Lahore, February 22, 2025: Josh Inglis’ blistering century overshadowed Ben Duckett’s brilliant 165, as a depleted Australia secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over England in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a formidable 352-run target, Australia sealed victory with five wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare, thanks to a game-changing partnership between Inglis and Alex Carey.
However, the pursuit started on a shaky note as Travis Head (6) and Steve Smith (5) fell early, leaving Australia struggling at 27/2 within the first five overs.
Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Short revived the innings with a 95-run stand, keeping Australia in contention. Labuschagne contributed 47 off 45 balls, while Short struck a 66-ball 63, including nine fours and a six.
England briefly regained momentum after dismissing both batters in quick succession, but Inglis and Carey wrestled control back with a 146-run partnership off just 116 balls.
Carey played a crucial supporting role with 69 off 63 deliveries (eight fours) before falling to Brydon Carse in the 42nd over.
Inglis, however, remained unbeaten and took Australia over the line with a superb 120 off 86 balls, featuring eight fours and six sixes.
He also stitched a 70-run stand with Glenn Maxwell (32 off 15), who smashed four boundaries and two sixes in a late flourish.
For England, the bowling attack struggled to contain Australia, with Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Carse, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood picking up a wicket each.
Earlier, England posted 351/8 in their 50 overs, thanks to a dominant third-wicket partnership between Duckett and Joe Root.
Despite losing Phil Salt (10) and Jamie Smith (15) early to Ben Dwarshuis, England recovered from 43/2 in 5.2 overs with a commanding 158-run stand between Duckett and Root.
Root’s 68 off 78 balls (four fours) ended when Adam Zampa removed him in the 34th over, triggering a brief collapse as Harry Brook (3) departed soon after.
Duckett, however, held firm and added valuable runs with Jos Buttler (23), Livingstone (14), and Carse (8) before being dismissed by Labuschagne in the 48th over.
His stunning 165 off 143 balls, including 17 fours and three sixes, was the backbone of England’s innings.
Dwarshuis was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, returning 3/66 in his 10 overs, while Zampa (2/58) and Labuschagne (2/43) chipped in with key breakthroughs. Maxwell also claimed one wicket.
