2nd T20I – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester | July 8, 2018
🎯 Prologue: Rain Washed, Crowd Reborn
Manchester's sky was dull when the teams arrived — the stadium half-full, rain threatening. But as the sun broke through by toss, it signaled change.
Inside, Ishaan sat alone in the dressing room, bat taped, mind clear. The ghosts of Lord's still lingered, but he breathed deeper this time.
In the locker, he kept Emma's note: "Even silence has power." It felt warm in his pocket.
🙌 Scene 1: Toss and Opportunities
Captain Rohit Sharma returned from the coin toss, a rare smile lighting the room.
"They want to chase," he announced.
"Ishaan, you're up after Rohit. Go shape the chase."
Kohli clasped his shoulder:
"This is yours. Own it."
Ishaan nodded — mind calm, bat hungry.
A small step. A big moment.
🔢 Scene 2: The Chase Begins
England posted 168/6 under a broken sky, Manchester's lights flickering.
Rohit and Dhawan started cautiously.
1.3 overs: Dhawan fell lbw to Stokes.
2.1 overs: Rohit edged Anderson — another wicket.
Ishaan strapped up.
India: 26/2
A hush, then murmurs.
A moment's weight: Time starts now.
🧱 Scene 3: Stability With Subtext
2.2 – Rashid to Ishaan: Left-arm spinner, tossed up. Ishaan defends solidly — soft hands, dead bat.
2.3: Same bowler, flighted. Ishaan knew the trick — nudged to mid-wicket. One run.
Commentary (Shastri):
"You can feel him settling in — shoveling space, not swinging wild."
🎵 Scene 4: Rhythm in the Rain
Manchester drizzle resumed.
Spectators rushed for covers.
Ishaan and Kohli shared a silent nod — no distractions.
He rotated strike, nudging & pushing.
He didn't raise his bat yet. He wasn't hunting the moment.
🔁 Scene 5: The Spark
7.4 – Livingstone to Ishaan: Back-of-length.
Shot: Inside-out through cover — four.
8.2 – Rashid to Ishaan: Flighted.
Shot: Lofted shot over mid-on — SIX.
He looked for a moment to the dugout — Kohli's smile lit briefly.
🎯 Scene 6: The Fight Within
10.1 overs: India 78/3. Ishaan 39*(29)
He squared shoulders.
Years of expectation and failure pooled into one calm hour.
He whispered to himself: "This time, you finish."
👑 Scene 7: The Cat Turns
11.3 – Curran to Ishaan: short and wide.
Shot: Smashed through point — FOUR!
12.2 – Curran to Ishaan: Fuller.
Shot: Deep mid-wicket = SIX.
Scoreboard: Ishaan 51*(32)
He raised his bat — first genuine celebration on tour.
Commentary (Ian Bishop):
"There it is — a statement under pressure!"
🧳 Scene 8: England's Final Push
England threatened late.
But Bhuvi and Jadeja cleaned the tail.
India won by 6 wickets.
🍽️ Scene 9: Charity Dinner — First Encounter
That night at the ICC gala — a fundraiser for clean water.
Champions in formal wear. Genomes of cricket talking to dignitaries.
Ishaan stood near the appetizers tech table — clutching a drink.
Emma Watson appeared under soft lights at the podium, her cameo as guest speaker for UN Clean Water Project.
Her voice was steady, warm — passionate & calm.
After applause, she walked off. They nearly collided.
👁️ Scene 10: First Words
They paused.
He stared, recognizing the accent he'd heard in the note.
Emma (soft smile): "Nice innings today."
Ishaan (quiet): "Thank you."
Emma: "You bat like you're fighting ghosts."
He blinked — the same phrase he said to himself.
Ishaan: "Maybe I am."
She gave a little nod.
Emma: "Do you want to talk about it?"
He smiled blankly.
Ishaan: "Maybe later."
Emma: "I'll be around."
She moved on, leaving him with a tremor in his chest.
🧭 Scene 11: Inner Reflection — Quiet After the Dinner
He returned to his room — slept late. Written notes in the same journal:
"Fought ghosts, found courage. She heard it."
He stared at the ceiling — no romance. Just connection.