Rew’s century levels U-19 ODI series

Northampton

England U-19 edged past India U-19 by one wicket in a last-over thriller to level the five-match Youth ODI series 1-1 at the County Ground on Monday. Chasing 291, the hosts reached the target with three balls and one wicket to spare, thanks to a stellar 131-run knock from skipper Thomas Rew.

After electing to bat first, India rode on strong contributions from Vaibhav Suryavanshi (45), Vihaan Malhotra (49), Rahul Kumar (47), and Kanishk Chouhan (45) to post 290 in 49 overs. Despite a promising start, the Indian lower order faltered. England conceded 32 extras, including 26 wides. AM French led the English bowling with 4 for 71, while Jack Home and Alex Green chipped in with three wickets each. In response, England stumbled early, slipping to 47 for 3 by the 12th over, with Indian pacer RS Ambrish (4/80) striking key blows. Rew then anchored the innings, stitching a vital 123-run stand with Rocky Flintoff (39) to rebuild the chase.

With wickets tumbling late, England needed seven runs from the final over with only one wicket in hand. Sebastian Morgan (20*) and Alex French (3*) held their nerves, with Morgan striking a boundary off the third ball to seal victory. Yudhajit Guha bowled the tense final over for India. Despite the loss, Suryavanshi continued his good form, backing up his 48-run effort in the first ODI which India won comfortably. The closely contested second match sets up an exciting remainder of the youth series.