In a thrilling Group B encounter of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Australia secured a stunning five-wicket victory over England at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This high-scoring game saw Ben Duckett script history for England with a record-breaking century, but Josh Inglis’s unbeaten 120 helped Australia chase down a mammoth 352-run target, marking the highest successful run chase in ICC tournament history.
England’s Dominant Batting Performance
After winning the toss and opting to bat, England posted a formidable total of 351/8 in 50 overs, led by an extraordinary performance from Ben Duckett.
Ben Duckett’s Record-Breaking Knock
- The English opener smashed 165 off 143 balls, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
- His innings was a perfect blend of precision and power, decorated with 19 boundaries and 4 sixes.
- Despite losing wickets at the other end, Duckett stood tall, anchoring the innings and keeping England in a commanding position.
Joe Root’s Crucial Support
- Joe Root (68 off 57 balls) played a vital role, forming a 119-run partnership with Duckett.
- This stand provided England a solid platform, helping them dominate the middle overs.
England’s Late Collapse & Australia’s Bowling Comeback
- At 276/4 in 40 overs, England seemed on course for a total above 375, but a disciplined Australian bowling effort restricted them to 351/8.
- Key Bowling Performances:
- Ben Dwarshuis: 3/66
- Marnus Labuschagne: 2/41
- Adam Zampa: 2/64
Australia’s Historic Run Chase
- Wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis played a sensational unbeaten 120 off just 86 balls, guiding Australia to a historic win.
- His aggressive innings featured 14 boundaries and 5 sixes, putting pressure on the English bowlers.
- Inglis remained calm and composed, finishing the chase with a boundary in the 48th over.
Support from Alex Carey & Matthew Short
- Alex Carey (69 off 62 balls) and Matthew Short (63 off 52 balls) played crucial knocks, keeping the momentum steady.
- Their partnerships ensured Australia maintained the required run rate, despite losing early wickets.
Turning Points in the Chase
- England’s bowlers failed to contain runs in the death overs.
- Josh Inglis remained unfazed under pressure, steering Australia home with a commanding presence at the crease.
- The middle order stepped up when needed, proving Australia’s depth in batting.
Key Match
Josh Inglis Delivers Under Pressure
- Scoring his maiden ODI century, Inglis played the innings of his life to guide Australia to victory.
England’s Bowling Struggles
- Defending a massive 351-run total, England’s bowling unit failed to execute in the final overs.
- Lack of yorkers and disciplined death-over bowling cost them dearly.
Australia’s Fielding Brilliance
- Wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s three stunning catches played a key role in England’s lower-order colla
Tournament Implications
- Australia now leads Group B, boosting their semi-final qualification chances.
- England faces a do-or-die situation, needing to win against Afghanistan and South Africa to stay in contention.
- This match will be remembered as one of the greatest chases in ICC history.
Match Summary
England: 351/8 (50 overs)
- Ben Duckett – 165 (143)
- Joe Root – 68 (57)
- Ben Dwarshuis – 3/66
Australia: 356/5 (47.3 overs) ✅
- Josh Inglis – 120 (86)
- Alex Carey – 69 (62)
- Matthew Short – 63 (52)
