If Sachin Tendulkar wasn't born: ICC Cricket World Cup final 2011

Pakistan has set an impressive target of 290 for India thanks to an unbeaten century from Younis Khan. Kumble picked up three wickets in his last match and has set the tone for the remaining legends that are waiting to get it on the crease and India is going to begin their chase with a surprising decision to start off with Ganguly and Laxman.

Manmohan Singh is doing an incredible job in the commentary box much to the surprise of the fans and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who is the ambassador of Indian football has entered the stadium to see India’ innings. Some last generation heroes like Kapil Dev and Ravi Shastri is also in the stands along with Sunil Gavaskar. And news is that Salman Khan has just left the crowd following Shah Rukh’s arrival and has taken his fans along with him leaving many seats empty. The BCCI will be looking to fit in the speakers calling out “India” as fast as possible to keep the sound intact.

Laxman and Ganguly have led the team to 95 before the Rawalpindi express broke their partnership by dismissing Ganguly for 49 leaving Dravid in the crease with Laxman. But Laxman soon followed Ganguly for 55. Which meant Dravid and Uthappa was out there with the team needing 191 more runs from 30 overs. It’s the future and present of Indian cricket on crease with the Pakistan bowling looking to tear down the partnership. Dravid is producing some of the text book drives with Harsha Bhogle shouting out “Open the text book…turn to page no. 32″. Meanwhile, Uthappa is dancing in the pitch with his footwork and impressive shots.

The situation is getting tensed with every moment Dravid spends on the crease, it’s the last time he will be playing and the fans don’t want him to bow out on a low note. He has been a cult figure in the nation and is the only modern cricketer to be in the advertisements by endorsing energy drink Boost with Baichung Bhutia. There are also wide reports suggesting him getting into coaching or the board to keep the team afloat.

Back in the pitch, it’s the last over with India needing 11 runs to make a historic underdog story. Akhtar is marking his run up to scare Uthappa who is on 83 and Dravid on the non-strikers end on 96. The first ball turns out to be a bouncer almost killing Uthappa. Akhtar keeps the crowd silent with another dot ball with India needing 11 more from 4 balls. But Uthappa levels the playing field with a six in the third ball and keeping the Indian hopes alive. 5 from 3 balls now. Fourth ball is hit for a single and Dravid is going to face the ball much to the crowd’s roar. 4 needed from 2 balls, a four would do it. Akhtar notches up a deadly Yorker in the fifth and almost broke thousands of hearts but Dravid managed to save his wicket.

Only one ball left and India needs 4 runs to win and Dravid need 4 to score a century in his farewell match. It’s going to be the most important ball in the history of India and Pakistan. Dravid could retire as the man who saved Indian cricket or end up as a fallen star, its cricket at its best. He took his guard as fans closed their eyes and remained silent. Akhtar brushed his hair behind his ears and started his run…