Did Ben Mayes Just Set a New Record for England in the U19 World Cup?
Synopsis
In an exhilarating match, Ben Mayes has set a remarkable record for England by scoring 191 runs in the ICC U19 World Cup. His extraordinary performance not only led his team to a significant victory over Scotland but also positioned him among the legends of youth cricket. Discover the details of this historic achievement.
Key Takeaways
Ben Mayes sets a new record for England in U19 World Cup history.
His score of 191 runs is a remarkable achievement.
The partnership with Joe Moores was instrumental in England's success.
England scored 404/6 , marking a significant total in the tournament.
Mayes emphasizes teamwork and strategy in his performance.
Harare, Jan 21 (NationPress) Ben Mayes etched his name in the history books by achieving the highest individual score by an English player at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, amassing 191 runs off just 117 balls against Scotland in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday.
This remarkable score is now the joint second-highest ever in U-19 World Cup history, equaling Sri Lanka’s Hasitha Boyagoda, just a single run shy of the world record held by Viran Chamuditha, who set the bar earlier in the tournament against Japan.
Mayes came to the crease after England lost Ben Dawkins early on and quickly began to dominate the Scottish bowlers. Partnering with Joe Moores, they put together an explosive 188-run partnership in approximately 22 overs.
The 18-year-old Mayes played a pivotal role in this collaboration, continually overpowering the bowlers. His innings featured an impressive 18 boundaries and eight sixes, effectively dismantling the Scottish bowling lineup.
Thanks to his efforts, England achieved a total of 404/6 against Scotland, marking the sixth-highest score in ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup history and the highest of the ongoing tournament.
“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. It helped, kept me in the moment,” Mayes reflected on England’s innings.
Discussing his record-breaking performance, he stated, “No other words for it. It feels amazing. As a team, we’ve tried to identify areas where we can score best, bowlers we can target. The whole team did that well today, not just me. Strong wind, short boundaries. We used that to our advantage. It’s brilliant.”
When asked about his partnerships, Mayes remarked, “He (Moores) and Rew are my favourite two people to bat with. You see all the shots he plays. I’m down the other end going, mate, it’s unbelievable. It’s really fun. We try to keep it light, pretty jokey, and have a good time. Even though we lost the toss, it’s quite a good wicket to bowl second on. There’ll be a bit of turn in the second innings, like there was when we played Zimbabwe on it.”
“It’s the same message as always - hit the stumps as much as possible with a bit of variable bounce. That should help us defend the score,” he added, focusing on the bowlers' task to defend the 405-run target set by the English team.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of Ben Mayes' achievement in the world of cricket. This historic score not only showcases the potential of young cricketers but also signifies England's strength in the U19 format. Mayes' performance serves as an inspiration for aspiring players and a reminder of the exciting future of cricket.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ben Mayes' score in the match?
Ben Mayes scored 191 runs from just 117 balls.
Against which team did Mayes achieve this record?
He achieved this record against Scotland.
What does this score mean in U19 World Cup history?
Mayes' score is the joint second-highest ever in U19 World Cup history.
How did Mayes contribute to the team's total?
He played a crucial role in a partnership that helped England reach a total of 404/6.
What strategies did England use in the match?
They identified targetable bowlers and capitalized on the conditions, including strong winds and short boundaries.
