Harjas Singh, a prominent figure from Australia`s Under-19 World Cup-winning squad, delivered an extraordinary batting performance in Sydney grade cricket on Saturday. The left-handed batter, who currently doesn`t hold a state contract, blazed an astounding 314 runs off just 141 balls, including a staggering 35 sixes, playing for Western Suburbs.
This phenomenal display by Singh, who famously top-scored with 55 in the U-19 World Cup final against India, took place against Sydney Cricket Club at Pratten Park. Remarkably, the next highest score in his team`s innings was just 37, highlighting the sheer dominance of his contribution.
Initially, there was some confusion with the online scoring due to the rapid pace of his innings. However, his final score was confirmed, securing him the third spot on the all-time list in New South Wales Premier first grade history. He now stands behind only cricket legends Victor Trumper, who scored 335 in 1903, and Phil Jaques, with 321 in 2007.
Furthermore, Singh`s innings now holds the distinction of being comfortably the highest limited-overs score in first grade premier cricket across all of Australia, a testament to its exceptional nature.
Spectators had the chance to follow the match via a single-camera YouTube stream, and the moment Singh brought up his triple century with a magnificent six off left-arm spinner Tom Mullen was met with a resounding roar of delight.
“Definitely that`s the cleanest ball-striking I`ve ever witnessed from myself, for sure,” Singh told Fox Cricket after the match. “It`s something I`m quite proud of because I`ve worked in the off-season quite a bit on my power-hitting, and for it to come off today was quite special.”
Singh reached his initial century from 74 balls in the 35th over, before accelerating dramatically to score an additional 214 runs from his next 67 deliveries, showcasing an incredible surge of power-hitting.
Despite making a century in a Test match against England U-19s in Northampton in 2023, and many of his U-19 teammates progressing to state cricket (including captain Hugh Weibgen, who made his first-class debut for Queensland on the same day), Singh was overlooked for a NSW rookie contract.
Reflecting on his journey, Singh shared, “I`ve missed out the last season or two, worrying about stuff outside my own game. But I feel like I`ve brought myself to just worrying about what`s going on with my own game.” His record-breaking performance serves as a powerful statement to his renewed focus and dedication.
