Lahore witnessed history as Australia chased down a mammoth target of 356 against England, securing a five-wicket victory in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener. Josh Inglis spearheaded the monumental chase with a scintillating maiden ODI century, finishing unbeaten on 120 off just 86 balls.
Inglis Leads Historic Chase
Inglis, whose knock included eight fours and six sixes, anchored Australia’s innings as they cruised to victory in 47.3 overs, setting a new record for the highest successful run chase in an ICC ODI tournament. His breathtaking innings overshadowed Ben Duckett’s heroic 165, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, which had propelled England to 351-8.
Australia’s chase began on shaky ground, losing Travis Head (6) and skipper Steven Smith (5) early to Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. However, Matthew Short (63) and Marnus Labuschagne (47) counterattacked, sharing a vital 95-run partnership.
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England clawed back as Adil Rashid dismissed Labuschagne with a sharp catch by Jos Buttler, followed by Liam Livingstone’s dismissal of Short. At 136-4, the game hung in balance.
Inglis and Carey Steady the Ship
Inglis, supported by Alex Carey (69), took full advantage of the dewy conditions, forming a match-winning 146-run stand off 116 balls. A pivotal moment came when Archer dropped a regulation catch of Carey, allowing Australia to accelerate further. Carey eventually fell to Buttler at mid-off, but Glenn Maxwell’s blistering 32 off 15 balls ensured Australia’s triumph. Inglis fittingly sealed the victory with a six off Wood.
Duckett’s Record-Breaking Knock in Vain
Earlier, England had dominated with the bat after Australia opted to field. Duckett’s majestic 165 off 143 balls, featuring 17 fours and three sixes, formed the backbone of England’s innings. He partnered with Joe Root (68) in a commanding 158-run stand, punishing Australia’s depleted pace attack.
Despite Labuschagne dismissing Duckett in the 48th over, England posted an imposing 351-8, thanks to late cameos from Jofra Archer (21 off 10) and Jos Buttler (23).
Australia’s Bowlers Struggle but Deliver Late Blows
Australia, missing key pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, struggled early. Ben Dwarshuis (3-66) provided breakthroughs, including a stunning catch by Carey to dismiss Phil Salt (10). Adam Zampa (2-64) kept things in check, dismissing Root and Harry Brook (3), while Labuschagne (2-41) chipped in with crucial wickets.
A Statement Victory
With this thrilling win, Australia sent a strong message to the tournament’s contenders. Inglis’s heroic innings will be remembered as one of the greatest in ODI history, ensuring Australia’s campaign began with a statement victory over their arch-rivals.
