Australia delivered a stunning performance to defeat England by five wickets in a thrilling Champions Trophy clash at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Chasing a daunting 352—the highest team total in the tournament’s history—Australia pulled off the biggest successful run chase in ICC men’s tournament history, finishing at 356/5 with 15 balls to spare.
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
England’s innings was anchored by Ben Duckett’s magnificent 165, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, supported by Joe Root’s 68. Their 158-run third-wicket partnership propelled England to 351/8, despite Ben Dwarshuis’ 3-66 keeping Australia in the game. With dew aiding the chase, Australia’s batters seized the opportunity on a flat pitch.
Josh Inglis emerged as the hero, smashing an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls, including eight fours and six sixes, to claim his maiden ODI century. After early setbacks with Travis Head (2) and Steve Smith (5) falling cheaply, Matthew Short (63) and Marnus Labuschagne (47) steadied the innings.
A game-changing 146-run stand between Inglis and Alex Carey (69) tilted the scales in favour of Australia, though Carey’s exit left 70 runs needed off 50 balls. Enter Glenn Maxwell, whose explosive 32 not out off 15 balls sealed the deal alongside Inglis, who fittingly ended it with a six.
England’s bowlers, including Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, struggled to contain Australia’s relentless batting. This victory, with a depleted bowling attack missing Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, showcased Australia’s depth and sent a strong message in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
Brief Scores: Australia - 356/5 in 47.3 overs (Josh Inglis - 120*, Jofra Archer - 1/82) defeated England - 351/8 in 50 overs (Ben Duckett - 165, Ben Dwarshius - 3/66) by a margin of 5 wickets with 15 balls remaining
