LAHORE, Pakistan — In a stunning display of skill, Josh Inglis led Australia to a remarkable victory over England during the Champions Trophy, orchestrating a record-setting run chase. Inglis achieved his first ODI century with a commanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 120 runs off just 86 balls, which included eight fours and six sixes. This triumphant effort steered Australia to a total of 356-5, reaching their target in just 47.3 overs, marking it as the highest successful chase in the history of ICC ODI tournaments.
The match witnessed a brilliant innings from Ben Duckett, who put up a remarkable score of 165 runs, the highest individual score recorded in the Champions Trophy’s history. Duckett’s performance helped England secure a total of 351-8 in their opening Group B match.
Australia’s pursuit started off shakily when Jofra Archer and Mark Wood struck early, dismissing Travis Head for just 6 runs and captain Steven Smith for 5 in back-to-back overs. However, the middle-order batsmen mounted a strong response against the fast bowlers. Matthew Short contributed 63 runs and Marnus Labuschagne added 47 during a significant partnership that saw them put together a 95-run stand. England’s attempt to tighten their grip on the game included spinning bowlers, who ultimately succeeded in breaking the partnership when Adil Rashid caught Labuschagne out and Liam Livingstone took a low return catch to send Short back to the pavilion, leaving Australia at 136-4.
Despite the earlier setbacks, with wet conditions favoring the batting side, Inglis paired with Alex Carey to guide their side through the innings. They accomplished this expertly, notching up a substantial 146-run partnership off 116 balls, which became even more vital as the bowlers struggled with the damp ball. Unfortunately for England, a missed opportunity to dismiss Carey by Archer proved costly when he dropped a simple catch right before reaching his half-century. Inglis capitalized on this with two boundaries off Archer in the following over.
Carey’s innings ended as he returned a catch to Buttler while trying to drive off Carse. Nevertheless, Glenn Maxwell remained unbeaten with 32 runs off just 15 balls. Inglis celebrated his century in spectacular fashion, hitting Archer for a six, and he ultimately sealed the game with another six off Wood, demonstrating Australia’s dominance.
Duckett’s remarkable innings established a new record in the Champions Trophy, becoming the first player to surpass 150 runs. His innings of 165 runs came off 143 balls and included 17 fours and 3 sixes, achieved on a pitch that proved to be favorable for batting at Gaddafi Stadium, which has recently undergone renovations.
The previous highest individual score was held by New Zealand’s Nathan Astle, who unpacked 145 runs against the USA back in 2004. Duckett and Joe Root, who scored 68 runs, formed a robust 158-run partnership that laid a solid foundation for England’s innings. Duckett’s solid stroke play and aggressive attitude towards the bowling attack were evident as he expertly maneuvered the ball, showcasing spectacular down-the-ground drives and deft reverse sweeps against Adam Zampa, Australia’s leading bowler in the match.
Australia’s bowling unit, missing star players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, still found success early on, with Ben Dwarshuis taking three wickets, including a stunning catch by wicketkeeper Carey, who switched gears to take on the role from Inglis during the match. The early breakthroughs set the stage but England’s strong partnership eventually helped to rebuild their innings before Duckett was dismissed by Labuschagne as he attempted a sweep shot, ending England’s innings on a high note as they amassed a competitive score.
As the final innings unfolded, Archer’s quick-fire cameo of 21 runs off 10 balls ensured that England finished strongly, amassing 83 runs in the final ten overs, setting the stage for a captivating contest.
