Australia have pulled off a historic run-chase, chasing down 352 to defeat England by five wickets in their Champions Trophy 2025 opener at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. This marks the highest successful chase in ICC tournament history, surpassing all previous records.
Josh Inglis played a match-winning knock, finishing unbeaten and steering Australia to their first Champions Trophy victory since the 2009 final. While many expected seasoned campaigners like Travis Head or Steve Smith to lead the charge, it was Australia’s ability to step up in ICC events that made the difference yet again.
Historic Chase: Key Records Broken
- 352 – highest total in Champions Trophy batting 1st or 2nd
- Highest successful chase in ICC ODI events
- Australia’s second-highest successful ODI chase ever
- Highest successful chase against England in ODIs
- Second-highest successful chase on Pakistan soil
Match-Defining Moment
Mark Wood to Josh Inglis, SIX!
With Australia closing in on victory, Inglis received a delivery on the pads and flicked it effortlessly to the leg-side. Joe Root, stationed at deep mid-wicket, leaped high attempting a stunning one-handed catch but couldn’t hold on. The ball sailed over the boundary for six, all but sealing Australia’s triumph.
Josh Inglis | Player of the Match
“Over the moon, great win. We knew it was going to be tough coming up against England, it always is. 350 – a lot of things have to go right to chase that down. Really pumped on a personal level. For the guys out there, it was a great performance.”
“We didn’t talk too much at the halfway stage. We knew that with the dew, it was going to be better for us batting second. He (Carey) doesn’t say much while batting, just a few words here and there. I tried not to look at the scoreboard. Their part-time options are handy, but we tried to be proactive. It was always going to skid on nicely at the back end. Short, sharp tournament, we’ll recover and look forward to the next game.”
How the Match Unfolded
England’s Batting
Ben Duckett’s brilliant 165 off 143 balls helped England post a massive total of 351/8, the highest-ever total in Champions Trophy history. Duckett became the first batter in Champions Trophy history to cross the 150-run mark. His partnership with Joe Root (68) laid the foundation, while Jofra Archer’s late 21-run cameo helped England cross 350.
For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis (3/66) led the bowling attack, with Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne taking two wickets each.
Australia’s Chase
Despite early setbacks, Inglis (unbeaten) and Alex Carey (69) built a crucial stand, keeping Australia in the hunt. Carey’s dismissal in the 42nd over brought Glenn Maxwell to the crease, and with Inglis leading from the front, Australia secured a famous victory.