England Under-19s 247 for 9 (Duckett 100, Ashkenazi 3-32) beat Australia Under-19s 246 for 7 (McDermott 56*, Barnard 3-22)
BEN DUCKETT proved the deciding factor for England as his maiden Youth ODI century clinched a thrilling one-wicket win over Australia to claim the third place in the Under-19 World Cup.Chasing 247, England bled three wickets in five balls between the ninth and tenth overs. However, Duckett’s stability kept Australia at bay as he spearheaded vital half-century stands with Will Rhodes for the fifth wicket and Rob Jones for the seventh.
Duckett unleashed nine fours in his 109-ball effort and was seventh man out in the 45th over. Australia scented an opening and pushed with a further two wickets in as many overs. England were teetering at 213 for 9, still 34 away. But a gutsy final-wicket partnership of 34 in 21 balls between Josh Shaw and Matthew Fisher sealed victory in the final over.
Australia’s trend of rallying began early in the game when two mini-collapses followed a half-century partnership by the openers Matthew Short and Kelvin Smith. They slipped from 63 for 0 to 83 for 3 by the end of the 15th over. The second stutter happened in the 34th over when medium-pacer Ed Barnard claimed two in four balls and Australia were 150 for 6.
Ben McDermott struck a valiant half-century and, with No.8 Thomas Andrews giving able company, led Australia’s rearguard. The duo struck a rapid 78-run stand that ushered Australia towards a fighting total to set up a nail-biting game
Ben Duckett’s solidity ensured England came out on the winning side.