Australia pulled off a remarkable run chase against England in the Champions Trophy, securing a five-wicket victory in a high-scoring Group B clash. Josh Inglis scored a century which helped he team to go past England’s 351-8 which is a record total. Scoring an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls by Josh Inglis, with contributions from Alex Carey and Matthew Short, helped Australia get over the finish line with 15 balls to spare.
England Sets a Record Total
England, after being put into bat, posted the highest total in the tournament’s history. Ben Duckett scored a brilliant 165-run knock, during which he put together a 158-run stand with Joe Root, who scored 68. Jos Buttler and the rest of the lower order made valuable contributions as England scored over 350. Duckett’s innings beat Nathan Astle for the most runs in a Champions Trophy innings.
Even though the batting was all England, the bowlers got some crucial wickets for Australia. Ben Dwarshuis, taking 3-66, found success early with the wicket of Jamie Smith, with wickets also falling to Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne. Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith said they feared England might go past 400 in the World Cup match but were confident of chasing it down.
Australia’s Chase Begins with Early Setbacks
Their response started shakily when Jofra Archer removed Travis Head with a return catch. Mark Wood then bowled Steve Smith at 150-kph leaving Australia in a bit of a bother. However, a partnership between Short and Labuschagne steadying the innings was only met with counteractions from England’s spinners, Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone.
Inglis then decided to take control as he put on a 146-run partnership with Carey, who was dropped on 49 by Archer. Josh Inglis went to his century pretty quickly, off 77 balls. Reaching the mark, he hit a six off Archer. His aggressive batting took Australia to the driver’s seat without losing any control.
Maxwell Seals Victory in Style
Brydon Carse removed Carey in the 42nd over, but Glenn Maxwell stepped in with an unbeaten 32 off just 15 balls. His explosive innings took the pressure of Josh Inglis, who finished the chase in style with his sixth six. Australais great effort was highest successful run chase in an ICC tournament.
Although Australia didn’t have their pacers, the second-string attack got the final touch. Carey took the catch that sent Phil Salt back early on. The wicketkeeper-batter’s stunning catch put Australia right back in it.
England Acknowledges Australia’s Impressive Chase
England captain Buttler acknowledged the quality of Australia’s chase, admitting that while their total was competitive, the conditions slightly favored the batting side. The dew impact was highlight which made it tough to bowl.
It’s damp, and there was always a thought it may slide on better, might have skidded, Buttler stated. However, no matter the conditions, chasing 350 is a fantastic effort. Australia’s dominance believes they are a good team in white ball cricket. With this win, they got on a roll in the tournament after proving they could chase anything down.
