Josh Inglis Leads Australia to Historic ICC Champions Trophy Victory Over England

Australia's Record-Breaking Chase in Lahore

In a nail-biting opener of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Australia etched their name in the history books by successfully chasing down a daunting target of 352 runs against England, clinching a thrilling five-wicket win. This remarkable feat was majorly owed to the stellar performance of Josh Inglis, whose unbeaten 120 off 86 balls proved to be the backbone of Australia's successful chase.

Facing a massive total set by England, Australia's chase was not merely a display of brute force but also of strategic partnerships. Inglis' innings was the driving force, with notable support from Alex Carey, who contributed a solid 69, and Mathew Short, adding a crucial 58 runs. Their combined efforts steered Australia to what is now the highest successful run chase in the tournament's history.

The game unfolded under immense pressure for both teams. Australia, missing formidable players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, had to rely on their bench strength and strategic cricketing prowess. Yet, they rose to the occasion, demonstrating their capacity to perform even without their star power.

England's Batting Heroics Fall Short

On the flip side, England's innings was predominantly shaped by Ben Duckett's extraordinary performance. Duckett not only secured his career-best of 165 off 143 balls but also set a tournament milestone that underscored the depth in England's batting lineup. He received commendable support from Joe Root, who chipped in with 68 runs. Their efforts propelled England to a formidable 351/8, laying down a target that historically would have been considered safe.

However, the massive total wasn't enough to stave off a fiercely determined Australian side. The English bowlers struggled to maintain their grip, primarily due to the challenging dewy conditions that played spoilsport towards the end of the innings.

While England sought to bounce back after a demoralizing 3-0 ODI series defeat to India, this match further exposed chinks in their bowling armor. Despite their efforts with the bat, they couldn't prevent Australia's relentless pursuit of the target.

With this win, the dynamics of Group B have shifted, with Australia now joining South Africa in chalking up initial victories. The performance validated Australia's reputation as formidable competitors, undeterred by the absence of several frontline players.