England edge Pakistan by two runs in thrilling youth ODI

WORMSLEY: England Under-19 kept the four-match Youth ODI series alive with a dramatic two-run victory over Pakistan at the Sir Paul Getty’s Ground on Monday.

Chasing a challenging target of 303, Pakistan appeared to be on course for a remarkable win after a late batting surge but fell agonisingly short, finishing their 50 overs just three runs behind England’s total.

The result prevented Pakistan from taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series and set up an intriguing final match.

Pakistan’s chase began badly as they slipped to 51-3 inside 11 overs. In-form opener Abdul Qadir offered some resistance with 26, but England’s bowlers continued to put pressure on the visitors.

Farhan Yousaf and Ahmed Hussain then attempted to rebuild the innings. Yousaf scored 24 before departing, while Ahmed contributed 38 as Pakistan reached 124-5.

With five wickets down, Pakistan looked increasingly likely to lose. However, Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar completely changed the momentum with a sensational sixth-wicket partnership.

The pair added 154 runs, dragging Pakistan from a difficult position to within touching distance of victory.

Zahoor was particularly impressive, smashing 86 from only 65 deliveries. His aggressive innings included six fours and five sixes and gave Pakistan genuine hope of completing one of the most unlikely run chases of the series.

England, however, refused to lose their composure during the tense final stages. Jack Auld emerged as one of the key figures with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets and helping England maintain control when the match appeared to be slipping away.

Earlier, England had posted 302-6 after being asked to bat first.

Jack Nelson led the scoring with a polished 74 off 68 balls, while Theo Lamey produced an important 58. The pair rebuilt England’s innings after the hosts were reduced to 108-3 in the 20th over.

Nelson and Lamey combined for a crucial 120-run fourth-wicket partnership, laying the foundation for England’s strong finish.

Robbie Bowman then provided further momentum late in the innings, remaining unbeaten on 32 to help England cross the 300-run mark.

For Pakistan, Rizwanullah was the standout bowler, taking three wickets from his full quota of 10 overs.

Despite Pakistan’s narrow defeat, Zahoor and Dar’s remarkable partnership ensured a thrilling finish and highlighted the competitive nature of the series. England will now look to carry the momentum from this dramatic victory into the fourth and final Youth ODI, while Pakistan will aim to bounce back and seal the series.