It’s a match that will be etched in Champions Trophy history, Australia pulled off a stunning victory against England in their opening encounter at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. Josh Inglis played the innings of his life, scoring an unbeaten 120 off just 86 balls, to guide Australia to a five-wicket win, chasing down a mammoth target of 352.
The match was a tale of two centuries. Earlier in the day, England's Ben Duckett etched his name in the record books, smashing a breathtaking 165. This made him the first-ever batter to reach 150 in a Champions Trophy match, surpassing the previous record of 145 held jointly by Nathan Astle and Andy Flower. Duckett's incredible innings propelled England to a formidable total of 351 for 8 after being asked to bat first.
However, Australia, despite a shaky start, refused to be intimidated. Inglis, coming in at a precarious position, played with remarkable composure and aggression. His innings, studded with boundaries, completely shifted the momentum of the game. It wasn't just a match-winning knock; it was a statement.
The successful chase wasn't just a win; it was a record. Australia's effort marked the highest successful run chase in the history of ICC men's events, a testament to their batting depth and never-say-die attitude. They reached the target with 15 balls to spare (47.3 overs).
The match lineups featured some familiar names. For Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith (captain), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis. Representing England were: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (captain), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood.
While Duckett's innings was undoubtedly a masterclass, it ultimately ended up on the losing side, overshadowed by Inglis's incredible display of power hitting and game management. The match served as a thrilling start to the Champions Trophy 2025, showcasing the high level of competition and the potential for record-breaking performances. It's a reminder that in cricket, even the most imposing totals can be overcome with skill, determination, and a bit of brilliance.
