A batsman hits a cricket ball which then rolls on a level ground. After covering a short distance, the ball comes to rest. The ball slows to a stop because (a) the batsman did not hit the ball hard enough. (b) velocity is proportional to the force exerted on the ball. (c) there is a force on the ball opposing the motion. (d) there is no unbalanced force on the ball, so the ball would want to come to rest.

Option (C) is the right answer.

The ball slows down and comes to rest due to opposing forces of air resistance and frictional force on the ball opposing its motion. Therefore the choice (c) there is a force on the ball opposing the motion is correct. The resistive force is a force, or the vector sum of numerous forces, whose direction is opposite to the motion of a body. Friction is a force that prevents, or tries to prevent, the slipping or sliding of two surfaces in contact.

When the ball rolls on the flat surface of the ground, its motion is opposed by the force of friction (the friction arises between the ground and the ball). This frictional force eventually stops the ball.