BRISTOL — Somerset's Thomas Rew rewrote the record books with a blistering century as England Under-19s clinched a thrilling one-wicket victory over India Under-19s, leveling the five-match one-day series 1-1.
Rew's Record-Breaking Blitz
The 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter smashed the fastest century in England Under-19s' one-day history, reaching three figures in just 73 balls. His explosive knock of 107 off 79 deliveries, featuring 12 fours and 4 sixes, propelled England to a dramatic chase of 292 at the County Ground in Bristol.
Rew's innings eclipsed the previous record held by Hampshire's Tom Prest, who scored a 78-ball hundred against Bangladesh in 2021. Speaking after the match, Rew said: "I just tried to stay positive and back my instincts. The pitch was good, and once I got going, everything clicked."
A Nail-Biting Finish
England's chase seemed in jeopardy when they slipped to 210/7, but Rew anchored the innings with a composed yet aggressive approach. His partnerships with Noah Thain (34) and Farhan Ahmed (21*) proved crucial in the tense finale.
With 12 needed off the last two overs, Rew was dismissed by India's left-arm spinner Musheer Khan, but Farhan Ahmed held his nerve to hit the winning runs with just two balls to spare. England finished on 293/9, securing a memorable victory.
Key Moments in the Chase
The match had several turning points:
- Rew's 98-run stand with Hamza Shaikh (45) stabilized England after early wickets.
- India's spinners, Musheer Khan (3/48) and Priyanshu Moliya (2/52), applied pressure in the middle overs.
- Farhan Ahmed's unbeaten 21 under pressure sealed the win.
India's Strong First Innings
Earlier, India posted a competitive 291/7, thanks to half-centuries from opener Adarsh Singh (65) and captain Uday Saharan (57). England's seamers, Eddie Jack (3/52) and Farhan Ahmed (2/47), kept the visitors in check with disciplined spells.
India's middle-order contributions from Sachin Dhas (42) and Aravelly Avanish (36*) ensured a challenging target, but Rew's heroics overshadowed their efforts.
What This Means for the Series
The victory levels the series 1-1 after India won the first ODI by seven wickets. The remaining three matches promise high-intensity cricket, with both teams showcasing emerging talent.
England's head coach, Mike Yardy, praised Rew's performance: "Tom played an outstanding innings under pressure. His ability to accelerate while keeping his composure was exceptional for a player of his age."
Rew's Rising Stock
Rew, who made his Somerset debut in 2023, has been earmarked as a future star. His recent form includes a century in the Second XI Championship, and this record-breaking knock further cements his reputation.
Former England batter Mark Ramprakash, commentating on the match, noted: "Rew has a rare combination of power and timing. His ability to play both spin and pace makes him a serious prospect."
Conclusion
Thomas Rew's historic century not only secured a thrilling win but also announced his arrival on the international youth stage. With the series finely poised, cricket fans can expect more fireworks in the upcoming matches.
The third ODI takes place at Cheltenham on Thursday, where Rew will look to continue his red-hot form. As England and India battle for supremacy, this series is proving to be a showcase of the next generation of cricketing talent.