**Day 14 – National Pool League: Match 4**
Two teams walk into the Iron Dome — both desperate for a win.
**Phoenix**, led by the explosive *Yuvraj Rathore*, is looking to bounce back after a shaky start.
**Vanguard**, under the sharp, quiet leadership of *Rehan Malik*, has one win and one loss.
But today, it's not just about skill.
It's about *leadership under pressure*.
---
### 🔥 Opening Vibes
Media headlines flash:
> "Rathore's Redemption?"
> "Rehan's Calm Killing Machine?"
> "Phoenix vs Vanguard – Clash of Temperaments"
Inside the dressing room:
**Dev Mehta (to Yuvraj):**
> "You've been over-hitting. Play your game, not the headlines."
**Yuvraj:**
> "They want fireworks. I'll give 'em a damn Diwali."
Meanwhile, in Vanguard's room:
**Rehan (to team):**
> "Don't play the man. Play the moments."
---
### 🪙 Toss
Phoenix wins the toss.
Yuvraj chooses to bat.
> "Pressure first. Let's see if they can chase under lights."
---
### 💥 Phoenix Innings
Rajveer and Dev walk in.
Rehan opens with Zeeshan Waris — a smart spinner in the Powerplay.
**1st Over – Tidy. 4 runs.**
**2nd Over – Krunal Joshi bowls**
Dev smashes a SIX, but falls next ball — caught behind.
**3rd to 5th Overs – Rajveer anchors, Yuvraj builds**
Yuvraj plays controlled aggression. No fancy shots. Just clean cricket.
**7th Over – Rakesh Kalia bowls**
Yuvraj reverse sweeps, paddle scoops — gets into the zone.
**8th Over – Phoenix 68/2**
Yuvraj on 33*
Commentator:
> "This is a new side of Rathore. Calculated carnage."
Final over – 11 runs.
**Phoenix: 89/3 (10 overs)**
---
### 🧠 Vanguard Chase
Rehan and Rakesh open.
Yuvraj brings Arman Ahuja early – high pace, raw energy.
**2nd Over – Arman bowls**
Rakesh hits a six. Next ball – bowled. Cleaned up!
**3rd Over – Rehan steady**
Drives, rotates strike. He's reading the field perfectly.
**5th Over – Vanguard 38/2**
Zeeshan joins Rehan.
Yuvraj senses pressure – brings himself on to bowl.
First ball – dot. Second ball – Rehan steps out – SIX over long off!
Yuvraj's calm cracks slightly.
**8th Over – 72/2**
18 needed in 2 overs.
Yuvraj gives the 9th to Dev. A gamble.
**Dev concedes 13 runs.**
Final over – 5 needed.
**Rehan finishes it with a calm boundary through covers.**
**Vanguard wins by 7 wickets.**
---
### 🎙️ Post-Match Reflections
Yuvraj walks off, helmet in hand, silent.
Media swarm him — he says nothing.
Back in the dugout:
**Dev (to Yuvraj):**
> "Captaincy isn't about swinging big. It's about trusting others."
**Yuvraj (softly):**
> "I still don't know how."
---
### 📊 Player of the Match: Rehan Malik – 36*(22) + Captaincy Impact: 8.7
In the analyst room:
> "Rehan's behavior index: Stable. Leadership rating: Top 2."
---
### 🌘 Final Scene – Dorm Night
Yuvraj sits alone, watching replays.
Rehan walks past, pauses, then nods.
Yuvraj nods back — the first sign of mutual respect.
> "A real captain isn't loud.
> He's *heard*, even when silent."
---
🔥 **Next: Chapter 32 – The Semifinal Lineup Is Set**