In a high-octane encounter at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Australia secured a thrilling victory over England in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday, successfully chasing down a formidable target with 15 balls to spare.
The clash between these two cricketing giants delivered a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.
England, batting first, posted an imposing total of 351 runs in their allotted 50 overs. The standout performer for England was Phil Salt, who played a breathtaking knock of 165 runs, anchoring his side with exquisite strokeplay. Joe Root provided valuable support, contributing 68 runs to the total. With Ben Duckett also chipping in with a century, England looked well-placed to challenge Australia’s bowling attack. However, Australia showed resilience with the ball, as Ben Dwarshuis led the charge with three vital wickets, while Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne grabbed two each. Glenn Maxwell also pitched in with a crucial breakthrough to curb England’s momentum in the final overs.
When Australia began their chase, early wickets put them on the back foot. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood struck early blows, putting Australia under pressure. However, Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings with a composed 95-run partnership. Short played a fluent knock of 63, while Labuschagne anchored the middle order before both departed in quick succession, leaving the match evenly poised.
Enter wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who produced a masterclass under pressure. Inglis blasted a breathtaking 120 off just 86 balls, smashing six towering sixes and eight boundaries. He found a perfect ally in Alex Carey, who contributed a well-constructed 69. Their match-defining century stand tilted the game in Australia’s favor. Even as Carey fell, Maxwell ensured there were no hiccups, delivering a final flourish that saw Australia complete the highest-ever ODI chase in ICC tournament history.
For England, missed chances proved costly. Jofra Archer’s dropped catch of Carey added to their misery, while Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone’s breakthroughs weren’t enough to stop the Australian juggernaut. With this emphatic win, Australia reinforced their dominance over their arch-rivals, while England now faces an uphill battle to keep their semifinal hopes alive.