Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
England Under-19 captain Thomas Rew, produced a commanding all-round leadership performance, scoring a brilliant 110 to steer his side to a 27-run victory over Australia at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday and booked a place in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final.
Rew’s Player of the Match innings anchored England to a competitive 277/7 from their 50 overs after electing to bat, setting up a thrilling semi-final that turned into a gripping duel between the two captains.
Australian Under-19 skipper Oliver Peake, rose to the challenge with a valiant century of his own while chasing the target, but despite his brave effort, Australia fell short as England held their nerve in the closing stages.
The match, played on a bright, sunny and hot day, was shaped by Rew’s crucial fourth-wicket partnership of 135 with Caleb Falconer, which laid the foundation for England’s imposing total. Rew led from the front, playing immaculate shots all around the wicket, punishing loose deliveries and putting the Australian bowlers under sustained pressure.
Rew came to the crease with England wobbling after losing opener Ben Dawkins for just one run in the second over, caught at first slip off William Byrom. England briefly regained momentum, but Joe Moores was trapped LBW by Aryan Sharma in the 12.2 over. A yorker from Hayden Schiller then removed Ben Mayes for 24 at the end of the 14th over, bringing Falconer to the crease.
The England captain immediately asserted his intent, pulling Nadeen Cooray for four at long on, as he and Falconer rebuilt the innings. Their partnership ended when Falconer was caught at cover by Peake for 40, with the score on 195/4 in the 36th over. Rew reached his century in the 38.4 over with a punch to long on, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd as he saluted his teammates, supporters and parents.
Rew was eventually run out attempting a quick single after excellent fielding by Stephen Hogan. He finished with 110 from 107 balls, striking 14 fours and one six at a strike rate of 102.8. Late contributions from Farhan Ahmed and Sebastian Morgan lifted England to 277.
For Australia, Hayden Schiller and Nadeen Cooray led the bowling with two wickets apiece, Schiller finishing with figures of 2 for 31, while Cooray returned 2 for 49. William Byrom dismissed Dawkins early, and Aryan Sharma trapped Moores LBW as England’s total kept the contest finely balanced.
In response, Australia began their chase requiring 5.56 runs per over. While wickets fell regularly, Peake stood firm, leading from the front and keeping his side in the hunt. He brought up his half-century with the score on 167/5 before launching a late assault, including a 22-run over off Manny Lumsden in the 46th, which electrified the atmosphere at Queens Sports Club.
Battling what appeared to be a hamstring problem, Peake carried the chase almost single-handedly as Australia were reduced to their last recognised batsman. He reached his century with the score on 250, leaving Australia needing 27 runs from the final two overs.
England skipper Rew made a decisive bowling change in the 48th over, bringing on James Minto and adjusting the field.
Minto delivered a wide yorker outside off stump, and Peake, attempting to carve it away, edged the ball straight to Sebastian Morgan at point, ending Australia’s hopes and sealing England’s 27-run victory.
England will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Afghanistan and India in Friday’s final. The two Asian sides meet on Wednesday at Harare Sports Club.
Fall of Wickets
England Under-19:
Ben Dawkins 3/1 (1.5), Joe Moores 57/2 (12.2), Ben Mayes 60/3 (14), Caleb Falconer 195/4 (36), Ralphie Albert 226/5 (40.3), Thomas Rew 236/6 (42.2), Sebastian Morgan 266/7 (48.3).
Total: 277/7
Australia Under-19:
Will Malajczuk 32/1 (5.4), Steven Hogan 47/2 (12.3), Nitesh Samuel 109/3 (24.3), Alex Lee Young 116/4 (27.3), Jayden Draper 134/5 (31.4), Aryan Sharma 180/6 (37.4), Hayden Schiller 207/7 (40.4), Charles Lachmund 246/9 (46.1), Oliver Peake 250 all out (47.3).
England won by 27 runs
Teams
England Under-19:
Ben Dawkins, Joe Moores, Ben Mayes, Thomas Rew (C/WK), Caleb Falconer, Ralphie Albert, Farhan Ahmed, Sebastian Morgan, James Minto, Manny Lumsden, Alex French (in for Alex Green).
Australia Under-19:
Will Malajczuk, Nitesh Samuel, Steven Hogan, Oliver Peake (C), Alex Lee Young (WK), Jayden Draper, Aryan Sharma, Hayden Schiller, Nadeen Cooray, William Byrom (in for Ben Gordon), Charles Lachmund.
