England are through to the Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final after holding on to claim a 27-run victory over defending champions Australia in Harare.
Thomas Rew fired a stunning century, top-scoring with 110 from 107 deliveries, to help England fight back after being reduced to 60-3 – sharing in a 135-run fourth-wicket stand with Caleb Falconer (40).
Farhan Ahmed added an unbeaten 28 late in the innings to lift England to 277-7 from their 50 overs, with Hayden Schiller (2-31) and Naden Cooray (2-49) the pick of the Australian bowlers.
England are through to the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final for the first time since 2022
Two wickets from Manny Lumsden (2-55) reduced Australia to 134-5 in reply, before captain Olly Peake (100) produced an 85-ball century to push his side towards their victory target in a tight finish.
But, with 28 needed from the final 16 deliveries, Peake was caught at point by Seb Morgan off James Minto (2-30) for the final wicket to see Australia bowled out for 250 in the 48th over.
It is only the third time England have reached the Men’s U19 World Cup final and first since their runner-up finish to India in 2022, with England now looking to lift the trophy for the first time since 1998.
“It [winning] is a great feeling, said Rew, who was named player of the match after an innings containing 14 fours and a six.
Thomas Rew top-scored for England to help them reach the U19 World Cup final
“Just spoke to the boys and said ‘enjoy this’. That was a great game of cricket and one that reflects the tournament so far. The way that Ollie (Peake) batted there was incredible, but to get over the line feels special.
“I definitely wasn’t too calm at the end – I was nervous. I backed the bowlers. That’s what they’re trained for, to nail those yorkers at the end and that’s what they did.”
What’s next?
The other semi-final takes place on Wednesday, with 2024 finalists India facing Afghanistan in Harare – watch live on Sky Sports Cricket from 7am (first ball 7.30am). The final is then held on Friday, also live on Sky Sports Cricket from 7am (7.30am start).
Watch every match of the Men’s T20 World Cup live from February 7 to March 8 on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free with NOW.
