Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE sun eventually came out at Takashinga Sports Club yesterday, the brass band kept playing, and the home crowd tried to will Zimbabwe’s Under-19s over the line, but England walked through the noise and handed the Young Chevrons a painful ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup lesson.
Zimbabwe were beaten by eight wickets after England chased down 208/9 in 28 overs, turning what felt like a big home occasion into a reminder that World Cup cricket doesn’t care about comfort, support, or good intentions.
The hosts’ opening Group C match against Scotland was washed out the day before without a ball bowled because of persistent rain and a wet outfield, and that one point now feels like a small lifeline rather than a bonus.
England sit top of Group C on four points, with Zimbabwe and Scotland on one each, while Pakistan face Scotland today at the same venue, a match that could quickly tighten the pressure on the Young Chevrons’ next outing.
Somerset wicketkeeper batter Thomas Rew was the difference. England’s Under 19 captain played with authority and control, smashing 86 off 66 balls to earn Player of the Match and steer his side home with wickets and time to spare.
Rew wasn’t alone. Ben Mayes stayed unbeaten on 77 from 72 balls, and the pair stitched together a brutal third wicket stand of 167 from 128 deliveries that sucked the life out of Zimbabwe’s defence and turned the chase into a procession.
Zimbabwe thought they had found an opening when Shelton Mazvitorera struck early, removing Ben Dawkins (11) and Joe Moores (19) to leave England on 42/2 inside the powerplay, but it was the last real moment of danger for the visitors.
From there, England shut the door. They picked their options, punished the short ball, and targeted the cow corner boundary with a confidence that made Zimbabwe’s bowlers look like they were defending instead of attacking.
Zimbabwe captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere, who top scored with an unbeaten 45, admitted the defeat stung, but insisted the team still has enough in it to recover if they clean up their decision making and stop rushing their innings.
“We need to give ourselves a bit of time, avoid rushing, and stay at the crease. The moment you stay at the wicket, you win,” said Mudzengerere.
“The England batters attacked the cow corner region effectively and picked their shots well. We are close to doing well and we only need slightly better execution to turn things around.”
