Disciplined Fielding and Key Run-out Secure Series Win for Young England U19 Squad
The England Men’s U19 cricket team clinched their three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka U19 with a hard-fought four-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis method in the decider. Skipper Luc Benkenstein’s century and a disciplined bowling performance proved pivotal in the tightly contested encounter.
Opting to bat first, England posted a competitive total of 268 for 9 in their allotted 45 overs, despite the interruption of rain. Benkenstein, the Essex batter, anchored the innings with a well-crafted 102, which included 7 fours and 5 sixes. He found an able ally in teammate Charlie Allison, who contributed an impressive 87 off 85 balls, as the pair forged a 184-run partnership.
In the run chase, Sri Lanka’s Gayana Weerasinghe (80 off 76 balls) and Mahith Perera (53 off 54 balls) kept their team in the hunt, but the decisive moment came when Perera was brilliantly run out by Freddie McCann’s direct hit from backward point. The Sri Lankan tail failed to capitalize, and England held their nerve to secure the series victory.
“The win was a testament to the disciplined fielding and clinical execution by the young England squad, who demonstrated their resilience and match-winning capabilities in the closely contested affair.”
The series triumph will undoubtedly boost the confidence of the team as they continue their development journey.
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