Chapter 88 :

The next evening, on December 3, 2020, the Indian team gathered for a team dinner, still riding the high of their dominant series-clinching victory against Australia. The restaurant had been booked just for them, ensuring they could relax and celebrate without interruptions. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter, banter, and a sense of satisfaction after a hard-fought series.

KL Rahul leaned back in his chair, smirking at Advay. "Bro, you basically ended the match before it even started. What were we supposed to do after that?"

Advay chuckled, sipping his drink. "Just enjoy the show, I guess."

Rohit Sharma shook his head, laughing. "No, seriously. The moment you crossed 150, I could see it in the Australians' faces. They were done. The bowlers just went through the motions after that."

Chahal leaned forward, grinning. "Bhai, I think Finch saw the scoreboard and mentally checked out before even walking in to bat."

The whole table burst into laughter, some nodding in agreement.

Rishabh Pant, shaking his head: "Finch? Bro, Warner too! Did you see his expression after Bumrah sent him back? That man was relieved!"

Shardul Thakur laughed, mimicking Warner's disappointed walk back to the dressing room.

Virat Kohli smirked. "We crushed them in their own backyard. That's the kind of series win that stays with them for a long time."

Jadeja grinned. "I think Australia needs therapy after what happened yesterday."

More laughter followed, with players recalling Bumrah's fiery yorkers, Chahal's smart bowling, and the fielding that had choked Australia completely.

Then, suddenly, Chahal turned to Advay again.

"Bhai, ek baat bata," he said, smirking. "You reached 150 in like… what, 100 balls? Then you slowed down."

Rahul joined in. "Yeah, what happened? Were you tired or just being nice?"

Advay rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "I wasn't tired. I just wanted to make sure I batted till the end. No point throwing my wicket after all that."

Chahal laughed. "Bro, 'throwing your wicket' means you actually get out. But you never do!"

The table erupted in laughter again, as even Advay smirked.

The night continued with endless banter, teasing, and reliving the match, a well-earned celebration after a dominating series win.

As the laughter and teasing continued, Advay suddenly stood up, grabbing everyone's attention. The chatter at the table died down as all eyes turned to him.

"Alright, listen up," he said, smirking. "You guys already know my wedding date—February 14, 2021. So, consider this your official invitation."

For a moment, the table was silent, as if processing the announcement—then chaos erupted.

"OYYYYY!" Rishabh Pant yelled, clapping loudly. "Finally, wedding bells!"

Shardul Thakur whistled. "Bhai, huge news! Congratulations again!"

KL Rahul grinned, leaning forward. "Man, this is going to be epic. The wedding of the century!"

Virat Kohli, smiling, raised his glass. "That's huge, man. Congrats again. You and Ananya deserve all the happiness."

Advay simply nodded, smiling, letting their excitement settle before continuing. "We haven't decided on the venue yet, but once we do, I'll let you guys know. Just be ready."

Chahal smirked, nudging Rohit Sharma. "Bhai, don't worry. Wherever it is, hum log wahin party karne aa jayenge!" (Bro, don't worry. Wherever it is, we'll show up to party!)

Rohit, laughing, shook his head. "Bhai, you're making history on the field, and now you're about to do it off the field too. Ananya must be a strong woman to handle you!"

Advay chuckled. "She definitely is."

Pant leaned in. "Bhai, let's be real, though—what kind of wedding are we talking about? A quiet, classy affair or a full-on Bollywood-level celebration?"

Advay smirked. "Let's just say… it'll be worth the wait."

The table erupted again, some clapping, some laughing, and others already making plans for what was sure to be a massive event.

Ravindra Jadeja leaned back, shaking his head. "Bhai, whatever happens, just make sure we get the best food."

KL Rahul laughed. "Oh yeah, that's the real priority."

The team raised their glasses in celebration, clinking them together, marking the occasion. It was no longer just about cricket—this was a family, and now, they had something even bigger to look forward to.

On December 4, 2020, at Manuka Oval, Canberra, the stage was set for the 1st T20I between India and Australia. The atmosphere was electric, with the stands packed with fans, mostly draped in blue jerseys, waving the Indian flag and chanting loudly.

The Australian crowd, though outnumbered, was just as loud, cheering for their team as the players lined up for the toss.

Aaron Finch and Virat Kohli stood at the center, the coin went up, and Australia won the toss.

"We'll bowl first," Finch announced, a decision met with a mixed reaction from the crowd.

Harsha Bhogle (commentary): "Aaron Finch has opted to chase, looking at the conditions here in Canberra. But that means only one thing—Advay Rai and Rohit Sharma are about to take center stage."

The Indian dugout buzzed with energy as Advay and Rohit stepped onto the field, both adjusting their gloves, tapping their bats against the pitch.

The Australian bowlers gathered in a huddle, knowing they needed a strong start to contain two of the most explosive batters in the world.

Ricky Ponting (commentary): "This is the key moment right here. If Australia doesn't get early wickets, Rohit and Advay can take the game away in no time."

The crowd noise intensified, the Indian fans chanting Advay's name

Starc steamed in for the first delivery, angling a full delivery at 145 km/h into Advay's pads. But Advay was ready. With a quick flick of the wrists, he sent the ball racing past square leg for four. The crowd roared, the Indian fans on their feet, waving flags in celebration.

Harsha Bhogle (commentary): "And that's how you start a T20 innings! That's pure class from Advay Rai!"

The next delivery was short, rising chest-high—Advay shuffled across and pulled it flat over deep midwicket! The ball sailed into the stands, landing deep among the spectators.

Ricky Ponting (commentary): "Oh dear! That's brutal! Starc went short, and Advay absolutely pounced on it!"

Australian fielders exchanged glances, already sensing they were in trouble.

From the other end, Josh Hazlewood came into the attack, looking to slow things down.

First ball—back of a length, outside off. Advay leaned back and carved it over backward point for six! The sheer audacity of the shot left the Australian fielders stunned.

By the end of the 3rd over, India was already at 45/0.

Advay: 31 off 12

Rohit: 10 off 6

The Australian players had enough. Starc, returning for his second over, walked past Advay and muttered, "Enjoy while it lasts, kid. Your time's coming."

Advay didn't even look at him. He just smirked, tapped his bat on the pitch, and waited for the next ball.

Starc charged in, full and straight at 149 km/h, trying to rattle him. But Advay stayed deep in the crease, opened the face of his bat, and guided it past third man for four.

Advay turned to Starc, smirking. "My time's coming? Looks like yours just ran out."

The crowd erupted, and even Rohit walked over, grinning, patting Advay on the shoulder.

By the end of the powerplay (6 overs), India had surged to 82/0.

Advay: 56 off 24

Rohit: 21 off 12

Aaron Finch desperately brought in Adam Zampa, hoping spin could slow Advay down.

First ball—a tossed-up leg-break.

Advay stepped out and sent it soaring over extra cover for six!

Harsha Bhogle: "It doesn't matter what you bowl at him today. Advay Rai is in a different league!"

Zampa, frustrated, walked up to Advay and muttered something under his breath.

Advay just smiled. "Bowl, mate. Talking won't help you."

The very next ball, Zampa darted in a quicker one, short outside off.

Advay stayed back and cracked it past point for another boundary!

By the end of the 10th over, India had reached a mind-blowing 140/0.

Advay: 89 off 38

Rohit: 44 off 22

The Australian bowlers looked completely rattled, the Indian fans were chanting louder than ever, and Advay Rai was once again putting on a show.

The onslaught didn't stop. The Australian bowlers looked drained, their shoulders dropping with every boundary. But Advay wasn't done.

In the 11th over, Pat Cummins was brought back, trying to break the stand.

First ball—short outside off.

Advay waited for it, then unleashed a fierce uppercut over third man! The ball soared into the night sky, disappearing into the stands. The crowd erupted, and even Rohit shook his head in disbelief at the sheer audacity of the shot.

Ricky Ponting (commentary): "That is outrageous! Advay Rai is not just hitting—he's dismantling this Australian attack!"

Cummins walked up to Advay, shaking his head. "Try that again, kid. Let's see if you can pull it off twice."

Advay simply smirked. "Just bowl, Pat. I'll do the rest."

Cummins, furious, ran in and bowled a full-length delivery at 150 km/h.

Advay stepped forward, planted his foot, and lofted it straight down the ground. The ball rocketed over the sightscreen for another six!

The crowd exploded.

Harsha Bhogle: "This is unreal! Cummins tried to challenge him, and Advay just answered in the most brutal way possible!"

By the 12th over, India was at 162/0.

Advay: 105 off 42

Rohit: 50 off 26

Desperation kicked in for Australia. Zampa was brought back in the 14th over and tried to get inside Advay's head.

"C'mon mate, you can't hit everything. Sooner or later, you're going down," he taunted.

Advay didn't reply. He simply waited for the next ball.

Zampa tossed it up outside off, Advay stepped forward and launched it high over long-off! The ball cleared the boundary with ease, landing deep into the crowd!

As Zampa fumed, Advay looked directly at him, smirked, and blew him a flying kiss.

The entire Indian dugout burst into laughter, and even the commentators were stunned.

Ravi Shastri: "Oh my word! That's pure arrogance! Advay Rai just sent the bowler out of the park and then blew a flying kiss at him!"

Zampa gritted his teeth, furious.

Next ball—Advay swept it hard through square leg for four!

The Australian team was silent, and the crowd was chanting his name non-stop.

By the 15th over, India had surged to 201/0.

Advay: 132 off 50

Rohit: 67 off 36

In the 16th over, Australia finally got a breakthrough. Rohit, trying to keep the momentum going, attempted to loft Starc over long-on but mistimed it. The ball went straight into Finch's hands.

Rohit was out for 78 off 41 balls.

The Australians barely celebrated. They knew the real problem was still at the crease.

KL Rahul walked in, but all eyes were still on Advay.

By the 18th over, India had passed 230.

Advay was still brutal, smashing Hazlewood for a one-handed six over extra cover, drawing gasps from the crowd.

Harsha Bhogle: "Are you kidding me? That's a one-handed six! What can't this man do?!"

The final over arrived. India was already in record territory.

First ball—a slower one from Cummins.

Advay read it early and launched it into the second tier over midwicket!

The next ball, full on middle, was drilled straight past the bowler for another boundary!

With two balls left, Advay was on 169.

Cummins ran in, trying to keep it away from his hitting arc, but Advay shuffled across and scooped it over fine leg for another six!

The crowd went absolutely wild.

Final ball—Advay drilled it past mid-off for four!

He finished on 179 off 69 balls*, an unbelievable innings, the highest-ever T20I score.

India ended at 278/1 in 20 overs.

The Australian team looked completely drained, while the Indian fans chanted his name over and over again.

As Advay walked back to the dugout, he simply shrugged, his signature celebration—knowing he had just played another historic knock.

Back in the locker room, the Indian team was buzzing with excitement. Players were high-fiving, laughing, and shaking their heads in disbelief at what they had just witnessed.

KL Rahul threw his gloves onto the bench, looking at Advay. "Bhai, 179 off 69 balls? Yeh koi normal insaan kar sakta hai?"* (Bro, 179 off 69 balls? Can a normal human even do this?*)

Rohit Sharma chuckled, shaking his head. "Mujhe laga tha ki thoda slow karega after the hundred. But no, Advay ko bas todna hi aata hai!" (I thought he'd slow down after the hundred. But no, Advay only knows destruction!)

Chahal walked up dramatically, putting his hand on Advay's shoulder. "Bhai, sach bata… cricket khel raha hai ya sab bowlers se dushmani nikal raha hai?" (Bro, tell the truth… are you playing cricket or taking revenge on all bowlers?)

The locker room burst into laughter, while Advay simply smirked, stretching his arms.

"Bas mazza aa raha tha," he said casually. "Toh khel liya." (I was having fun, so I just kept playing.)

Virat Kohli, shaking his head, grinned. "Fun ke chakkar mein records todta ja raha hai banda!" (He's breaking records just for fun!)

Just then, the match referee entered, informing them that India would be back on the field soon.

As the team grabbed their gear, ready for the second innings, the mood remained light.

Rohit, walking out beside Advay, nudged him. "Bro, if you keep batting like this, ICC might ban you."

Advay chuckled, slipping on his cap. "Let them try."

With that, the team marched out, ready to defend another impossible target.

As the Indian players took the field, the Australian openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner, walked out, knowing that chasing 278 was an impossible task. The crowd was still electric, with the Indian fans chanting Advay's name even as the bowlers prepared to start.

Bumrah had the new ball, his eyes locked onto Finch as he steamed in for the first delivery.

First ball—a classic toe-crushing yorker at 147 km/h!

Finch barely got his bat down, the ball clipping the inside edge and crashing into the stumps!

BOWLED HIM!

The Indian players erupted, while the crowd exploded with noise!

Harsha Bhogle (commentary): "And that is Jasprit Bumrah at his absolute best! First ball, and Australia is already in trouble!"

Warner, now under pressure, tried to counter-attack in the second over, smashing Shardul Thakur for two boundaries.

But in the 4th over, Bumrah struck again!

A perfectly disguised slower delivery, Warner tried to loft it over mid-off but mistimed it completely.

Virat Kohli ran back, timed his jump, and took an outstanding catch!

Warner OUT!

By the end of the powerplay (6 overs), Australia was struggling at 55/2.

The Indian bowlers kept tightening the grip. Chahal was brought into the attack in the 8th over, and he didn't take long to strike.

First ball—a flighted leg-break to Steve Smith.

Smith stepped out, looking to go over long-on, but completely misjudged the spin! The ball spun past his bat, and Pant whipped off the bails in a flash!

STUMPED! Smith OUT for 22!

The Australian crowd sat in silence, while the Indian players surrounded Chahal in celebration.

By the 10th over, Australia had slumped to 84/3.

Advay was now brought into the attack, bowling tight lines, giving away nothing easy. The Australians struggled to get him away, as he bowled four consecutive dot balls to Marnus Labuschagne.

"C'mon mate, try hitting me," Labuschagne muttered after another dot ball.

Advay smirked, tossing the ball up again.

"I don't need wickets. You'll get yourself out soon enough."

The very next over, Labuschagne mistimed a slog-sweep off Jadeja straight to deep midwicket!

OUT!

Advay walked past him with a smirk, patting him on the back. "Told you."

By the 15th over, Australia had collapsed to 128/5.

With the required run rate now above 18 runs per over, the game was all but over.

In the 18th over, Chahal picked up his third wicket, deceiving Maxwell with a beautifully tossed-up leg-break that crashed into the stumps.

"Cleaned him up!" Ravi Shastri roared in the commentary box.

By the final over, Australia had completely given up.

Bumrah came back to bowl the 20th over, sealing the win with a perfect yorker to dismiss Starc, knocking back his off stump.

INDIA WON BY 74 RUNS!

The Indian players rushed onto the field, high-fiving and celebrating their dominant performance. The Australian fans sat in stunned silence, while the Indian supporters in the stands chanted and cheered loudly.

Harsha Bhogle: "Absolute domination from Team India! A record-breaking batting performance followed by clinical bowling. This has been a night to remember!"

Advay, who had bowled economically without taking a wicket, walked off the field, smirking, knowing that the match had been sealed long before the first ball was bowled.

As the post-match presentation began, Harsha Bhogle stood at the center of the field, microphone in hand. "And now, the Man of the Match award goes to… no surprises here—Advay Rai for his record-breaking 179 off 69 balls!"*

The crowd erupted, chanting "Advay! Advay!" as he walked up, shaking hands with Harsha before taking the mic.

Harsha, smiling: "Advay, 179 in a T20I… let's just start with that. Did you even realize what you were doing out there?"*

Advay smirked, adjusting the cap on his head. "Not really. I was just in the zone. The ball was coming onto the bat well, and I kept playing my shots. Didn't think about the score too much."

Harsha: "Come on, you must have had some idea when you started hitting sixes for fun!"

Advay chuckled, shaking his head. "I mean, when the crowd is reacting like that, you know you're doing something right."

Harsha: "Speaking of reactions, you had an interesting one yourself. The flying kiss to Adam Zampa after smashing him for six—was that planned?"

Advay grinned. "Not really, but he was saying a few things, so I just gave him something to remember."

The crowd laughed and cheered, loving the exchange.

Harsha, still smiling: "Well, I'm sure he won't forget it anytime soon. Lastly, with a performance like this in the very first match of the series, do you think you've already put the Australians under pressure?"

Advay shrugged slightly, his signature calm expression returning. "I don't know about pressure, but I know one thing—this is just the beginning."

The crowd roared again, the Indian fans going wild.

Harsha, laughing: "Alright, we'll leave it at that! Congratulations once again, Advay, on an unbelievable innings!"

Advay nodded, shook hands with Harsha, and walked back to his teammates, his name now etched in cricket history once again.

After the match, as the Indian team celebrated their dominant win, players from both sides gathered near the boundary, chatting and exchanging laughs. It was a hard-fought game, but once the competition ended, respect remained between them.

Advay, still holding his Man of the Match trophy, was standing with Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa, both of whom were shaking their heads.

Cummins smirked. "Mate, 179 in a T20? That's just unfair. You're making us bowlers look useless out there."

Advay chuckled, adjusting his cap. "Come on, Pat. It's not like I didn't give you guys a few dot balls."

Zampa folded his arms, staring at Advay. "A flying kiss, really?"

Advay grinned. "What? You were chirping. I just gave you a little response."

Zampa shook his head, laughing. "Well, next time, I'll sledge louder and see if you miss one."

"Try it," Advay smirked. "Might make me hit an even bigger six next time."

Cummins patted Advay on the back. "Good luck, mate. But let's see how you handle us in the next game."

Advay smirked. "Looking forward to it."