The sun hung low in the sky over Gros Islet, casting long shadows over the pristine cricket field. The tension in the air was palpable, the stakes higher than ever. 

The Super Eights stage had begun, and this match against Australia would be one of the most important of the tournament. 

India, having already made a statement with their performances, was aiming for a dominant victory, and the players knew it was all on them.

The Indian team was ready. The atmosphere in the dressing room was charged with a mix of anticipation and nerves, but Naima Prushka—wearing her usual calm demeanour—was focused. 

She was in her element, her mind already in the game, her game face on. She had been on fire during the tournament and knew this was just another chance to prove why she deserved her place among the best.

Toss: Australia Won, Chose to Bowl First

As India strode to the crease, the crowd roared, their support unwavering. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli walked out first, but Naima wasn't far behind. 

She'd been having one hell of a tournament, her performance in the last few games already making headlines, but today was different. She was determined to contribute to the team's cause once again.

Rohit was on fire right from the start. With a stunning 92 off just 55 balls, he launched the Indian innings into overdrive. 

Naima, however, was the real star of the innings. While Rohit hammered the ball to all parts of the field, Naima played with a calm precision that spoke volumes of her maturity as a cricketer. Every shot she played was effortless as if the ball was a mere extension of her will.

By the time she reached 77 off 44 balls, the crowd was chanting her name. It was clear—Naima had become a fan favourite, and her ability to anchor the innings while still playing aggressive shots made her the backbone of the Indian team's charge. 

A well-placed shot over the mid-wicket boundary had her celebrating with a wide grin. The match was in India's hands, and she felt it.

India 205 for 5 (Rohit 92, Naima 77, Hazlewood 1-14)

As Naima walked off the field after her innings, the applause was deafening. She high-fived every teammate as they made their way back to the dressing room. 

Her eyes met Shubman's for a brief second. He had been watching from the sidelines, eyes glued to her every move, his pride for her palpable. He gave her a small nod, his grin stretching across his face. 

She'd been on fire. There was no doubt about it.

"I fucking love you," he whispered under his breath as she passed him, still sweaty from her knock.

Naima gave him a smile that could light up the entire stadium. "I know, babe. I know."

The boys were all in high spirits. Rohit had given the Aussies a run for their money, and now it was up to India's bowlers to finish the job. 

They had set a daunting target of 206, and Australia would have to pull off something special to chase it down.

Australia came out to bat, but from the start, India was in control. Arshdeep Singh was on fire, putting in an excellent spell of bowling. His performance was impeccable, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs. 

Alongside him, Kuldeep Yadav continued to shine, picking up 2 wickets for 24 runs. The pressure was on Australia as they lost wickets at regular intervals, with Naima and the others backing up their bowlers with every over.

Australia's top order—Head (76)—tried to anchor their chase, but it was always going to be tough. The Indian bowlers were relentless. 

Arshdeep's pace, coupled with Kuldeep's spin, kept the pressure on them, and the fielders supported every delivery with energy and focus. When Head finally fell to Arshdeep, it was like a wave of relief had swept over the Indian team.

By the 16th over, Australia was at 159-4, and the equation seemed nearly impossible. Despite Ravindra Jadeja's brilliant bowling and an exceptional performance from Axar Patel in the middle overs, Australia's hopes were dashed with two quick wickets.

With the final over looming, India's bowlers stood strong. In the end, Australia couldn't chase down the target, finishing at 181 for 7.

India beat Australia by 24 runs.

The stadium erupted into jubilation as the Indian team celebrated the well-deserved victory. Naima raised her arms in triumph, her smile wide and genuine. This was the moment. 

They had done it. But as the team gathered for the post-match handshake, Naima found herself pulled into a tight hug from Shubman. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her close.

"You were fucking incredible," he whispered, his voice full of awe.

Naima laughed, her heart racing. "Couldn't have done it without you cheering from the sidelines, baby."

The entire team came together, their energy a mix of relief, joy, and excitement. They'd won the match, but the journey was far from over. With the final overs still fresh in their minds, Naima felt her pulse racing. 

The T20 World Cup was within their grasp, and she was more determined than ever to keep giving her all for the team.

But for now, she soaked in the moment, letting the roar of the crowd and the celebrations wash over her. It was a sweet victory.

Welcome to the thirty - first chapter of "The Man"!
this match >

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until then, yours truly
soup 🫶