Josh Inglis delivered the innings of his career, smashing his maiden ODI century with an unbeaten 120 runs. His brilliant performance outshone Ben Duckett’s 165 as defending champions Australia chased down a record total to defeat England by five wickets in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match on Saturday.

Australia Sets Record with Highest-Ever ICC White-Ball Chase

Australia’s five-wicket victory marked the highest successful run chase in an ICC white-ball tournament. The previous record belonged to Pakistan, who chased 345 against Sri Lanka in the 2023 Men’s World Cup. England set a challenging target of 351/8, with Duckett leading the charge. His career-best 165 off 143 balls, featuring 17 boundaries and three sixes, propelled England past New Zealand’s 347/4 against the USA in 2004—the previous highest total in Champions Trophy history. However, the flat pitch at Gaddafi Stadium and a rapid outfield made any target vulnerable. As a result, Australia chased the total comfortably in 47.3 overs.

Inglis Leads the Charge

Inglis took apart England’s bowling attack, smashing six sixes and eight fours in his 86-ball knock. Moreover, his 146-run fifth-wicket partnership with Alex Carey (69 off 63 balls) turned the match in Australia’s favor. Carey departed in the 42nd over, leaving Australia needing 70 off 50 balls. Fortunately, Glenn Maxwell (32* off 15 balls) provided the perfect finishing support. Finally, Inglis sealed the win in style, smashing Mark Wood for a six over deep midwicket with 15 balls to spare. He reached his maiden ODI hundred in his 28th match in spectacular fashion, launching Jofra Archer into the stands at midwicket.

Australia Overcomes Early Setbacks

England started strong, with Archer removing Travis Head (6) in the fourth over. Then, Duckett took a sharp catch in the slips to dismiss stand-in skipper Steve Smith (5), leaving Australia struggling at 27/2. Marnus Labuschagne (47) and Matthew Short (63) counterattacked, adding 95 runs off 91 balls. Labuschagne took on Brydon Carse, smashing 14 runs in one over, while Short maintained the momentum. Just as Australia seemed to recover, England struck back, dismissing both in quick succession. At 136/4, England looked in control. Nevertheless, Inglis and Carey fought back with aggressive stroke play. Inglis dominated the 27th over, scoring 15 runs, including four byes. England missed crucial chances, with Archer dropping Carey on 49. Soon after, Carey reached his 11th ODI fifty, and Inglis punished Archer with consecutive boundaries in the next over.

England’s Strong Start with the Bat

England, put in to bat, struggled early at 43/2 inside the powerplay. However, Duckett then built a 158-run partnership with Joe Root (68) before adding 61 more with skipper Jos Buttler (23 off 21 balls), guiding England to 351/8. Duckett paced his innings smartly, mixing caution with aggression. He set the tone early, stepping out to Maxwell for a six in the second over. Once settled, he rotated the strike efficiently with Root, building a solid foundation before shifting gears later in the innings. He reached his century in 95 balls with back-to-back boundaries off Spencer Johnson, marking his second ODI ton against Australia.

Australian Bowlers Struggle Without Star Trio

Australia’s depleted bowling attack missed key pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, who were ruled out due to injuries. Furthermore, their frontline spinner Adam Zampa struggled as Duckett took him apart. Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis (3/66) made early breakthroughs. However, the attack lacked sharpness. Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis was the most economical bowler, maintaining tight lines despite finishing wicketless (0/51 from 10 overs).

Carey’s Stunning Catch and England’s Mixed Performances

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey played a vital role behind the stumps, taking two catches. His best was a spectacular one-handed grab to dismiss Phil Salt (10), leaping with both feet off the ground to complete a stunning catch. England debutant Jamie Smith (15) showed promise with elegant strokes before losing his wicket. As a result, Root arrived in the sixth over to steady England’s innings. Alongside Duckett, he stitched together a crucial 158-run stand off 155 balls. Duckett, carrying his fine form from the India series, reached his maiden ICC tournament fifty in 49 balls with a boundary off Johnson. Despite England’s high total, Australia’s fearless batting ensured a historic chase, securing a thrilling victory to start their Champions Trophy campaign.