England Defeat Australia to Secure U-19 World Cup Final Spot

"The semi-final performance highlights the depth and potential in the England U-19 squad."

England Under-19s defeated Australia Under-19s by 27 runs in the semi-final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 at Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. With this win, England reached the final.

After winning the toss, England chose to bat first. Captain Thomas Rew scored 110 runs off 107 balls and shared a 135-run partnership with Caleb Falconer, who added 40 runs. England finished at 277 for 7 in 50 overs, setting a strong target.

Australia tried to chase the total. Oliver Peake scored 100 runs off 88 balls, supported by Nitesh Samuel (47) and Aryan Sharma (34). However, other batters could not build big partnerships. Australia were all out for 250 in 47.3 overs, falling short by 27 runs.

England’s bowlers performed well. James Minto, Sebastian Morgan, Manny Lumsden, Ralphie Albert, Alex French, and Farhan Ahmed took key wickets to control the game.

Thomas Rew was named Player of the Match. England will face the winner of the India vs Afghanistan semi-final in the final on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Harare.

This victory gives England a chance to win the U-19 World Cup for the first time since 1998.