Four Yorkshire youngsters have missed out on the opportunity of playing for England in an Under-19 World Cup final after a narrow loss in today’s semi-final against Pakistan in Dubai.
All-rounder Will Rhodes, the side’s captain, and fast bowler Matthew Fisher both impressed as England posted 204-7 - only to lose by three wickets in the last over.
Rhodes, aged 18, hit a composed 76 not out to help England recover from 69-4 before returning 1-46 from ten overs, while 16-year-old Fisher was excellent for his 2-21 from ten overs. Both played first-team cricket for Yorkshire last summer.
England were hot favourites when they reduced Pakistan to 142-7 in the 37th over of their chase, but Zafar Gohar and Amad Butt shared an unbroken 63 for the eighth wicket to carry their side home with five balls to spare.
Opening batsman Jonny Tattersall was out for an 11-ball duck after Rhodes had won the toss, while seamer Josh Shaw only played the first two matches of the tournament.
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