Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter, Josh Inglis shone with his maiden ODI century, leading Australia to a spectacular chase of 352 runs against England at the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite Ben Duckett's record-setting 165, Australia emerged victorious with five wickets in hand.Key Takeaways
- Josh Inglis scored an unbeaten 120 to lead Australia to victory.
- England's Ben Duckett set a new Champions Trophy record with 165.
- This match saw the highest successful chase in ICC Men's ODI tournaments.
- Australia's chase was completed with 15 balls to spare.
- England scored their highest total in Champions Trophy history.
Lahore, Feb 22 (NationPress) Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis eclipsed a brilliant performance from Ben Duckett, scoring an impressive maiden ODI century, as Australia successfully chased down 352 runs in just 47.3 overs. This victory, by five wickets, took place during a high-scoring Group B match of the 2025 Champions Trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
The daunting target of 352 appeared challenging after England posted 351/8 in their 50 overs, led by Duckett’s magnificent 165, which now stands as the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. However, Australia was confident of chasing down the total, especially with the batting conditions improving under lights due to the dew.
Inglis, who hails from Yorkshire but was raised in Australia, validated this theory with his unbeaten 120 off 86 balls, which included eight fours and six sixes. His impressive lofted shots and backfoot play enabled Australia to set a record for the highest successful chase in ICC Men's ODI tournaments, as well as in men's ODIs played in Lahore.
Inglis received substantial support from Matthew Short (63), Alex Carey (69), and Glenn Maxwell (32 not out), allowing Australia to complete their chase with 15 balls remaining and five wickets in hand, demonstrating yet again why they can never be underestimated in ICC tournaments.
The England bowling duo, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, initially struck with the new ball, dismissing Travis Head and Steve Smith cheaply during the power-play. Subsequently, Short and Marnus Labuschagne attempted to stabilize Australia’s innings by forming a 95-run partnership for the third wicket before Adil Rashid dismissed Labuschagne.
Short contributed 63 off 66 balls, hitting nine fours and a six, before being dismissed by Liam Livingstone, leaving Australia at 136/4 in 22.2 overs. Inglis and Carey then forged a significant 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket, with Carey surviving a drop on 49.
However, Carse ended their partnership, dismissing Carey, who mistimed a shot to England captain Jos Buttler. Maxwell joined Inglis, hitting Wood for consecutive fours before Inglis struck back-to-back sixes off Carse, ultimately reaching his maiden ODI century with another six off Archer.
Inglis and Maxwell continued to score rapidly, with Maxwell escaping a caught chance due to Archer’s full toss being ruled a no-ball. Inglis sealed the chase with a six over deep mid-wicket off Wood, clinching a remarkable victory for Australia.
Previously, Duckett showcased his skills, scoring a career-best 165 off 142 deliveries, establishing a new record for the highest individual score in the tournament, previously held by Nathan Astle. His innings featured an impressive 17 boundaries and three sixes, making him the first player to score 150 in the tournament’s history.
Duckett’s dismissal by Labuschagne in the 48th over did not detract from his efforts to anchor England’s innings. He received strong support from Joe Root, who scored 68, and together they formed a 158-run partnership for the third wicket, ensuring England set a substantial total.
For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis was the standout bowler, taking 3-66 in a relatively inexperienced fast-bowling lineup, while Adam Zampa and Labuschagne each claimed two wickets. Dwarshuis made early breakthroughs by dismissing Phil Salt and Jamie Smith, with Carey executing two spectacular catches.
Duckett’s aggressive batting, combined with Root’s composed 68 off 78 balls, kept England on track for a competitive total until Zampa trapped Root lbw. Zampa later dismissed Harry Brook quickly, with Carey taking another excellent catch.
England captain Buttler fell for 23, caught by Maxwell, but Duckett persisted, driving the scoreboard forward until Archer's late cameo of 21 not out off 10 balls contributed to England's highest-ever total in the Champions Trophy, although it ultimately fell short against a resurgent Australian side.
Brief scores:
England 351/8 in 50 overs (Ben Duckett 165, Joe Root 68; Ben Dwarshuis 3-66, Marnus Labuschagne 2-41) lost to Australia 356/5 in 47.3 overs (Josh Inglis 120 not out, Alex Carey 69; Adil Rashid 1-47, Liam Livingstone 1-47) by five wickets
