Lahore – In the fourth match of the Champions Trophy, England set the highest-ever target in the tournament’s history, thanks to a brilliant innings by Ben Duckett. However, Australia chased down the 352-run target with two overs to spare, setting a new record.
Josh Inglis dominated the English bowlers, smashing a remarkable century to lead his team to victory. England had set a target of 352 runs, which Australia successfully chased in the 48th over with five wickets in hand.
In the match played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Australia won the toss and opted to field first. England, batting first, scored 351 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 50 overs. Ben Duckett played an outstanding knock of 165 runs.
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Ben Duckett Sets a New Champions Trophy Record
In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against Australia, England’s Ben Duckett shattered a 21-year-old record. He now holds the record for the highest individual innings in Champions Trophy history. Duckett scored 165 runs against Australia, surpassing New Zealand’s Nathan Astle’s 145-run unbeaten innings against the USA in 2004.
Joe Root was England’s second-highest scorer with 68 runs, while other contributions came from Jos Buttler (23), Jofra Archer (21), Jamie Smith (15), Liam Livingstone (14), and Phil Salt (10). Australia’s bowling attack was led by Ben Dwarshuis, who took three wickets, while Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne claimed two wickets each, and Glenn Maxwell picked up one.
Australia’s Run Chase
Australia had a shaky start, losing aggressive batter Travis Head for just 6 runs and captain Steve Smith for 5. However, a crucial 95-run partnership between Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings. Labuschagne was dismissed for 47 at 122, followed by Short for 63 at 136.
Josh Inglis and Alex Carey then formed a match-winning 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Carey contributed 69 runs before getting out.
Inglis, however, was unstoppable, forging a 50-run stand with Glenn Maxwell. He scored his maiden international century, smashing 120 runs off 86 balls, including 8 fours and 6 sixes. Maxwell added a quickfire 32 off 15 balls. England’s bowlers struggled, with Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, and Liam Livingstone taking one wicket each.
Josh Inglis was named Player of the Match for his exceptional batting performance.
Josh Inglis Praises Gaddafi Stadium and Fans
After the match, Josh Inglis praised the atmosphere at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, stating that he thoroughly enjoyed the game. He credited Labuschagne and Short for providing a solid foundation. Inglis mentioned that despite early wickets falling, they maintained the required run rate and didn’t focus too much on the scoreboard.
He also commended the pitch, saying that although 350 is a big target, the conditions were excellent for batting. Speaking about their next match, Inglis acknowledged Afghanistan’s capabilities, stating that Australia was well aware of their strengths.
Steve Smith Lauds Team’s Performance
Australia’s captain Steve Smith praised his team’s performance after the 5-wicket victory. He acknowledged that while he and Travis Head failed to perform, Matthew Short played an excellent innings.
Smith justified choosing to field first, explaining that the ball was getting wet during practice, which influenced their decision. He said that while England could have reached 400, Australia managed to control the game with disciplined bowling.
The Australian skipper also praised Josh Inglis, stating that both wicketkeeper-batters were in great form and that Inglis played shots all over the ground without even reaching his full potential.
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Jos Buttler: “Both Teams Played Brilliantly”
Despite the loss, England captain Jos Buttler commended his team’s effort, calling it a thrilling match. He acknowledged Australia’s victory, especially Inglis’s outstanding innings.
Buttler noted that while 350 was a competitive score, the wet conditions and dew made bowling difficult. He praised Ben Duckett’s 165-run knock, saying that he had been close to playing such a big innings for a while.
The England skipper emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships rather than just individual performances. He appreciated Root and Duckett’s efforts and noted that Root and Livingstone bowled well but struggled to break crucial partnerships.
Buttler expressed confidence in his team, saying that if they continued scoring 350 consistently, they would win most matches.
