Young Lions triumph over Aussies in high-scoring semi-final match
It was a battle of captains in Bulawayo, but England’s Thomas Rew emerged victorious over Australia’s Oliver Peake, guiding his team to the Under-19 World Cup final. In a high-voltage semi-final clash on Tuesday, England defeated their arch-rivals Australia by 27 runs, thanks to a sublime century by Rew.
Opting to bat first, England found themselves in a spot of bother at 57 for 2 shortly after the powerplay. However, skipper Thomas Rew took charge of the situation. Anchoring the innings with maturity beyond his years, Rew constructed a magnificent knock of 110 runs. His innings was studded with 14 boundaries and a six.
Rew found an able partner in Caleb Falconer, who contributed a valuable 40 off 53 balls. The duo stitched together a crucial 135-run partnership for the fourth wicket, lifting England to a formidable total of 277 for 7. Rew continued his assault until the 43rd over before a direct hit ended his stay, but by then, the damage had been done.
Chasing a target of 278, Australia’s response started cautiously. Nitesh Samuel batted slowly for his 47, trying to build a foundation. While Samuel and captain Oliver Peake added 62 runs, wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals, leaving the Aussies struggling at 207 for 8 in the 43rd over.
Just when the match seemed over, Peake launched a stunning counter-attack. In the 46th over, he smashed Manny Lumsden for 22 runs, including four consecutive boundaries and a six, briefly reviving Australian hopes. Peake went on to score a fighting century, matching his English counterpart.
However, the lack of support from the lower order proved fatal for Australia. Charles Lachmund fell in the very next over, and Peake was eventually the last man dismissed, caught at point in the 47th over. Australia was bowled out for 250, falling short by 27 runs.
In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, England players rushed to shake hands with Peake before celebrating their qualification for the Under-19 World Cup final.
Image Source: ICC/Getty Images
