Back in 1998, England had a special moment in cricket, not at the senior level, but in the Under-19 World Cup. The team secured a memorable victory in the heart of Johannesburg, defeating New Zealand by seven wickets in the final. A standout performance came from Stephen Peters of Essex, who scored a brilliant 107. The squad featured some familiar names like Robert Key, Chris Schofield, Owais Shah, Graeme Swann, and Paul Frank.
This edition held particular significance as it marked the return of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup after a ten-year gap, and South Africa had the honor of hosting it for the first time. The tournament saw growth, with sixteen teams participating, double the number from the previous edition. After an initial group stage, the top eight teams entered a super league for the title, while the others competed in a separate “plate” competition.
The English team’s victory against New Zealand remains a cherished memory, securing their first and only Under-19 World Cup title. Since then, New Zealand hasn’t made it to the final, and in 2022, England had another shot but fell short against India. This 1998 triumph holds a special place in the cricket history of England, showcasing their prowess on the global stage even at the youth level.
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