U-19 WC: Ben Mayes' record-breaking 191 propels England to 404/6 against Scotland
Harare, January 21
Ben Mayes wrote himself into history books by registering the highest individual score by an England batter at the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup after smashing 191 off just 117 balls against Scotland on Wednesday in Harare.
Mayes' score was also the joint second-highest of all-time in U-19 World Cup history, equalling Sri Lanka's Hasitha Boyagoda and falling just one short of the world record score of Viran Chamudith, who achieved this record earlier in the tournament against Japan, as per the ICC website.
England finished their innings with a massive total of 404 for 6, putting them in a dominant position after a masterclass of power hitting. Mayes knock led England to register the sixth-highest score in the history of ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup, and the highest in the tournament thus far.
"I think it's positive. I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen this morning. I just tried to take it a ball at a time. Really well helped by Morsi (Moores), and people chipping in with Rew and Caleb as well. I think it helped, kept me in the moment. No other words for it. It feels amazing (talking about his knock). As a team, we've tried to identify areas where we can score best, bowlers we can target. I think the whole team did that well today, not only me, " Ben Mayes said after his innings.
Mayes came into bat after England had lost Ben Dawkins early, and he wasted no time in taking the attack to the opposition. Mayes, along with Joe Moores, began an onslaught that saw them record a 188-run stand in about 22 overs.
Mayes was supported brilliantly by Moores, who scored a quick 81, and their massive partnership effectively took the game away from the opposition.
The 18-year-old Mayes had a lion's share in the partnership as he continued to dominate the opposition bowlers. In his innings, he smashed 18 boundaries and smashed eight sixes to completely flatten the Scottish attack.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the innings is brilliant, I feel for the Scotland bowlers. 404 is a demoralizing total to chase at any level, especially for an associate nation. The gap between full members and associates seems huge even at U-19. ICC needs to ensure more competitive matches.
Records are tumbling this World Cup! First Viran Chamudith, now Ben Mayes. The future of cricket is in safe hands with such explosive talent. Hope our boys are taking notes on how to build an innings and accelerate. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
The partnership with Moores was key. 188 runs in 22 overs! That's the kind of platform that wins you matches. Individual brilliance is great, but cricket is a team sport. Well done to the entire England top order.
Watching from the UK, this is phenomenal. Mayes has a bright future. But let's not get ahead of ourselves—the real test will be against the likes of India, Australia, or Pakistan. Flat-track bully? Maybe. But you still have to score the runs. Well played.
Respect for the innings, no doubt. But as an Indian fan, my focus is on Uday Saharan and our bowlers. We have a balanced side. These big scores put pressure, but our strength is chasing. Bring on the big matches!
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