IND vs ENG: Thomas Rew’s brilliant century leads England U-19 to thrilling one-wicket win over Ayush Mhatre-led India in 2nd Youth ODI

Thomas Rew led from the front as England Under-19 defeated India by one wicket in the second ODI in a nail-biter clash at Northampton to level the five-match youth ODI series. After opting to bowl, the hosts bundle out India in 49 overs for 290 runs. England's Alex French was the pick of the bowlers with a four-wicket haul. Thomas Rew, who came to bat at number five, scored 131 runs off 89 balls, including 16 fours and six sixes. 

In a nail-biting finish, England’s lower order kept their cool under intense pressure, chipping in with valuable runs just when it mattered most. India U19 came roaring back with the ball in the closing stages, pushing the game right to the edge. But despite their spirited fightback, England managed to scrape over the line with just one wicket to spare, sealing a dramatic victory in the dying overs. Earlier, Henil Patel had sparked hopes of an Indian comeback with a crucial breakthrough, removing centurion Thomas Rew for a superb 131. His dismissal tilted the momentum back towards India, setting up a thrilling finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

ALSO READ: Suspense ends over Jofra Archer's participation as ECB announces England's playing XI for second Test against India
 

After being asked to bat, India failed to get a good start as England speedster Alex French picked up skipper Ayush Mhatre's wicket on the first ball of the innings. After his wicket, Vihaan Malhotra joined Vaibhav Suryavanshi and both batters managed to stitch a 69-run stand before Rajasthan Royals (RR) star dismissed during the 11th over by giving a simple catch to Sebastian Morgan. India lost half of their side in the 32nd over as Abhigyan Kundu got out after scoring 32 runs. India were bundled out on 290 runs. England's  Alex French was the pick of the bowlers with a four-wicket haul. 

ALSO READ: 'Jasprit Bumrah is available for the game, obviously...': India's assistant coach breaks silence on spearhead pacer's availability for the second Test against England
 

While chasing 291, England also failed to get a good start as they lost three wickets on just 47 runs in 12 overs. However, skipper Thomas Rew led from the front and smashed a century to shift the momentum towards his side. He got out in the 40th over when England were on 230 runs. After his dismissal, it seemed like the game's momentum was shifted towards the bowling side, but Sebastian Morgan and Alex Green's cameo again changed the momentum in their favour as England defeated India by one wicket to level the series 1-1.  

Sebastian Morgan finished the clash with a boundary when England needed four runs in four balls. India's RS Ambrish picked up four wickets, and Yudhajit Guha, Henil Patel got one scalp each. The third Youth ODI will take place on July 2 in Northampton.