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The Unstoppable Bawa! When MI Youngster's Incredible 162 Shook Up The U-19 World Cup

Poulomi Chakraborty

Raj Bawa's Exceptional Knock (Source: @BCCI/x.com)Raj Bawa's Exceptional Knock (Source: @BCCI/x.com)

Indian cricket has always been a breeding ground for outstanding young talents. Chandigarh’s very own Raj Bawa is one such gem who has captured the spotlight with his exceptional skills and passion for the game.

Along with unreal brilliance at the domestic stage, Bawa grabbed the limelight in the Under-19 World Cup in 2022. His blistering innings against Uganda’s U-19 team not only powered India to a resounding win but also etched his name in fans' memories as a talent to celebrate.

Bawa’s Unbeaten Heroics Humble Uganda

After shattering the domestic stage with outstanding brilliance, Raj Bawa entered the India U-19 side and stunned the world with his heroics. In the under-19 World Cup, 2022, Bawa unleashed his beast mode while facing the Uganda Under-19 side.

While coming to bat at number 4, Raj Bawa joined Angkrish Raghuvanshi and stitched a match-winning partnership. While rescuing the side, he smashed an outstanding century and carried on the brilliance. Even after surpassing the 150-run milestone, he refused to slow down, ending unbeaten on a dazzling 162 off just 108 balls, laced with 14 fours and 8 sixes.

With his explosive 162, Bawa smashed several records in one go. He surpassed Shikhar Dhawan’s long-standing record for the highest individual score in the tournament by an Indian. In 2004, Dhawan scored 155 runs against Bangladesh. Not only that, Bawa’s innings ranks as the eighth-highest individual score ever in Under-19 World Cup history, cementing his place among the greats.

Team India’s Epic Demolition

Along with Bawa’s ruthless display, Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s brilliance made the way difficult for the opponent bowlers. While opening the innings, Raghuvanshi smashed an outstanding ton and played an explosive knock of 144 runs in 120 balls with 22 boundaries and 4 over-boundaries. Depending on the heroics, Team India put on a massive total of 405/5.

As Uganda's Under-19 side was already under pressure while chasing the massive total, the Indian bowlers made that more challenging. Nishant Sandhu’s unplayable deliveries shattered Uganda’s batting order as the bowler shone with an exceptional 4-wicket haul. Rajvardhan Hangargekar chipped in with 2 crucial scalps. By the 20th over, Uganda’s innings had crumbled for just 79 runs, handing Team India a colossal 326-run victory.