Defending champions Australia have been knocked out of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 after a 27 run defeat to arch rivals England in a high intensity semi final at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Chasing 278 for victory, Australia were dismissed for 250 in 47.3 overs despite a defiant century from captain Oliver Peake. It sealed England’s third appearance in an Under 19 World Cup final, following runners up finishes in 2022 and their title win in 1998.
Peake led from the front with a battling 100 from 88 balls, striking 10 fours and a six while struggling with cramps late in his innings. He was the only Australian batter to reach fifty.
Opener Nitesh Samuel contributed 47 from 83 deliveries, while Aryan Sharma added a brisk 34 from 23 balls with six boundaries. Beyond that trio, Australia’s batting faltered against a disciplined England attack.
England’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Sebastian Morgan taking 2-33, James Minto 2-30, Manny Lumsden 2-55 and Ralphine Albert 2-45. Alex French claimed 1-36 and Farhan Ahmed 1-45 as England maintained pressure throughout the chase.
Earlier, England posted 277 for seven after being sent in. Captain Thomas Rew anchored the innings with a commanding 110, reaching his century with a single in the 39th over. His knock featured 14 fours and a six.
Rew was supported by Ben Mayes, who added more than 50 runs for the second wicket before falling lbw to Aryan Sharma for 25. Mayes followed soon after, bowled by Hayden Schiller for 24.
A pivotal fourth wicket partnership of 135 between Rew and Caleb Falconer put England firmly in control. Falconer made 40 from 53 balls, striking four boundaries, before Naden Cooray broke the stand in the 36th over.
Australia tightened the screws at the death to prevent England from pushing past 277, with Ahmed finishing unbeaten on 28 from 26 balls.
Among full member nations, India are the most successful Under 19 World Cup side with five titles, followed by Australia with four. Pakistan have won twice, while Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies have each lifted the trophy once.
India face Afghanistan in the second semi final in Harare on February 4, with the winner set to meet England in the final.
