New Delhi: England produced an inspired performance to stun defending champions and eternal rivals Australia in the first semifinal of the 2026 U-19 World Cup at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The match, which garnered extra attention due to the fierce rivalry between the two cricketing giants, lived up to its reputation as fans enjoyed an exhilarating day of high-quality cricket.
Opting to bat first in sunny conditions, England put on a decent total of 277 for 7 after overcoming a shaky start and then defended the total with all six bowlers chipping in the wickets column to bowl Australia out for 250 in 47.3 overs to enter the final.
Oliver Peake, almost immobile due to cramps, threatened to spoil England’s party with an outstanding century but ran out of partners and steam. He was the last wicket to fall after scoring 100 off 88 balls.
Earlier, Thomas Rew scored a magnificent century to first rescue England and then took them to a strong position with a 110-run knock in 107 balls.
A captain’s knock from Thomas Rew pipped opposite number Oliver Peake’s sensational effort to guide England into the #U19WorldCup final 👊
He’s the @aramco POTM for his effort 🎉 pic.twitter.com/IjQyWNql0v
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) February 3, 2026
In the summit clash, England will face the winner of the second semifinal between India and Afghanistan, which is scheduled for February 04.
(More to follow)