The ball hurtled toward Zaid like a bullet. 140 km/h. No room for error.
His mind went blank—no fear, no doubts. Just the ball.
React.
His hands moved on instinct, bat swinging into position. The impact sent a jolt up his arms as the ball met the sweet spot of the bat, deflecting toward cover.
A clean defensive stroke.
Ding!
[Challenge Progress: Faced 1/6 deliveries.]
Sameer raised an eyebrow. "Not bad."
He went back to his mark, this time pushing harder off his back foot. Another thunderbolt.
Short ball!
Zaid ducked just in time, the ball whistling past his helmet.
[Challenge Progress: 2/6 deliveries.]
Zoha watched from the sidelines, her hands clenched into fists. She had seen many promising players crumble under Sameer's speed. But Zaid? He was holding his ground.
Sameer charged in again. This time, a full-length delivery.
Zaid stepped forward, driving through the covers with perfect timing.
Crack! The sound echoed across the nets.
Players turned their heads. Even Sameer looked impressed.
[Challenge Progress: 3/6 deliveries.]
Zaid took a deep breath. Halfway there.
"Alright, let's see how you handle a yorker," Sameer muttered, eyes gleaming.
Zaid tightened his grip. Bring it on.
Sameer charged in, his steps pounding against the turf. His fingers flicked at the last moment—a deadly yorker.
Zaid barely had time to react. The ball homed in on his toes like a missile.
Instinct.
He lifted his bat at the perfect moment, jamming it down just before impact.
Thud!
The ball deflected off the bat and rolled away harmlessly.
Sameer let out a whistle. "Damn. Not many get that right."
Ding!
[Challenge Progress: 4/6 deliveries.]
Zaid didn't celebrate. Two more to go.
Sameer wasn't done testing him. His next ball was a brutal bouncer, aimed right at Zaid's head.
Zaid had seconds to decide—duck or take it on?
He swayed back at the last moment, watching the ball zoom past his helmet.
[Challenge Progress: 5/6 deliveries.]
Zoha exhaled, relief washing over her. One more. Just one.
Sameer grinned. "Final ball. Let's see if you can handle pressure."
Zaid readied himself, heart pounding.
The ball came screaming in—full, fast, aimed at off stump.
Zaid reacted instantly, stepping forward and meeting it with the middle of the bat.
Crack! The shot rocketed past Sameer, racing through the gap.
Zoha cheered. Others around the net clapped in appreciation.
Ding!
[Challenge Complete!]
[Reward: Batting Reflex +5, Shot Precision +3.]
Sameer walked up, offering a fist bump. "You've got something, kid. Keep working."
Zaid bumped his fist back, determination burning in his eyes. This was only the beginning.
Zaid wiped the sweat from his forehead, his breathing still heavy from the intense session. He had done it. He had faced Sameer's deadly deliveries and held his ground.
Zoha rushed toward him, her eyes shining with excitement. "Zaid! That was amazing!"
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "It was just practice."
She scoffed. "Practice or not, you just faced down one of the best pacers around. Do you even realize how big this is?"
Before he could reply, Coach Sharma stepped in. His usual stern expression was replaced with a rare nod of approval. "Good session. You've got raw talent, but talent alone won't cut it. Work on your consistency. You have potential, but you need discipline."
Zaid straightened up. "Yes, sir."
Sameer walked over, throwing an arm around Zaid's shoulders. "You're alright, man. Let's see if you can keep this up in real matches."
Zaid grinned. "I'll make sure of it."
Ding!
[New Quest Unlocked: Prove Yourself in a Practice Match!]
[Objective: Score 50+ Runs in an Upcoming Match]
[Reward: Batting Mastery +10, Hidden Reward]
His heart raced. This was his next step.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, he and Zoha walked toward the exit. She nudged him playfully. "So, how are we celebrating your victory?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Victory? It's just training."
She smirked. "For now."
They walked on, the city lights flickering to life around them.
The evening air was crisp as Zaid and Zoha strolled toward the main road. The glow of streetlights flickered over them, casting long shadows.
Zoha glanced at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know, you should be a little more excited."
Zaid smirked. "Why? I just survived Sameer's bowling, not won the World Cup."
She rolled her eyes. "Still, it's progress. And progress should be celebrated."
His stomach growled at that moment, and Zoha burst into laughter.
"Alright, Mr. Cricketer. Let's get something to eat. My treat."
Zaid hesitated. He wasn't used to someone treating him. But before he could argue, Zoha had already flagged down her driver.
A sleek black BMW pulled up, its polished surface gleaming under the streetlights. The chauffeur stepped out and held the door open.
Zaid glanced around, suddenly feeling the weight of his worn-out sneakers and faded hoodie. He swallowed his pride and got in.
The car smelled of leather and expensive cologne, a world apart from the rickety buses he was used to.
Zoha watched him closely, as if reading his thoughts. "Get used to it, Zaid. This won't be the last time."
They stopped at a high-end café, one of those places where the menu didn't bother listing prices.
Zaid hesitated at the entrance, but Zoha tugged his sleeve. "Come on. It's just food."
He sighed and followed her inside, feeling a little out of place.
A waiter approached, offering an exaggerated bow. "Good evening, Miss Zoha. Your usual table?"
Zaid raised an eyebrow. Her usual?
Zoha nodded. "And bring us two of your best chicken sandwiches. And coffee for him." She glanced at Zaid. "You do drink coffee, right?"
He nodded, still absorbing the surroundings. The chandeliers, the soft music, the silent efficiency of the staff—it was another world.
When the food arrived, Zoha leaned forward. "So… practice match in two days, right?"
Zaid nodded, taking a bite of his sandwich. Crispy. Juicy. Nothing like the roadside snacks he was used to.
"You nervous?" she asked.
He exhaled. "Not nervous. Just… focused."
Zoha smiled. "Good. Then let's make a deal."
Zaid looked up. "What kind of deal?"
She grinned. "If you score fifty runs in this match, I'll get you something special."
He narrowed his eyes. "What kind of 'special'?"
She sipped her coffee, smirking. "That's for me to know and you to find out."
Zaid chuckled. "Fine. Challenge accepted."