Solihull | June 30, 2025: In a pulsating contest that swung back and forth till the final over, England U19 defeated India U19 by one wicket in the second Youth ODI of the ongoing series on Monday. Chasing a stiff target of 291, the English colts held their nerve to finish at 291/9 in 49.3 overs, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in a heart-stopping finish.
Thomas Rew’s Captain Knock Sets the Tone
England’s successful chase was powered by a captain’s innings from Thomas Rew, who smashed a brilliant 131 off just 89 balls, laced with 16 fours and 1 six. Walking in at 47/3, Rew absorbed the pressure and stitched crucial partnerships—most notably a 123-run stand with Rocky Flintoff (39 off 68) to steady the innings.
The young skipper took the attack to the Indian bowlers, rotating strike with ease while punishing anything short or wide. His fearless yet mature knock laid the foundation, though the drama was far from over.
Late Collapse Sets Up Nervy Finish
Just when England looked set for a comfortable chase at 230/4, India clawed back into the game with a flurry of wickets. Rew’s dismissal in the 40th over sparked a mini-collapse. RS Ambrish and Henil Patel led the fightback, reducing England from 230/4 to 279/9.
Needing 12 runs with just one wicket in hand, AM French (3)* and Sebastian Morgan (20)* held their composure under immense pressure, inching the hosts past the finish line with three balls to spare.
India’s Bowling Effort: Spirited but Just Short
India’s bowlers displayed heart and discipline, especially in the death overs. RS Ambrish stood out with 4 wickets for 80 runs, including the key scalp of Rew, while Henil Patel claimed 2 for 28 in his tight spell. Yudhajit Guha also chipped in with 2 wickets, dismissing openers early to give India an edge.
Despite the spirited comeback, they lacked the final blow to seal the game.
India U19: Strong Batting Display, But Few Missed Opportunities
Earlier in the day, after being put in to bat by England, India U19 posted a competitive 290 all out in 49 overs. It was a collective effort with the bat, led by:
- Vihaan Malhotra – 49 off 68
- Rahul Kumar – 47 off 47
- Henil Patel – 78 off 89
- Mohamed Enaan – 66 off 66
The Indian batters laid solid foundations but couldn’t convert starts into big hundreds, with no player reaching the 50-run mark except Patel and Enaan. The final flourish was powered by the lower order, as India added 41 runs for the last two wickets.
For England, Jack Home (3/63) and AM French (4/74) were the pick of the bowlers, striking crucial blows at regular intervals.
Match Turning Points:
- Rew’s explosive knock tilted the momentum heavily in England’s favor.
- India’s fightback in the final overs made it a last-over thriller.
- AM French and Sebastian Morgan’s composed partnership at the end proved to be the game-changer.
Score Summary:
India U19 – 290 all out (49 Overs)
- Henil Patel – 78 (89)
- Mohamed Enaan – 66 (66)
- Jack Home – 3/63
- AM French – 4/74
England U19 – 291/9 (49.3 Overs)
- Thomas Rew – 131 (89)
- Rocky Flintoff – 39 (68)
- RS Ambrish – 4/80
- Henil Patel – 2/28
Result: England U19 won by 1 wicket
With the series now in England’s pocket, the spotlight shifts to the final ODI where India will play for pride and momentum. The visitors have shown flashes of brilliance but will need to tighten their execution—particularly in death bowling and middle-order batting.
England, on the other hand, will look to complete a clean sweep while continuing to test their bench strength.
