England has secured its place in the final of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup after a thrilling 27-run win over Australia. This victory was largely thanks to an impressive century by Thomas Rew, who scored 110 runs off 107 balls and shared a valuable 135-run stand with Caleb Falconer.
Rew's innings featured 14 fours and one six as he played a composed game that saw England post a competitive total of 277-7 from their 50 overs. His knock came after England had been in peril at 60-3 following the dismissal of both openers, Ben Mayes, who was out for just 24 runs.
Rew's contribution was supported by Falconer, who chipped in with a patient 40 off 53 balls. However, Rew's innings also featured some risk-taking, as he was dismissed in the 43rd over after Farhan Ahmed called him through for a single and Steven Hogan threw down the stumps at the striker's end.
In Australia's second innings, Nitesh Samuel contributed a dogged 47 off 83 balls before being stumped by Rew. However, Australia continued to pose a threat, with Oliver Peake steadying the ship with a defiant half-century off 55 balls.
However, it was not enough to stem the tide of England's momentum, which had been built on Rew's century and Falconer's half-century, both of which were crucial in taking the game away from Australia.
With 28 needed off just 16 balls and just one wicket remaining, Peake sliced a drive off James Minto into the hands of Mayes at point, securing a 27-run win for England. Captain Rew has praised his team's performance, saying it was a great feeling to have won the game and also commended Peake on his incredible batting.
This victory is a significant milestone for England as they look to complete their U19 World Cup campaign with a win in the final against either India or Afghanistan next Friday.
Rew's innings featured 14 fours and one six as he played a composed game that saw England post a competitive total of 277-7 from their 50 overs. His knock came after England had been in peril at 60-3 following the dismissal of both openers, Ben Mayes, who was out for just 24 runs.
Rew's contribution was supported by Falconer, who chipped in with a patient 40 off 53 balls. However, Rew's innings also featured some risk-taking, as he was dismissed in the 43rd over after Farhan Ahmed called him through for a single and Steven Hogan threw down the stumps at the striker's end.
In Australia's second innings, Nitesh Samuel contributed a dogged 47 off 83 balls before being stumped by Rew. However, Australia continued to pose a threat, with Oliver Peake steadying the ship with a defiant half-century off 55 balls.
However, it was not enough to stem the tide of England's momentum, which had been built on Rew's century and Falconer's half-century, both of which were crucial in taking the game away from Australia.
With 28 needed off just 16 balls and just one wicket remaining, Peake sliced a drive off James Minto into the hands of Mayes at point, securing a 27-run win for England. Captain Rew has praised his team's performance, saying it was a great feeling to have won the game and also commended Peake on his incredible batting.
This victory is a significant milestone for England as they look to complete their U19 World Cup campaign with a win in the final against either India or Afghanistan next Friday.