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.
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 by Seb Morgan off James Minto (2-30) for the final wicket to see Australia bowled out for 250 in the 48th over.
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).
More to follow…
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