Harare witnessed cricketing drama unfold as Ben Mays of England crafted a near-legendary 191 against Scotland in the Under-19 World Cup, missing the tournament’s highest individual score by a mere 2 runs. His explosive century, the quickest by an Englishman at this level, came off 65 deliveries in a match that saw England amass 404 for 6.
Forced to bat first, England lost an early wicket but recovered spectacularly. Joseph Moore’s 81 off 65 balls, featuring aggressive strokeplay, paired perfectly with Mays’ masterclass. Their 188-run stand laid the foundation. Mays continued his dominance, partnering with Rev for 47 and Faulkner for 84, keeping the momentum alive.
Albert’s brief cameo added 23 more before Mays’ marathon ended. The tail wagged with Ahmad and Morgan ensuring a towering total. Bowling honors for Scotland went to Woodhouse (3/??), Jones (2), and Chaplin (1).
This performance equals Boyagoda’s 191 from 2018 while narrowly eclipsing Chamuditha’s recent 192. Mays’ knock, rich with boundaries, signals a bright future for English cricket, blending power and resilience in equal measure. As the U19 spectacle continues, such innings remind us why young talents captivate global audiences.
