Zaid Khan : A billion Dreams

The boys still hadn't moved.

Zaid could feel their stares drilling into him—like they couldn't believe what they had just seen.

The bowler, his confidence shattered, took a step back. His hands clenched into fists. "You… you got lucky twice."

Zaid didn't reply.

What was the point? He knew the truth.

This wasn't luck. It was skill.

And now, he had the system to push him even further.

A different boy stepped forward—a lean guy with sharp eyes. He wasn't as tall as the first bowler, but there was something about him that felt… dangerous.

"You're good," the boy said. "Too good."

Zaid watched him carefully.

"Who are you?" Zaid asked.

The boy smirked. "Shahbaz. The real king of this ground."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Shahbaz.

Even without his past life memories, Zaid could tell—this was the strongest player here.

And now, he was interested.

Shahbaz picked up the ball, tossing it in the air. "Let's see if you're the real deal."

A new challenge.

Zaid's pulse quickened.

This… was going to be fun.

Shahbaz twirled the ball between his fingers, his eyes locked onto Zaid.

"I'll give you three balls," he said. "Hit all three for a six, and I'll admit you're better than me."

Zaid smirked. "And if I don't?"

Shahbaz grinned. "Then you leave this field and never come back."

The other boys gasped.

This wasn't just a friendly challenge anymore. It was a declaration of war.

Zaid didn't hesitate. He stepped forward, gripping the bat firmly. "Fine. Bowl."

Shahbaz's grin widened. He charged in.

Zaid's mind sharpened. The system was awake.

[ Talent Scan Activated. ]

[ Analyzing Bowler… ]

A faint text flashed before his eyes—

———————————————

Shahbaz – Street Cricket Veteran

Bowling Speed: Fast

Specialty: Swing Bowling

———————————————

Zaid's heart pounded.

Swing bowling? In a gully match?

Shahbaz released the ball.

Zaid watched, his vision locking onto the ball's trajectory.

It swerved mid-air—an outswinger!

But Zaid was ready.

He stepped forward, timed the ball perfectly—

CRACK!

The ball flew over the rooftops.

SIX!

The crowd erupted.

Shahbaz's smirk faded.

Zaid smiled,

Two more to go now.

The cheers still echoed through the narrow streets, but Shahbaz's face had darkened. He wasn't smiling anymore.

He picked up the ball, rolling it in his fingers. "Not bad," he muttered. "Let's see you do it again."

Zaid's grip on the bat tightened.

[ System Activated. ]

[ Talent Scan in Progress… ]

———————————————

Shahbaz – Adjusting Strategy

Next Ball: Inswing Yorker

———————————————

Zaid's eyes narrowed.

He's smart.

Shahbaz wasn't just some cocky street player—he had skill. He was testing Zaid, figuring out his weaknesses.

But Zaid had no intention of losing.

Shahbaz sprinted in.

This time, the ball curled inward, fast and low—aiming straight for Zaid's toes.

A deadly yorker.

Difficult to hit for a six… for a normal player.

But Zaid wasn't normal anymore.

His instincts kicked in.

His front foot moved back, his bat coming down at the perfect angle—

THWACK!

The ball rocketed off the bat.

It wasn't high, but it was fast.

It slammed into the far wall with a loud BANG! before bouncing over.

"THAT COUNTS!" someone shouted.

Another six.

The crowd exploded.

Zaid exhaled slowly, meeting Shahbaz's gaze.

One more.

Shahbaz's fingers twitched around the ball.

For the first time… he looked unsure.

The tension was suffocating.

Two sixes down. One more to win.

Shahbaz took a deep breath. The arrogance in his eyes was gone. Now, there was only sharp focus—determination.

Zaid stood firm, gripping his bat. His heartbeat was steady, his mind calm.

[ System Active. ]

[ Scanning Bowler… ]

———————————————

Shahbaz – Desperation Mode

Next Ball: Bouncer (110 km/h)

———————————————

Zaid's lips curled into a smirk.

A bouncer?

Shahbaz had given up on swing and was going for intimidation instead. A brute-force tactic.

Too bad it won't work.

Shahbaz charged in.

The ball shot up toward Zaid's head—fast, aggressive.

But the world slowed.

Zaid's body moved on instinct.

He leaned back, letting the ball pass inches from his face.

And then—

With a swift flick of his wrists—

THWACK!

The ball took flight, soaring high into the sky.

Time seemed to stop.

Every pair of eyes followed the ball's trajectory as it cleared the rooftops.

And then—

DISAPPEARED.

Silence.

Then—

"OUT OF THE GROUND!" someone screamed.

"HE DID IT!"

The crowd erupted in chaos. Boys jumped, clapped, and shouted. Even those who had doubted him stood there, stunned.

Zaid had won.

Shahbaz stood frozen, his eyes blank. The ball was gone.

He had lost.

Zaid rested his bat on his shoulder, walking toward him. "Still think it was luck?" he asked, his voice calm.

Shahbaz looked at him, then let out a shaky breath.

And then—

He smiled.

"I take it back," he said, shaking his head. "You're the real deal."

Zaid felt something shift.

For the first time, he wasn't just some poor kid with a dream.

He had respect.

And this… was only the beginning.