Historic Run Chase at Champions Trophy: In a thrilling encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Australia pulled off a sensational victory against England, chasing down a massive target of 352 runs with five wickets to spare. This match will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in cricket history, with Australia showcasing their resilience and determination.
Match Highlights
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 351/8 | 50 | Lost by 5 wickets |
| Australia | 356/5 | 47.3 | Won |
England’s Batting Masterclass
England, after being put into bat by Australia, got off to a rocky start, losing two quick wickets. However, Ben Duckett and Joe Root turned the tide with a magnificent 158-run partnership for the third wicket. Duckett was the star of the innings, scoring a breathtaking 165 runs off 143 balls, including 17 fours and 3 sixes. His innings not only anchored England’s total but also set a new record for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
Joe Root played a crucial supporting role, contributing 68 runs off 78 balls. Despite their efforts, the rest of the English batting lineup struggled to make an impact. Jos Buttler (23) and Jofra Archer (21*) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures. Australia’s Ben Dwarshuis was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 66 runs, while Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne claimed two wickets each.
Australia’s Historic Run Chase
Chasing a daunting target of 352, Australia faced early setbacks, losing two wickets for just 27 runs. Opener Matthew Short (63) and Marnus Labuschagne (47) then steadied the innings with a 95-run partnership. However, at 136/4, the game seemed to be slipping away from Australia.
Enter Josh Inglis and Alex Carey. The duo forged a match-winning 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket, turning the game on its head. Inglis was the hero of the chase, scoring an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls, including 10 fours and 5 sixes. Carey played a vital supporting role, scoring 69 off 63 balls before being dismissed by Mark Wood. Glenn Maxwell provided the finishing touches, smashing 32* off just 15 balls to seal the victory with 15 balls to spare.
Key Performances
| Player | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Duckett | Batsman (England) | 165 runs (143 balls, 17 fours, 3 sixes) |
| Josh Inglis | Batsman (Australia) | 120* runs (86 balls, 10 fours, 5 sixes) |
| Alex Carey | Batsman (Australia) | 69 runs (63 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Bowler (Australia) | 3 wickets for 66 runs |
| Joe Root | Batsman (England) | 68 runs (78 balls, 4 fours) |
Turning Point of the Match
The turning point came when Jofra Archer dropped a straightforward catch of Alex Carey at a critical moment. Carey, then on 32, went on to score 69 and partnered with Inglis to take the game away from England. Their 146-run stand not only stabilized Australia’s innings but also set the stage for a thrilling finish.
Records Broken
- Highest Team Total in Champions Trophy: England’s 351/8 surpassed New Zealand’s previous record of 347/4 against the USA in 2004.
- Highest Individual Score in Champions Trophy: Ben Duckett’s 165 is now the highest individual score in the tournament’s history.
- Highest Successful Run Chase in Champions Trophy: Australia’s 356/5 is the highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history.
Player of the Match
Josh Inglis was awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning unbeaten 120. His innings was a masterclass in chasing under pressure, and his partnership with Carey turned the game in Australia’s favor.
