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The girls waited for their names to be called out. When neither of the

captains called out their names, Sandhya asked, ‘‘What about us?’’

‘‘Well... girls can’t play cricket,’’ said Shwetank. ‘‘You can watch us play,’’ he
added kindly.

‘‘Yes. You can cheer your

favourite team,’’ said Romil.

The girls got so angry that
they turned and walked back

home unhappy. ‘‘It’s unfair.

We’re friends. We should
be playing together!’’ cried

Sandhya.

‘‘We should teach them a
lesson!’’ said Pratha.

Sandhya’s mother heard the girls

talking. ‘‘What’s the matter, girls? You look upset,’’ she said.
The girls explained what had happened to them.

‘‘I know what you can do,’’ said Sandhya mother. ‘‘Make your own cricket

team and challenge the boys to a match.’’
‘‘But we don’t have a cricket set,’’ said Sandhya.

‘‘And we don’t know how to play cricket,’’ said Pratha.

‘‘Don’t worry about that,’’ said Sandhya’s mother. ‘‘I can teach you. I was

the captain of the girls’ cricket team at school. How would you like a cricket
set for your birthday next week, Sandhya?’’

‘‘Oh, Mummy! You’re great!’’ cried Sandhya as she kissed her.

For the next two weeks, Sandhya and Pratha and Surbhi practised batting,

bowling and fielding. Sandhya’s mother taught them all the techniques and
rules. Pratha’s mother also joined them. Soon they became quite good at

the game. Sandhya was especially good at bowling.

‘‘Let’s go to the playground and show the boys,’’ said Sandhya. The girls

cheer your favourite team — clap and shout to encourage your team

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