bowled a back-of-the-hand slower ball, deceiving Advay just enough. He tried to go over long-on but mistimed it. The ball went high into the night sky, and David Miller settled under it near the boundary.

OUT!

The crowd fell silent for a second before breaking into applause. Advay, who had played an exceptional knock of 89 off 52 balls, walked off, acknowledging the fans.

Sunil Gavaskar: "Brilliant innings! Advay Rai was in complete control today, and he's taken India to a fantastic position!"

India 190/3 in 18 overs.

Final push – Pant and Hardik finish strong

With two overs left, Pant and Hardik unleashed an all-out attack.

19th over – Rabada to Pant

First ball, full and straight—Pant shuffled across and scooped it over fine leg for SIX! The crowd roared.

Mark Nicholas: "Oh, outrageous! Rishabh Pant, what a shot!"

Final over – Nortje to Hardik

Hardik went berserk. A short ball—he pulled it flat over deep midwicket. SIX!

Next ball—a full toss. Hardik smashed it straight past the bowler for FOUR!

The last ball of the innings—Nortje tried a yorker, Hardik backed away and carved it over extra cover for another FOUR!

India finished at a commanding 208/3.

Harsha Bhogle: "What a finish! A clinical batting performance from India. Advay Rai set the stage, and Pant and Hardik provided the final explosion!"

The players walked off, job well done. Now, it was up to the bowlers to seal the victory.

Under the Mohali floodlights, South Africa's chase began with a sense of urgency. A target of 209 was steep, but not impossible. The Indian bowlers knew early wickets would be the key.

First over – Deepak Chahar to de Kock

Chahar ran in, swinging the ball beautifully under the lights. First ball, full and shaping away, de Kock let it go. The next, a touch straighter—flicked through midwicket for FOUR!

Mark Nicholas: "Crisp from de Kock! He's not going to hold back tonight!"

Chahar adjusted, bowled a shorter length ball—this time, de Kock pulled it fiercely over square leg—SIX!

The South African skipper looked dangerous.

At the other end, Temba Bavuma played smartly, tucking singles, rotating the strike, and capitalizing on width. In the fourth over, he stepped out against Washington Sundar and lofted him inside-out over extra cover—FOUR!

South Africa raced to 45/0 in 5 overs.

Then came the breakthrough.

6th over – Chahar strikes! De Kock gone!

Chahar adjusted his length, pitched one a little shorter. De Kock went for the pull but mistimed it—straight to deep midwicket!

The Indian fielders rushed in celebration as Pant completed an easy catch.

Harsha Bhogle: "And India strikes! That's a massive wicket—de Kock looked so good, but Chahar gets the better of him!"

South Africa 52/1 in 6 overs.

Middle overs – India pulls things back

Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen looked to rebuild, but India's spinners tightened the grip. Sundar and Chahal choked the runs, forcing risky shots.

In the 9th over, Chahal tossed one up to Bavuma—he swept, got a top edge, and the ball ballooned straight to short fine leg!

Mark Nicholas: "India have another! Bavuma falls into the trap, and South Africa are in trouble now!"

South Africa 85/2 in 10 overs.

Advay Rai gets the ball.

Virat tossed the ball to Advay, who took a deep breath before setting his field. The crowd chanted his name.

13th over – Advay to Van der Dussen

First ball, sharp off-cutter, skidding in—Rassie played it back.

Second ball, Advay went fuller, a hint of movement—Rassie lunged forward but mistimed the drive.

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, he's getting something off the pitch! Advay looking dangerous here."

Third ball—shorter length, quick off the deck. Rassie tried to cut, but edged it—STRAIGHT TO PANT!

OUT!

Advay fist-bumped Virat as the team rushed in. Rassie walked off, shaking his head.

Sunil Gavaskar: "Brilliant from Advay Rai! He kept it tight, kept the pressure on, and finally got his reward!"

South Africa 121/3 in 13 overs.

With the required run rate climbing, David Miller and Dwaine Pretorius started attacking.

15th over – Miller fights back

Hardik Pandya bowled one slightly short—Miller stayed deep in his crease and muscled it over midwicket—SIX!

Next ball—fuller outside off, Miller drove beautifully past covers—FOUR!

South Africa needed 62 off the last 5 overs.

18th over – Bhuvneshwar's magic

Bhuvi came in and delivered a masterclass in death bowling. First ball, a dipping yorker—Miller missed, and it crashed into the stumps!

Harsha Bhogle: "Bhuvi, you genius! That's the breakthrough India needed!"

South Africa 166/4 in 18 overs.

The pressure was too much. In the final two overs, Bumrah and Hardik bowled tight lines, nailing their yorkers, giving no room to free the arms.

In the end, South Africa fell short, finishing at 184/5.

India won by 24 runs!

The players shook hands, and the Indian team walked off with satisfied smiles. Advay, with a wicket to his name, exchanged a quick nod with Virat.

Another game, another statement.