Australia made history on February 22, 2025, by achieving the highest successful run chase ever recorded in Champions Trophy history, overcoming England by five wickets at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The match was remarkable not only for the thrilling cricket but also for the personal achievements of individual players, particularly Josh Inglis, who played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumph.
England set the pace first, scoring 351 runs, with opener Ben Duckett delivering a stunning performance, scoring 165 runs off 143 balls. This innings not only set the record for the highest score by any individual batsman in the competition's history but also solidified Duckett’s status as one of England’s key players. Duckett's innings included 17 boundaries and 3 sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate against the Australian bowlers, who were missing several frontline players due to injury.
After Duckett’s departure, England struggled to maintain their momentum, scoring just 83 runs in the latter stages of their innings. Despite the strong opening, their final score felt underwhelming against the chasing prowess of the Australians, who entered the game without Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, who have almost 1,700 international wickets between them.
Australia’s response started shakily, with losses of key batsmen Travis Head and Steve Smith reducing them to 27 for 2. Yet, Josh Inglis, who had previously played for Yorkshire’s age-group sides, rose to the occasion. He scored 120 not out from 86 deliveries, including eight fours and six sixes, leading Australia to chase down the target with 15 balls to spare.
"I am over the moon. It's a great win," said Inglis, reflecting on his performance. His partnership with Alex Carey was particularly noteworthy, as the duo shared 146 runs for the fifth wicket. Carey's contribution of 69 runs also laid the foundation for the necessary acceleration as Australia approached the required total.
With the chase tightening for Australia, Inglis struck at key moments, particularly when the team needed stability and acceleration simultaneously. Upon reaching his century off just 77 balls with impactful shots, Inglis noted, "This gives us a lot of confidence in a short sharp tournament."
By the end of the innings, Australia had reached 356 runs for the loss of five wickets, establishing it not just as the highest chase in ICC tournaments but also serving as their record against England. It was confirmed, with great fanfare, through Inglis’s game-winning six off Mark Wood, ending the match with exuberance.
For England, the match was marked by missed opportunities, including Jofra Archer's dropped catch of Carey when he was on 49. Head coach Jos Buttler lamented the team's inability to consolidate on the early phase, calling it disappointing to have set such lofty ambitions only to falter under pressure.
Following this match, both teams will have to refocus for their next challenges. England now faces Afghanistan, needing to recover quickly to avoid early elimination from the tournament. Their defeat against Australia marks their 17th loss across 24 ODIs, the momentum reversing sharply since they began the tournament as champions.
Australia, on the other hand, demonstrated their resilience and fighting capability, turning what could have been a tumultuous start in their campaign after the loss of key players and significantly boosting team morale with their remarkable performance. The energy displayed by Inglis and his teammates has generated optimism and excitement as they prepare for their forthcoming matches.
This historic match not only sets records but re-establishes Australia as contenders, reminding everyone just how potent they can be, even when the odds seem stacked against them.