Australia's Epic Win Over England: Inglis Shines in Record Chase at Champions Trophy 2025
Mar, 7 2025
In an electrifying start to the Champions Trophy 2025, Australia pulled off a remarkable victory against England, chasing a record-breaking 352-run target at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. This win not only marks a significant achievement as the highest successful chase in ICC tournament history but also reaffirms Australia's strength in one-day internationals.
Inglis Leads with a Spectacular Century
The star of the day was undoubtedly Josh Inglis, whose magnificent innings of 120 runs from just 86 balls lit up the stadium. His scorecard boasted eight fours and six towering sixes, setting the stage for a thrilling pursuit of England's formidable score. Inglis played with composure and aggression, exemplifying the hallmark of the modern one-day game.
England's innings was shaped by Ben Duckett, who posted a tournament-record score of 165 off 143 balls, surpassing the iconic scores of Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. Duckett found support in Joe Root (68), forming a vital 158-run partnership, especially significant after England's shaky start where Phil Salt and Jamie Smith were swiftly removed by Ben Dwarshuis.
Strategic Partnerships Fuel Victory
Australia's chase was not without its hiccups. Early dismissals of key players Travis Head (6) and Steve Smith (5) set a tense tone. However, Matthew Short (63) and Marnus Labuschagne (47) provided stability, crafting an essential 95-run stand that bridged to the explosive innings by Inglis and Alex Carey (69).
The decisive moment came as Inglis and Carey amalgamated for a crucial 146-run partnership, keeping Australia ahead of the asking rate. As the match reached its climax, Glenn Maxwell swiftly contributed 31 runs from just 14 balls, sealing the victory with 15 balls to spare.
England's bowling unit, featuring Adil Rashid and Brydon Carse, appeared lackluster, unable to shackle Australia's middle order at critical junctures. The bowlers struggled to adjust strategies effectively, a pivotal shortcoming that Australia capitalized on with sheer dominance.
This monumental win underscores Australia's prowess and adaptability in ODIs, following their 2023 World Cup success. In contrast, England's defeat highlights ongoing challenges with their limited-overs strategy, following a disappointing 0-3 series loss to India. The match has set a dynamic tone for the tournament, with fans eagerly anticipating how the future games will unfold.