Captain Thomas Rew produced a composed, battling century as England booked their place in Friday’s Under-19 World Cup final with a 27-run semi-final victory over Australia.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, England found themselves in early trouble at 60 for 3, losing both openers along with Ben Mayes, the tournament’s top run-scorer, for 24. With the power firmly with Australia, the onus fell on Rew to rebuild.
The 18-year-old reacted with maturity beyond his years to produce a fluent 110 off 107 balls. His innings of 14 fours and a six anchored England’s recovery and helped them post a competitive 277 for 7 in their 50 overs.
AUS NG U19 World Cup Final: Highlights
Rew found vital support from Caleb Falconer, who played a patient knock of 40 off 53 deliveries as the pair stitched together a vital 135-run stand that turned the match in England’s favour.
The Somerset wicketkeeper-batter’s innings ended in the 43rd over when he was run out after a risky single, Steven Hogan dropped the stumps at the striker’s end. Farhan Ahmed, involved in the mix, made partial amends with a lively unbeaten 28 off 26 balls to provide the late impetus.
For Australia, Hayden Schiller was an outstanding bowler, returning figures of 2 for 31, including a superb delivery to clean up Mayes.
In reply, Australia looked well placed at 109 for 2 thanks to a dogged 47 off 83 balls from opener Nitesh Samuel. However, his left-handed save by Ralphie Albert proved to be the turning point.
Manny Lumsden struck twice in quick succession to remove Alex Lee-Young and Jayden Draper as Australia slipped, losing three wickets for 25 runs and relinquishing control of the chase.
Oliver Peake threatened to mount a late fightback with a defiant innings, reaching his half-century off 55 balls and later on he accelerated. The contest turned briefly when Peake smashed 22 runs from Lumsden and brought up his century off 85 balls after Charles Lachmund was bowled by Sebastian Morgan.
But with 28 required from 16 deliveries and just one wicket remaining, Peake cut a drive from James Mint to point where Mayes held on to spark jubilant celebrations in the England camp.
England, champions once in 1998 and runners-up in 2022, will now face either India or Afghanistan in Friday’s final.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 3, 2026
