A Thrilling Reversal: England U-19 Levels Series Against India U-19 in Northampton
After a commanding performance in the opening Youth ODI, the Indian Colts found themselves on the receiving end of a heart-stopping defeat, as England U-19 staged a remarkable one-wicket victory in the second match of the series. Played out at the historic County Ground in Northampton, this last-over thriller saw the home side snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, levelling the five-match series at 1-1 thanks to an extraordinary century from their captain, Thomas Rew.
India’s Batting Effort: Setting a Challenging Total
Put in to bat first, the young Indian squad showcased their batting prowess, posting a formidable total of 290 runs before being bowled out in 49 overs. The innings was anchored by another brisk start from the talented Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose consistent form at the top of the order has been a highlight. Crucial contributions also came from the middle order, with Vihaan Malhotra, Rahul Kumar, and Kanishk Chouhan all chipping in with significant scores in the 40s, ensuring India built a competitive score. On the bowling front for England, AM French was particularly effective, claiming 4 wickets for 71 runs, while Jack Home (3/63) and Alex Green (3/50) also made vital breakthroughs. However, the English bowlers’ efforts were slightly undermined by a generous 32 extras, including 26 wides.
England’s Early Stumbles and Ambrish’s Impact
The chase began with immediate tension for the English side. Opener BJ Dawkins fell cheaply for just 7 runs in the second over, setting an anxious tone. Things worsened quickly as India’s medium-pacer RS Ambrish ripped through the top order, sending Ben Mayes (27) and Isaac Mohammed (11) back to the pavilion in rapid succession. This left England reeling at a precarious 47 for 3 by the 12th over, sparking hopes of a dominant Indian win reminiscent of the first ODI.
Captain Rew’s Masterclass: A Fightback For The Ages
Just when India seemed to have the upper hand, England captain Thomas Rew stepped up with an innings of exceptional character and skill. Rew unleashed an incredible assault on the Indian bowlers, smashing 131 runs off just 89 balls. His innings was a blend of power and precision, punctuated by a series of magnificent sixes that shifted the momentum dramatically. He found an able partner in Rocky Flintoff, son of the legendary Andrew Flintoff, who contributed a valuable 39. Together, Rew and Flintoff stitched a breathtaking 123-run partnership for the fourth wicket, pulling England back from the brink. The partnership was eventually broken by Kanishk Chouhan, who dismissed Flintoff in the 33rd over, but the damage had been done.
The Nail-Biting Finish: A Test of Nerves
As the match hurtled towards its climax, the tension was palpable. With just three overs remaining, England needed 20 runs, and then 12 runs from the final two overs, but had only two wickets in hand. RS Ambrish, bowling with immense pressure, continued to deliver for India, claiming his third victim by dismissing Alex Green (12) on the very first ball of the penultimate over. This left England needing 7 runs from the final over, with their last pair – Sebastian Morgan (20 not out) and Alex French (3 not out) – at the crease. The fate of the match hung precariously.
Yudhajit Guha was handed the daunting task of bowling the final over for India. With every delivery, the atmosphere thickened. It was Sebastian Morgan, showing remarkable composure under pressure, who ultimately sealed the deal. He struck a crucial boundary off the third ball of the over, guiding England past the finish line with three balls to spare. The County Ground erupted in celebration as England secured a memorable one-wicket victory, levelling the series in dramatic fashion. RS Ambrish finished as India’s best bowler with figures of 4 for 80, a testament to his efforts despite the narrow loss.
This thrilling encounter has set the stage for an electrifying remainder of the series, promising more high-stakes cricket between these two talented U-19 sides.
