Quick Read
- Thomas Rew scored 110 runs, leading England to the U19 Cricket World Cup final.
- England defeated Australia by 27 runs in the semi-final held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
- Australian captain Ollie Peake also scored a century (100 runs) in a valiant but losing effort.
- England’s last U19 World Cup title was in 1998.
- They will face either India or Afghanistan in the final on Friday in Harare.
BULAWAYO (Azat TV) – Captain Thomas Rew’s commanding century has propelled England into the final of the U19 Cricket World Cup, securing a narrow 27-run victory over rivals Australia in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The win marks a significant milestone for the young English side, as they prepare to contest their first U19 World Cup final since 1998, with the championship match scheduled for Friday in Harare against either India or Afghanistan.
Rew’s Masterclass Anchors England’s Innings
The 18-year-old Somerset prodigy, who made his first-class debut for the England Lions this past winter, delivered a superb individual performance, scoring 110 runs to anchor England’s innings. Rew’s efforts were crucial in setting a competitive total of 277/7. His leadership and composure under pressure were evident as he guided his team through a challenging semi-final encounter.
Australia’s Valiant Chase Led by Peake
In response, Australia mounted a formidable chase, spearheaded by their captain, Ollie Peake. Peake mirrored Rew’s century, scoring a defiant 100 runs that kept Australia’s hopes alive until the very end. Despite being reduced to 207/8 at one point, Peake’s aggressive batting, including taking 22 runs off an over from Hampshire’s Manny Lumsden, brought Australia close to an improbable victory. However, England’s bowling attack ultimately held firm. Durham left-armer James Minto claimed Peake as the last wicket, finishing with figures of 2/30, while Sebastian Morgan also impressed with 2/33. Spinners Ralphie Albert and Farhan Ahmed contributed significantly to restricting the Australian lineup.
Road to the Final: England’s Challenge Ahead
Reflecting on the tense encounter, Thomas Rew expressed his relief and pride. “It’s a great feeling,” Rew stated, acknowledging the high-stakes nature of the game. “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.” He also credited his bowlers for their execution under pressure, saying, “I backed the bowlers. That’s what they’re trained for to nail those yorkers at the end and that’s what they did today.” England, coached by former all-rounder Michael Yardy, will now face a formidable challenge in the final. India, featuring IPL prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, are widely considered the favorites for the title, making England’s quest for their first U19 World Cup since 1998 all the more compelling.
Thomas Rew’s pivotal century not only secured England’s place in the U19 World Cup final but also underscored his emergence as a significant talent capable of performing on the international stage, providing England with a much-needed boost in youth cricket after a long hiatus from the championship match.