Ben Duckett proved the deciding factor for England as his maiden Youth ODI century cinched a thrilling one-wicket win over Australia to claim the third place in the Under-19 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Feb-2014
ScorecardBen Duckett’s solidity ensured England came out on top•ICCBen Duckett proved the deciding factor for England as his maiden Youth ODI century cinched a thrilling one-wicket win over Australia to claim the third place in the Under-19 World Cup.Chasing 247, England bled three wickets in five balls between the ninth and tenth overs. However, Duckett’s stability kept Australia at bay as he spearheaded vital half-century stands with Will Rhodes for the fifth wicket and Rob Jones for the seventh.Duckett unleashed nine fours in his 109-ball effort and was seventh man out in the 45th over. Australia scented an opening and pushed with a further two wickets in as many overs. England were teetering at 213 for 9, still 34 away. But a gutsy final-wicket partnership of 34 in 21 balls between Josh Shaw and Matthew Fisher sealed victory in the final over.Australia’s trend of rallying began early in the game when two mini-collapses followed a half-century partnership by the openers Matthew Short and Kelvin Smith. They slipped from 63 for 0 to 83 for 3 by the end of the 15th over. The second stutter happened in the 34th over when medium-pacer Ed Barnard claimed two in four balls and Australia were 150 for 6.Ben McDermott struck a valiant half-century and, with No.8 Thomas Andrews giving able company, led Australia’s rearguard. The duo struck a rapid 78-run stand that ushered Australia towards a fighting total to set up a nail-biting game.