Australian Under 19s star Ollie Peake has taken an epic catch in his side’s World Cup semi-final against England, with his England counterpart firing on all cylinders to give the reigning champions a tricky chase.
The Poms won the toss and elected to bat in sunny Bulawayo, in what was a slight surprise given Australia’s insistence on bowling first this tournament.
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17-year-old pace ace Will Byrom (1/43 off seven overs) made early inroads for Australia after being rested in their last Super Sixes match, dismissing opener Ben Dawkins in just the second over of the match. As he has done all tournament, the right-armer held a consistent line on a hard length around a fourth and fifth-stump line.
He and fellow new-ball bowler Charlie Lachmund (0/41 off seven), failed to make a second breakthrough after that though, prompting Peake to turn to the left-arm orthodox of Aryan Sharma well inside the primary powerplay.
After being swept early by the English top order, Sharma and South Australian Hayden Schiller took two quick wickets to leave England stalling at 3/60 after 14 overs.
Enter England’s most promising prodigy, Thomas Rew.
The Poms’ skipper manipulated Australia’s bowling to all parts of Queens Sports Club and was particularly smart when executing more aggressive stroke play on the leg side of the wicket.
Rew brought up three figures in 97 balls before finishing on 110, with 14 fours and a six to his name.
It took something special to dismiss the 18-year-old wicketkeeper, with a direct-hit run out from Australian No.3 Steve Hogan, sprinting in from point, ending his innings after 107 balls faced.
Rew was aptly supported by Caleb Falconer (40 off 53 balls) before another special act in the field, via a Peake blinder at cover, ended his stay.
Aussie wicketkeeper Alex Lee-Young was also crucial behind the stumps, with a sharp stumping off Cooray’s bowling to remove all-rounder Ralphie Albert for 15 (13).
After two stunning performances so far in the tournament, Naden Coorey was once again the pick of the Australian bowlers, finishing with figures of 2/49 from his 10 overs. Schiller (2/31 off eight) was the side’s other bowler to take multiple wicketsl, continuing his good form.
After 50 overs, England finished on 7/277, ensuring their rivals will have to bat well to book another place in the Youth World Cup Final.
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