Ben Mays delivered a performance for the ages in Harare, scoring 191 runs off 117 balls with 18 fours and 8 sixes against Scotland, only to miss rewriting Under-19 World Cup history by 2 runs. His rapid ton off 65 balls marks him as England’s quickest U19 centurion, fueling dreams of greater glory.
England, batting after losing the toss, overcame Dawkins’ early dismissal to post 404/6. The pivotal second-wicket duo of Mays and Moore amassed 188 runs, with Moore’s 81 (4×6, 5×4) setting an attacking tone. Mays then rotated strikes masterfully with Rev (47-run stand), Faulkner (84), and Albert (23), ensuring relentless scoring.
Finishing unbeaten, Ahmad (15) and Morgan (24) guided the score past 400. Scotland fought back with Woodhouse’s 3 wickets, supported by Jones (2) and Chaplin (1).
Tying Boyagoda’s 191* against Kenya, Mays came within a whisker of Chamuditha’s 192 vs Japan. This near-miss story underscores the fine margins in cricket, where Mays’ poise under pressure and boundary-hitting prowess shone brightest. England’s dominant total sets up an intriguing chase, keeping U19 fans on edge.