Young Lions book World Cup semi-final place

Manny Lumsden’s five-wicket haul ensured England secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 ICC Men’s U19s World Cup with a 65-run win over New Zealand in Bulawayo.

Hampshire seamer Lumsden bowled expertly on a slow pitch to return five for 17, including two key wickets in the eighth over, and bowl New Zealand out for 169.

Ben Mayes, the tournament’s leading runscorer, had earlier hit 53 while Caleb Falconer (47) and Ben Dawkins (42) provided valuable contributions in a total of 234 for seven.

Victory maintained the Young Lions’ perfect record in the tournament with five wins from as many games.

Lumsden removed the dangerous Hugo Bogue and Kiwi captain Tom Jones, both to catches by wicketkeeper Thomas Rew, in the eighth over to give his side the advantage. The Young Lions continued to apply pressure before Lumsden completed the win when he bowled Harry Burns and Hunter Shore from consecutive deliveries.

“It’s a lovely feeling. It’s nice to contribute to a win and get five wickets,” Lumsden, who was named Player of the Match, said at the post-match presentation.

“It was all about keeping the stumps in play with the variable bounce. You could see that with the last two wickets with the ball shooting low. We’ve won the five games that we have played and all the boys have contributed during the group stage and the Super Sixes.”

Captain Rew said: “He (Lumsden) has been good all tournament. He’s bowled quick, he’s been aggressive and that’s just what we ask of him. Having some firepower like that in our squad is a great asset. It’s nice to win today and know that we’re through – we’re looking forward to a semi-final.”

England will meet either Australia or Afghanistan in the semi-finals. The result of Sunday’s Super Sixes Group Two match between India and Pakistan will confirm the Young Lions’ last-four opponent.

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