Australia Triumphs Over England in Record-Breaking Champions Trophy Clash

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11:15 pm
February 22, 2025

Lahore, February 22, 2025 – In a thrilling encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium, Australia pulled off a stunning five-wicket victory over England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, successfully chasing down a mammoth target of 352 with 15 balls to spare. The match, which marked the highest successful run chase in any men’s 50-over ICC event, showcased Australia’s batting prowess and resilience, led by a sensational unbeaten century from Josh Inglis.

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England Sets a Formidable Total

Winning the toss, Australian captain Steve Smith elected to bowl first, a decision that initially seemed to favor his team as Ben Dwarshuis struck early, dismissing Phil Salt (10) and Jamie Smith (15) within the first three overs. However, England’s recovery was spearheaded by opener Ben Duckett, who delivered a masterclass with a magnificent 165 off 143 balls – the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. Duckett’s knock, studded with 17 fours and three sixes, was complemented by a steady 68 from Joe Root, as the pair stitched together a crucial 158-run partnership for the third wicket.

Despite losing Root to Adam Zampa’s leg-spin and Harry Brook (3) shortly after, England maintained momentum. Captain Jos Buttler chipped in with a brisk 23, while Jofra Archer’s late cameo of 21 not out, including a four and a six off Marnus Labuschagne in the final over, propelled England to an imposing 351/8 in their 50 overs. Dwarshuis (3/66) and Zampa (2/64) were the pick of the Australian bowlers, though they struggled to contain the flow of runs on a batting-friendly Lahore pitch.

Australia’s Historic Chase

Chasing 352, Australia faced early setbacks with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood removing Travis Head (6) and Steve Smith (5) cheaply, leaving them reeling at 28/2. However, opener Matthew Short (63 off 67 balls) steadied the ship, laying a foundation for what was to come. When Short fell to Liam Livingstone in the 22nd over, Australia were 136/4, and England sensed an opening.

Enter Josh Inglis. The wicketkeeper-batter, alongside Alex Carey, turned the game on its head with a match-defining 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Carey’s 69 off 63 balls provided the perfect foil to Inglis, who unleashed an onslaught on the English bowlers. Inglis finished unbeaten on 120 off just 86 balls, smashing eight fours and six sixes, his maiden ODI century proving to be the cornerstone of Australia’s chase.

With the required run rate climbing, Glenn Maxwell (32* off 15 balls) joined Inglis to apply the finishing touches. Maxwell’s aggressive cameo, including a six off Archer, shifted the momentum decisively, and Inglis sealed the victory in style with a flicked six off Wood in the 48th over. Australia reached 356/5 in 47.3 overs, completing their second-highest ODI chase and the highest in Champions Trophy history.

Key Performances and Turning Points

Ben Duckett (165): His sublime knock set a daunting target, but it wasn’t enough to thwart Australia’s batting firepower.
Josh Inglis (120)*: Named Player of the Match, Inglis’ composure and aggression under pressure were pivotal in Australia’s triumph.
Alex Carey (69): His half-century ensured Australia stayed in the hunt during the middle overs.
England’s Bowling Struggles: Despite early breakthroughs, England’s attack – led by Archer (1/73) and Wood (1/75) – lacked consistency, with dew making conditions tougher in the second innings.

Post-Match Reflections

Steve Smith, the victorious Australian captain, praised his team’s batting effort: “The guys were outstanding. Matthew Short played beautifully up top, and the partnership between Alex Carey and Josh Inglis was brilliant. We knew batting second would be easier with the dew, and the boys executed perfectly.”

Jos Buttler, England’s skipper, rued missed opportunities: “We got a great score on the board thanks to Duckett, but we couldn’t capitalize with the ball. It’s a tough loss, and we’ll need to regroup quickly.”

This victory puts Australia in a strong position in Group B, alongside South Africa, who also won their opening fixture. For England, the defeat highlights areas of concern, particularly in their bowling and fielding, as they look to bounce back against Afghanistan and South Africa in upcoming matches.

The match underscored the high-scoring nature of Gaddafi Stadium and set the tone for an exciting Champions Trophy campaign. As Australia celebrates a historic win, the cricketing world now turns its attention to tomorrow’s blockbuster clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

This electrifying contest will be remembered as one of the finest chases in ODI cricket, with Josh Inglis emerging as the hero of the day. For England, it’s back to the drawing board, while Australia marches forward with confidence.