Lahore (Web Desk): Australia defeated England by five wickets in Group B match of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
In a thrilling encounter, Josh Inglis' unbeaten 120 guided Australia to a record-breaking run-chase, as the world champions chased down a daunting 352 target in just 47.3 overs to defeat England.
Earlier in the day, England had set a towering total of 351-8, with opener Ben Duckett smashing a record-breaking 165 off 143 balls, the highest individual score in the history of the Champions Trophy.
Duckett’s remarkable knock, which included 17 fours and three sixes, surpassed the previous record of 145, held jointly by New Zealand's Nathan Astle (2004) and Zimbabwe's Andy Flower (2002).
The 30-year-old left-hander not only surpassed the individual record but also helped England set the highest team total in the tournament’s history, surpassing New Zealand's 347-4 against the USA in 2004. Duckett was well-supported by Joe Root, who contributed 68 off 78 balls in a third-wicket partnership of 158, setting the stage for England’s strong total.
Australia’s bowling attack, missing key pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, struggled in the face of England’s aggressive approach. With Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, and Nathan Ellis filling in, Dwarshuis was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3-66.
Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne also contributed with two wickets each. Duckett was eventually dismissed by part-time spinner Labuschagne in the 48th over, having improved on his previous best of 107 not out against Ireland in 2023.
England’s early charge was interrupted when opener Phil Salt (10) was dismissed by Dwarshuis in the second over, and the latter also accounted for Jamie Smith (15).
Birthday boy Harry Brook, along with Jos Buttler (23) and Liam Livingstone (14), had brief stints at the crease. Jofra Archer provided some late fireworks with a quick-fire 21* off 10 balls, as England finished with the highest total in the event’s history.
In response, Australia’s chase was led by Inglis, who held firm at the crease to ensure his side reached the target with ease.
Teams
Australia: Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
England: Jos Buttler (captain), Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood
