Thrilling Chase Sees Australia Overhaul England in Historic ICC Champions Trophy Clash
Lahore Lights Up as Inglis Century Steers Record-Breaking Pursuit
In a pulsating opener to their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, Australia pulled off a breathtaking five-wicket victory over arch-rivals England in Lahore, chasing down a record 352 with 15 balls to spare. Josh Inglis’s masterful unbeaten 120 anchored the chase, scripting the highest successful run pursuit in Champions Trophy history and igniting fireworks at a packed Gaddafi Stadium.
England’s Batting Onslaught: Duckett’s Heroics
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Australian skipper Steve Smith aimed to exploit early moisture. Ben Dwarshuis (3/66) struck immediately, dismissing Phil Salt (10) with a skier brilliantly caught by Alex Carey. However, Ben Duckett (165 off 143 balls) orchestrated a stunning recovery, blending aggression with precision. His 165—studded with 17 fours and 3 sixes—eclipsed previous Champions Trophy records, forming a 142-run partnership with Joe Root (68) to propel England to 351/8.
Australia’s inexperienced attack, missing Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, faltered under Duckett’s assault. Adam Zampa (2/58) and part-timer Marnus Labuschagne (2/49) provided sporadic breakthroughs, but England’s middle order capitalized, with late cameos from Liam Livingstone (29) and Sam Curran (22*) pushing the total past 350.
Australia’s Chase: Resilience Meets Flair
In reply, Travis Head (15) and Steve Smith (18) fell cheaply to Mark Wood and Chris Woakes, leaving Australia reeling at 45/2. Matthew Short (63 off 49) counterattacked fiercely, smashing 7 boundaries and 3 sixes in a 79-run stand with Labuschagne (34). Just as momentum swung, England’s spinners struck: Livingstone trapped Short lbw, while Adil Rashid’s googly deceived Labuschagne.
At 165/4, the game hung in balance. Enter Josh Inglis and Alex Carey. The pair blended caution with calculated aggression, their 137-run partnership dismantling England’s grip. Carey’s 69 (61 balls) featured audacious sweeps off Rashid, while Inglis targeted the leg side with surgical precision. Even Carey’s dismissal to Woakes in the 43rd over couldn’t derail Australia, as Inglis, now joined by Glenn Maxwell (28* off 14), unleashed a flurry of boundaries. Inglis’s century—his first in ODIs—sealed the win with a six off Archer, sparking wild celebrations.
Key Moments and Turning Points: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Carey’s Superman Catch: Diving full-stretch at mid-on, Carey’s early dismissal of Salt set the tone.
- Spin Web Unraveled: Livingstone and Rashid’s middle-overs squeeze (combined 3/105) briefly revived England.
- Inglis’s Composure: The keeper-batter’s 120* (103 balls) showcased maturity, rotating strike early before accelerating with 10 fours and 4 sixes.
Post-Match Reactions
Josh Inglis: “To contribute in such a big chase against England is surreal. We backed our depth, and Carey was phenomenal.”
Ben Duckett: “Heartbreaking to lose after that total, but credit to Australia. We’ll learn and bounce back.”
Tournament Context
Australia’s win propels them to second in Group B, trailing South Africa. England, reeling from recent defeats, faces a must-win against Afghanistan. For Australia, concerns linger over their bowling, but their batting firepower—evident in Head, Smith, and Maxwell’s cameos—signals ominous form.
Background: Teams in Transition
England’s post-2019 rebuild under Brendon McCullum hit roadblocks in India, exposing spin frailties. Conversely, Australia’s injury-ravaged squad, sans Warner and Stoinis, relies on emerging talents like Inglis. The chase, however, reaffirmed their tournament pedigree.
Looking Ahead
As Lahore’s echoes fade, Australia eyes Sri Lanka, while England regroups. If this clash is any indicator, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises more fireworks, with legacy and redemption on the line.
—Cricket’s oldest rivalry delivers yet another classic, proving why no target is safe when giants collide.
FAQs: Australia vs England, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- What was the result of the Australia vs England match?
Australia won by 5 wickets, chasing down England’s 351/8 with 15 balls to spare. Josh Inglis’ unbeaten 120 guided the historic chase. - Who was named Player of the Match?
Josh Inglis earned the award for his match-winning 120* (103 balls), his maiden ODI century, which anchored Australia’s record chase. - What records were broken during the game?
- England’s 351/8 became the highest total in Champions Trophy history (later eclipsed by Australia’s chase).
- Australia’s 352/5 is now the highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history.
- How did Ben Duckett perform for England?
Duckett scored a career-best 165 (143 balls), including 17 fours and 3 sixes. His knock propelled England to their record total. - How did Australia’s middle order handle the pressure?
After early wobbles, Josh Inglis and Alex Carey (69) built a 137-run partnership. Inglis then partnered with Glenn Maxwell (28* off 14) to finish the chase. - Did England’s spinners threaten Australia?
Liam Livingstone (1/44) and Adil Rashid (1/61) claimed key wickets (Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne), but couldn’t contain Inglis in the death overs. - What does this mean for Group B standings?
Australia moved to second place behind South Africa, while England faced a must-win game against Afghanistan to stay in contention. - Why was Australia’s bowling attack considered weak?
Missing star pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood (injured), their inexperienced attack struggled, conceding 351 runs. Ben Dwarshuis (3/66) was the lone standout. - What’s next for both teams?
Australia faces Sri Lanka, while England takes on Afghanistan. Both matches are critical for semifinal qualification. - What were the key turning points?
- Alex Carey’s stunning catch to dismiss Phil Salt early.
- Duckett and Root’s 142-run partnership for England.
- Inglis and Carey’s 137-run stand shifted momentum to Australia.
- Maxwell’s explosive 14-ball 28* sealing the chase.
Bonus Context:
- England’s recent struggles (3-0 loss to India) exposed vulnerabilities against spin and death-over batting.
- Australia’s batting depth masked their bowling frailties, reaffirming their ICC tournament pedigree.
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