Lumsden At The Helm As Young Lions Roar Past Australia To U-19 World Cup Final

England Under-19s booked their place in the final of the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup with a hard-fought 27-run victory over Australia.

Opting to bat having won the toss, the Young Lions soon found themselves in a predicament when Hampshire’s Ben Mayes was undone by a perfect yorker delivery from Hayden Schiller. The tournament’s leading run scorer was given his marching orders with 24 from 33 balls, giving Australia the upper hand early on with the Young Lions on the ropes momentarily at 60 for 3.

England captain Thomas Rew spearheaded the Young Lions fightback with an impressive 110 runs, including 14 fours and one six. Rew’s batting partner Caleb Falconer supported his skipper with a composed 40 from 53 balls to stitch together a crucial 135-run partnership which saw England seal their place in their first Under-19 World Cup final since 2022.

Australia’s reply was led by skipper Oliver Peake, who counter-attacked aggressively to keep the contest alive. However, England struck at key moments. Manny Lumsden dictated terms for much of his eight-over spell, with his cross-seam deliveries proving too difficult for Australia. His introduction in the 28th over forced a breakthrough courtesy of a stunning catch from Joseph Moores in the deep removing Alex Lee-Young, before removing Jayden Draper who could only manage a top edge.

Lumsden’s two wickets came at a pivotal moment as Australia went on to lose three middle-order wickets for a total of 25 runs, while settling any lingering nerves in the Young Lions dugout. Skipper Oliver Peake fought back valiantly for Australia with a Hundred that briefly swung momentum Australia’s way in Lumden’s final over, striking three fours and a six leaving 32 required from the final 24 balls, but it wasn’t enough for Aussies.

England will now await the winner of India vs Afghanistan in the final, on 6th February 2026, as they chase their first U-19 WC title since 1998.

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