Wasted ton: Aussies knocked out of U19 World Cup despite Peake heroics

Ollie Peake did all he could, but Australia have been knocked out of the U19 Cricket World Cup by England in Bulawayo.

Chasing England’s total of 7/277, Peake brought up a second consecutive century before falling for 100 in what proved to be the 10th wicket with Australia on 250 with 15 balls to spare.

Peake’s ton was inspirational as he could barely move by the end of his innings due to cramp, with his last couple of overs at the crease almost resembling Glenn Maxwell’s ridiculous effort against Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

After recovering from those cramps post-match, Peake was incredibly disappointed with falling short.

"I am better physically now, but very disappointed with the result," Peake said.

"Sometimes, you are just outplayed, and it was one of those days. To their credit, Rew and his partner (Caleb Falconer, 40 off 53 balls) were batting really well through the middle, and they probably showed us the way to do it.

"The boys will take heaps away. I saw incredible improvement from when we got here to now, and I'm really, really proud of everyone. It's been a great group.

"Bit of a foreign feeling, losing, but if there was a way to go out, this is probably the way."

Australia’s run-chase went poorly from the start, with Will Malajczuk (15) and Steve Hogan (3) going without really putting a dint into the chase.

England’s formidable total was primarily down to a huge knock from their skipper and wicketkeeper Thomas Rew who notched 110 from 107 balls.

Like Peake, Rew is considered a certainty to play international cricket in the near future after impressing during the Australian summer for the England Lions.

England will face the winner of the India v Afghanistan Semi-Final in the decider, with India the clear favourites to go through.

The loss means Australia still haven’t won back-to-back U19 World Cup trophies after falling again as reigning champions.