LAHORE:
Australia staged a stunning chase against England in the Champions Trophy on Saturday, with Josh Inglis’s explosive century guiding them to a thrilling five-wicket victory in a high-scoring Group B encounter.
England, after being put in to bat, posted a record-breaking 351-8, powered by opener Ben Duckett’s brilliant 165. However, Australia surpassed the target with ease, reaching 352-5 with 15 balls to spare.
Inglis, born in Leeds to English parents, led the charge with an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls, while Alex Carey (69) and Matthew Short (63) provided crucial support with half-centuries.
“We always believed 350 was a chaseable target,” said Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith. “At one point, it seemed they might cross 400, so credit to our bowlers for pulling it back. We remained confident in our batting lineup.”
Australia’s chase, however, began on a shaky note. Jofra Archer dismissed the dangerous Travis Head with a return catch, while Mark Wood sent Smith packing with a fiery 150-kph delivery. Short and Marnus Labuschagne (47) steadied the innings before England’s spinners, Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone, struck back.
Inglis then took charge, forging a match-defining 146-run stand with Carey. England missed a crucial chance when Archer dropped Carey on 49. Although Brydon Carse removed Carey in the 42nd over, Inglis powered through, smashing a six off Archer to reach his hundred in just 77 balls. Glenn Maxwell added a rapid 32 off 15 balls, ensuring a smooth finish as Inglis sealed the win with his sixth six.
Australia fielded a second-string pace attack, with regular captain Pat Cummins among the missing frontline bowlers. Opting to bowl first, they found an early breakthrough through Alex Carey’s spectacular one-handed catch at mid-on to dismiss Phil Salt off Ben Dwarshuis (3-66).
Dwarshuis and Carey combined again to remove Jamie Smith, whose promotion to No. 3 failed to pay off. Duckett and Joe Root (68) then built a formidable 158-run partnership, setting the foundation for England’s total.
Adam Zampa dismissed Root, while Jos Buttler departed for 23, but Duckett continued his onslaught, surpassing Nathan Astle’s record for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. His 143-ball knock, featuring 17 fours and three sixes, finally ended when Labuschagne trapped him lbw.
England skipper Buttler acknowledged Australia’s remarkable chase. “We put up a pretty good total. The conditions, especially with the dew, might have favored the batting side later on. Regardless, chasing down 350 was an outstanding effort by them,” he said.
