ANOTHER AHMED SCALP SENDS ENGLAND INTO WORLD CUP FINAL

Farhan Ahmed claimed another wicket and impressed with the bat as England defeated Australia to book their place in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup Final.

Ahmed returned 1/45 from ten overs, taking his tournament tally to seven scalps in six games, as England, defending 277-7, bowled their old rivals out for 250 to claim a 27-run win.

Captain Thomas Rew made a vital century for the Young Lions, striking 110 from 107 balls, with 14 fours and a six, before being run out by Steven Hogan.

Caleb Falconer added 40 and shared in a partnership worth 135 with his skipper, while Ahmed amassed an unbeaten 28 from 28 balls to help England to a competitive score.

In reply, Australian captain Oliver Peake also made a century, his from 88 balls with ten fours and a six, but every member of England’s attack claimed at least one wicket.

Ahmed’s scalp, which came at an important time in the game and saw off Aryan Sharma for 34 thanks to a Joe Moores catch, broke a stand of 46 and reduced the Australians to 180-6.

That proved vital, as despite Peake’s late hitting, the Australia skipper became the last man out in the 48th over to hand England a tense win.

Rew’s troops will face India or Afghanistan in the showpiece, which is scheduled for this Friday, 6th February, in Harare.

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