Image: India's Hardik Raj impressed with his superb performance in the Asia Cup / © Fancode
The U19 Asia Cup has been going well for the Indian U19 team as they made a strong recovery after an opening loss to Pakistan. They bounced back with a comprehensive victory over Japan and are now in a commanding position against UAE in their final group-stage match. India’s bowlers have been key to their success, regularly taking wickets and maintaining pressure.
One standout performer has been Hardik Raj, who bowled a brilliant spell of 10 overs, conceding just 28 runs while claiming two important wickets. His first wicket was that of Ethan D’Souza, a set batter who was looking to build a partnership.
Watch the Video Here:
Raj’s second wicket came in the form of UAE captain Aayan Khan, with a delivery that caught the outside edge of the bat, leading to a sharp catch by wicketkeeper Harvansh Singh. This spell has drawn comparisons to Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling style, particularly the skillful left-arm spinner’s ability to generate turn and bounce.
Alongside Raj, other bowlers like Yudhajit Guha, Chetan Sharma, and Karthikeya have impressed, contributing to India’s dominant performance. With a win over UAE, India will be well-placed to secure a semi-final berth. Pakistan, with three wins, has already qualified, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are in contention from Group B.