Aki stood tall on the field, his chest still heaving from the last few balls. The stadium thundered with noise, but inside, his mind was calm—laser-focused. There was no glowing mission on his screen anymore. No system whispering his next move. This was raw cricket now. Just the ball, the batsman, and Aki.
Viki, the new batsman, stepped onto the pitch. His eyes were sharp, filled with quiet confidence. But Aki knew—this wasn't just about facing a new player. It was a battle against time, pressure, and more than anything, himself.
First ball—fast and on point. Viki didn't even flinch. He let it pass.Dot ball.
Second ball—a textbook delivery. Viki went for the shot but missed.Another dot.
The crowd murmured nervously. Tension rose like steam in a pressure cooker.
Aki allowed himself a small smile. Viki was starting to crack. His footwork was sloppy. Timing was off.
Third ball—Aki roared in. Faster. Fiercer. Viki swung hard—too hard.WHACK.The ball smashed into the stumps.WICKET.
The crowd erupted in cheers. Aki didn't leap or pump his fist. He simply turned, calm on the surface, but his eyes blazing with intensity. Two wickets in a row. He was in form now, and everyone could feel it.
As Viki trudged off, the atmosphere shifted. The match was tilting.
Aki glanced down and blinked. The system window flickered open once more.
[CRICKET SYSTEM]Player: Aki SuryaAge: 15Level: 1 – Rookie
Skills:– Cricket Instincts (Passive)– Fast Bowling Technique (Basic)
STATS:Batting: 12Bowling: 10Fielding: 8Agility: 7Stamina: 9Focus: 5Unallocated Stats: +1
Inventory:– Energy Drink – Restores stamina, removes fatigue, and boosts energy during high-pressure moments.
Aki's eyes narrowed as he scanned the stats. The +1 point glowed quietly, waiting to be assigned. It wasn't automatic—he had to choose. His mind weighed the options carefully. Bowling had been strong, but now, with the target to chase, his batting needed to carry the team.
Without hesitation, he tapped the batting stat. The number rose from 12 to 13.
A small smile crept onto his face. Preparation met opportunity. He closed the system window, ready for the next challenge.
Now, it was their turn to chase the target.
Aki walked toward the dugout, heart steady but burning with a quiet fire. The game wasn't over—not by a long shot. He had done his damage with the ball. Now, it was time to prove himself with the bat.
Nikhil and Shubham strode confidently onto the pitch. The target was clear—152 runs in 20 overs.
The stadium fell into a tense hush. Every run now carried the weight of the game.
The opening overs unfolded cautiously. Nikhil anchored the innings with measured precision, playing smart cricket under pressure. Shubham supported him well, rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
The scoreboard inched forward:Nikhil – 22 runsShubham – 14 runsTeam score – 36/0 in 6 overs.
Then, disaster struck.
Shubham attempted a quick single. Nikhil's urgent shout of "No!" came too late. The fielders reacted instantly. The ball sped back to the wicketkeeper. The bails were dislodged.Run out. Score: 36/1.
Shubham trudged back, frustration and disappointment etched across his face.
Morve came in next, bursting with energy and determination. He struck a boundary early and added six quick runs but couldn't hold his nerve. A mistimed shot sealed his fate—caught out.Score: 45/2.
Aditya stepped in, visibly nervous. On the first ball, he swung desperately—only to hear the ominous clink as the ball shattered the stumps.Score: 45/3.
A heavy silence fell over the stadium.
But Nikhil remained unshaken—calm, composed, resolute. Rahul joined him, steady and reliable. Together, they began to rebuild, carefully knitting the innings back together.
Singles turned into doubles, boundaries were struck with intent, and the scoreboard climbed:55… 68… 75…
Nikhil's elegant drive pierced the field for four. Rahul followed with a clever sweep for two.
Momentum was shifting:Score: 82/3Nikhil – 40 runs*Rahul – 22 runs
Then came the crushing blow.
Rahul, looking to rotate the strike, edged a soft tap. The wicketkeeper was quick—caught behind.WICKET. Score: 82/4.
Rahul's contribution had been invaluable, but the climb was still steep.
Suddenly, a system pop-up window glowed softly in front of Aki, pulsating with light.
MISSION: Win the MatchReward: +1 Stat PointSkill Unlocked: Power Shot (Basic) — a decisive, high-impact shot that can turn the tide when executed perfectly.
MISSION DETAILS:Remaining Runs: 80Overs Left: 9Current Score: 82/4Your Role: The last hope, the game-changer
Do you accept this mission?[ ACCEPT ] [ REJECT ]
Aki stood frozen for a heartbeat, eyes locked on the glowing options. This was the moment he had been waiting for—his mission, his chance for victory.
The weight of the team's hopes rested squarely on his shoulders. His heart pounded fiercely, but a surge of readiness swept through him. This was no longer about individual runs; this was about rising to the fiercest pressure.
Without hesitation, Aki's finger hovered over the ACCEPT button. A deep breath steadied his nerves, and with quiet determination, he pressed it. The glowing window vanished as a wave of resolve washed over him—he was ready.
Step by step, he walked to the crease, each stride heavy with expectation and purpose.
The stadium crackled with electric anticipation. The crowd knew this was the turning point—make or break.
Bat in hand, Aki locked eyes with the bowler. Eighty runs remained. The clock was ticking.
Every single ball now mattered.
And Aki? He was ready to fight till the very last run.