As the Indian openers, Ishan Kishan and Advay Rai, walked out to bat, the New Zealand team huddled together, discussing their strategy. With a big target of 283 to chase, the pressure was on India's top order to deliver.
Commentator 1: "Here we go! 283 to chase, and India has sent out the pair that dominated in the T20s—Advay Rai and captain Ishan Kishan."
Commentator 2: "Both of them were outstanding in the shorter format, but this is a 50-over chase. They'll have to build their innings smartly."
The first few overs were all about settling in. New Zealand's bowlers started with tight lines, testing the openers with swing and bounce. Ishan and Advay rotated the strike well, not taking any unnecessary risks early on.
By the 10th over, India had reached 54/0, with both batters looking comfortable. Advay played a classy cover drive off Nathan Smith in the 12th over, the ball racing past extra cover for four.
Commentator 1: "That is beautiful! Advay Rai just leans into it, and it's four all the way!"
Ishan started accelerating in the 15th over, stepping out to Rachin Ravindra and launching him over long-on for six.
Commentator 2: "There's the intent! Ishan Kishan isn't going to let the spinners settle."
The pair continued their steady partnership, bringing up 100 runs in the 19th over.
Advay, always calm and composed, picked his moments, using the gaps and punishing loose balls. He played a delightful scoop shot in the 22nd over, sending the ball over fine leg for four.
Commentator 1: "There's that trademark scoop shot! Advay Rai just improvises so well."
By the 30th over, India had reached 167/0, and the required run rate was under control.
Ishan brought up his century in the 35th over, flicking a full delivery to deep midwicket for a single.
Commentator 2: "A fantastic century for the skipper! He has led from the front today!"
Advay followed soon after, reaching his hundred in the 40th over with a stylish lofted extra-cover drive.
Commentator 1: "Take a bow, Advay Rai! A brilliant century in the first ODI. This young man continues to impress!"
With just 30 runs needed in the last 10 overs, the openers decided to finish things quickly.
In the 47th over, Ishan smashed a six over long-on, bringing the equation down to single digits. And in the 49th over, Advay drove a full ball through the covers for four, sealing the win for India!
Commentator 2: "That's it! India wins the first ODI in dominant fashion! A 10-wicket victory with 13 balls to spare!"
Commentator 1: "What a run chase! Two centuries, an unbeaten stand, and India makes a statement in this series!"
The Indian dugout erupted, players standing and applauding as Advay and Ishan walked off with smiles. It was a perfect chase, executed to perfection.
The second ODI was another closely contested match, with India managing to edge out New Zealand by 12 runs.
Batting first, India posted a competitive total, with solid contributions from the top and middle order. The openers, Ishan Kishan and Advay Rai, once again gave a strong start, but this time, New Zealand's bowlers managed to break the partnership earlier than in the first match.
Despite wickets falling at intervals, India's middle-order batters chipped in, ensuring a strong total was posted. By the end of 50 overs, India set a challenging target for the home team.
In response, New Zealand fought hard, with their top-order batters putting up a solid stand. At one stage, it looked like they might chase the total comfortably, but India's bowlers held their nerve in the final overs.
Advay bowled well once again, applying pressure with tight lines and picking up a crucial wicket. The Indian pacers delivered in the death overs, ensuring New Zealand fell just short of the target.
Commentator 1: "And that's it! India takes the second ODI by 12 runs! Another strong performance from the visitors!"
Commentator 2: "New Zealand fought hard, but India's bowling was outstanding in the final overs. A well-deserved victory!"
With this win, India secured a 2-0 lead in the ODI series, putting them in a commanding position.
The third ODI was a hard-fought battle, but this time, India fell short, suffering a tough loss to New Zealand.
Batting first, India struggled to build momentum, with the New Zealand bowlers keeping things tight from the start. The early wickets of the openers put pressure on the middle order, and while some batters managed to contribute, India couldn't accelerate in the later overs.
By the end of 50 overs, India set a below-par target, giving New Zealand a strong chance to bounce back in the series.
The Indian bowlers fought hard, with early breakthroughs keeping them in the game. Advay bowled another economical spell, keeping things tight in the middle overs. However, New Zealand's batters showed great resilience, building partnerships and taking the chase deep.
In the final overs, despite India's best efforts, New Zealand managed to hold their nerve and chase the target down, handing India a tough defeat.
Commentator 1: "That's the game! New Zealand pulls one back in the series with a well-earned victory!"
Commentator 2: "A strong comeback from the home side! India fought hard, but today, New Zealand was just the better team."
Despite the loss, the Indian team remained positive, knowing they still led the series. The players shook hands and returned to the hotel, already focusing on learning from this defeat and preparing for the next game.
The final two ODIs were a mix of highs and lows for India, but in the end, they clinched the series 3-2 with another strong performance.
In the fourth ODI, India bounced back brilliantly after their loss in the previous match. The batters stepped up, posting a strong total, and the bowlers executed their plans well, ensuring a comfortable victory.
However, in the fifth and final ODI, New Zealand fought back hard, managing to edge out India in a close game. Despite their efforts, India couldn't complete a perfect series, but their earlier performances had already secured the series win.
Commentator 1: "And that's it! India wins the series 3-2! A hard-fought battle, but they were the better side overall!"
Commentator 2: "New Zealand showed great fight, but India's consistency throughout the series was the difference."
With the series wrapped up, the Indian team celebrated their victory
As the final presentation wrapped up, the Indian team stood together on the podium, smiles all around. The trophy was handed to Ishan Kishan, who raised it high above his head, and the team cheered in celebration. The players took turns holding the trophy, posing for photos, enjoying the moment after a long and competitive series.
With the celebrations done, the team headed back to the hotel, still in high spirits. Some players chatted about the series, while others just relaxed, feeling the exhaustion from the past few weeks finally settling in.
After dinner, the players retired to their rooms, taking the rest of the day to unwind and recharge, knowing they had earned this victory.
As the team walked along the quiet countryside, Advay found himself standing at a scenic viewpoint, overlooking the vast rolling hills. The others were busy taking pictures and laughing, but he simply took in the fresh air, feeling the breeze against his face.
Ishan walked up beside him, nudging his shoulder. "What are you thinking about, Rai?"
Advay gave a small smile. "Just... how different this is from home. No noise, no rush. It's peaceful."
"Yeah, it's nice," Ishan agreed, looking out at the landscape. "But be honest, you're already thinking about cricket, aren't you?"
Advay chuckled, shaking his head. "I mean, a little. But I'm enjoying this too. It's not every day we get to just… be normal for a while."
Later, as they walked along the beach, Rishabh ran up to Advay, grabbing him by the shoulder. "Come on, yaar! At least TRY surfing!"
"I'm good, thanks," Advay smirked. "I don't plan on drinking half the ocean today."
Rishabh groaned. "Boring! You're way too composed, man. Live a little!"
Advay raised an eyebrow. "Says the guy who's fallen off his board five times in the last ten minutes?"
Washington burst out laughing. "He's got a point, Rishabh."
Rishabh grumbled, walking back toward the water while Advay and Washington shared a knowing smile.
At dinner that night, as they sat at a local café, the team was chatting about their trip, sharing what they loved most about New Zealand.
"So, Advay," Avesh leaned forward. "You're quiet today. What's been your favorite part of this trip?"
Advay thought for a second before replying. "Honestly? Just walking around, exploring. Seeing the countryside, the beaches, the small towns. It's different from what I'm used to."
Ishan grinned. "Not gonna lie, I expected you to say something about cricket."
Advay laughed. "Don't worry, I'm still thinking about it. But even I can take a break sometimes."
The group chuckled, enjoying the rare moment of relaxation.
As they boarded the plane home the next day, Advay gazed out of the window, watching New Zealand disappear below. This trip had been a perfect escape, but now, it was time to return to reality—to training, to competition, to cricket. And he was more than ready.
The past two years had been a rollercoaster for Advay. Despite his exceptional performances at the U-19 level, he was overlooked for the 2016 U-19 World Cup squad. It had come as a disappointment, but Advay wasn't the type to dwell on setbacks. Instead of sulking, he channeled his frustration into his game, working harder than ever.
While the India U-19 team played in the World Cup, Advay watched from the sidelines, analyzing every match, every player, and every mistake. The tournament was competitive, and though India looked strong, they ultimately fell short in the final. It was a tough loss for the squad, but for Advay, it was a wake-up call. He wasn't just playing to prove himself anymore—he wanted to make sure that the next time India played in a U-19 World Cup, he would be on the field, not watching from a distance.
With that determination, he threw himself into domestic cricket, earning a place in the Karnataka Ranji Trophy team. At just 16 years old, he was playing in India's most competitive first-class tournament, going up against seasoned domestic and international cricketers. Many doubted whether he could handle the pressure of red-ball cricket at such a young age, but Advay thrived.
In his debut Ranji season, he made an instant impact, scoring centuries in tough conditions and establishing himself as one of Karnataka's most reliable batters. He faced everything—seaming tracks in Mohali, turning pitches in Chennai, bouncy wickets in Delhi—but nothing fazed him. His ability to read the game, adjust his technique, and stay composed under pressure set him apart from every other young batter in the circuit.
The following season, he took it a step further. Advay wasn't just performing—he was dominating. He piled on the runs, grinding bowlers down with his technique and shot selection. No one could stop him. He played marathon innings, batted for entire days, and racked up double centuries with an ease that stunned even the most experienced players.
And then, he did something no one expected—he broke the record for the most runs scored in a single Ranji Trophy season.
The media couldn't ignore him anymore. "Teenage Sensation Advay Rai Breaks Ranji Record!" "Future Star? Karnataka's Young Phenom Smashes Run-Making Record!" Headlines flooded in
For the next six months, Advay continued his dominant form, proving himself as one of the best young batters in Indian domestic cricket. Match after match, he delivered big performances, anchoring Karnataka's batting lineup and showing his ability to adapt to different conditions.
His red-ball success in the Ranji Trophy seamlessly transitioned into white-ball cricket, and when the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy came around, he was unstoppable. Karnataka had a strong team, but it was Advay who stood out, consistently scoring runs under pressure.
Whether it was chasing down targets or setting up big totals, he played with confidence, timing, and precision. By the end of the tournament, not only had Karnataka lifted the trophy, but Advay had finished as the top run-scorer.
With his name now being mentioned in every cricketing circle, selectors could no longer overlook him. The 2018 U-19 World Cup was fast approaching, and there was no doubt that he was in contention for the squad.
After an intense and successful Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Advay finally returned home, craving some well-earned rest. Over the years, home had become a sanctuary for him, a place where he could momentarily escape from the pressures of cricket and just be with family.
As he stepped inside the grand Rai mansion, he was met with the familiar warmth of the place. Aditi, now 24, was seated in the living room, typing away on her laptop, while Arjun was sitting across from her, reading through a document.
Hearing footsteps, Aditi looked up and grinned.
"Look who finally remembered he has a home," she teased, closing her laptop.
Advay smirked. "I was out winning trophies, did you miss me?"
"Not really," she replied, standing up. "But congratulations, champ. Top run-scorer? Not bad."
Arjun chuckled, setting his papers aside. "Not bad at all. You've been making quite the name for yourself."
As Advay settled onto the couch, he noticed that Aditi carried a different aura now—more poised, more authoritative. It wasn't surprising, considering she was now the CEO of Rai Group, with Arjun assisting her.
"So, you're officially the boss now, huh?" Advay said, raising an eyebrow at Aditi.
She smirked. "Obviously. I always was; it just took the world a little longer to catch up."
"And dad?" Advay looked at Arjun.
"Happily retired… well, almost," Arjun smiled. "I still help out, but Aditi is running things now."
"She's doing a fantastic job," he added proudly, glancing at his daughter.
Aditi shrugged. "I learned from the best."
The three of them talked about everything—business, cricket, life—catching up after months of being apart. No matter how much had changed, one thing remained the same—family always came first.
For the next few days, Advay enjoyed the rare luxury of slowing down, adapting to family life after months of back-to-back cricket. There were no early morning training sessions, no strict diet plans, no meetings with coaches—just simple moments with his family, something he hadn't experienced in a long time.
He spent time chatting with Aditi about her work as CEO, amused at how seamlessly she had stepped into the role. Arjun often joined their conversations, offering insights but mostly letting Aditi take charge. Advay could see how proud his father was of her. At night, the three of them would sit in the living room, talking about everything from cricket to business to travel, laughing over childhood stories.
But even in the comfort of home, cricket was never far from Advay's mind. The U-19 World Cup was approaching, and he knew that the squad announcement was just around the corner.
Then came December 5, 2017.
That evening, the family gathered around the dining table for dinner, the television softly playing in the background. The Indian U-19 team selection was being broadcast live, and on-screen, Rahul Dravid, the head coach, sat at a long conference table, flanked by selectors.
He looked as calm and composed as ever, speaking in his usual measured tone.
"The U-19 World Cup is an important stepping stone for young cricketers," Dravid was saying. "It's a platform where we've seen future stars emerge, and our goal is to put forward a team that is not only talented but also mentally strong and disciplined."
Advay sat leaning back in his chair, his plate only half-finished. His eyes stayed fixed on the screen, watching every movement, every word spoken.
Aditi, sitting across from him, noticed his posture and smirked.
"Nervous?" she teased, picking up her glass of water.
Advay exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Not really."
Arjun, who had been quietly eating, glanced at him and chuckled knowingly.
"You don't sound very convincing, beta," he said, setting down his spoon.
Advay simply shrugged, not taking his eyes off the television.
This was the moment he had been waiting for—the moment he had worked relentlessly toward for the past two years. Would his name be on that list?