LAHORE – Australia pulled off a sensational victory over England, chasing down a record 352-run target to win by five wickets in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium. This thrilling encounter not only secured Australia’s strong start in the tournament but also set multiple records in ODI cricket history.
Australia’s successful chase of 352 runs is now the highest run chase in ICC 50-over events, surpassing all previous records. This feat also stands as their second-highest ODI run chase, just behind their famous 359-run pursuit against India in 2013.
A Historic Match with Record-Breaking Performances
The high-scoring match witnessed a combined 707-run aggregate, setting a new record for the highest total in ICC Champions Trophy history. This surpassed the previous record of 643 runs, set in a 2017 clash between India and Sri Lanka.
England posted a formidable 351/8, largely driven by Ben Duckett’s breathtaking 165 off 142 balls. His innings broke Nathan Astle’s record (145 runs) for the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history. Duckett also became England’s highest individual scorer in the tournament, overtaking Joe Root’s 133-run knock against Bangladesh in 2017.
With England’s 351/8, it now ranks as the third-highest ODI total at Gaddafi Stadium, behind Pakistan’s 375/3 vs. Zimbabwe (2015) and Sri Lanka’s 357/9 vs. Bangladesh (2008).
England’s Innings: Duckett and Root Shine
After opting to bat first, England suffered an early blow as Phil Salt fell for 10, courtesy of Ben Dwarshuis and a brilliant catch by Alex Carey. Jamie Smith showed promise with a few well-timed boundaries but was dismissed for 15, leaving England at 43/2.
However, Joe Root joined Duckett in a remarkable 158-run partnership for the third wicket. Root’s 68-run knock featured four boundaries, stabilizing the innings.
Following Root’s dismissal in the 30th over, Duckett continued his dominance, reaching his century with back-to-back boundaries. Even after Harry Brook was dismissed cheaply for 3, Duckett built another 61-run stand with Jos Buttler (21), propelling England past 300.
Adam Zampa emerged as the best Australian bowler, picking up two wickets in 10 overs, while the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain England’s batting.
Australia’s Chase: A Record-Breaking Run Chase
Despite England’s strong total, Australia’s deep batting lineup proved too strong. Travis Head, Matt Short, and Steve Smith played key roles in constructing the chase. The historic win once again reinforced Australia’s dominance in ICC events.
Speaking before the match, England captain Jos Buttler stated, “Every match against Australia in ICC tournaments is crucial. We will try to set a strong target.” Meanwhile, Australian captain Steve Smith remained confident despite missing key bowlers, saying, “We aim to restrict England and chase confidently. The team is in great form.”
Playing XIs:
Australia:
- Travis Head, 2. Matt Short, 3. Steve Smith (capt), 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Josh Inglis (wk), 6. Alex Carey, 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Spencer Johnson
England:
- Ben Duckett, 2. Phil Salt, 3. Jamie Smith (wk), 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Jos Buttler (capt), 7. Liam Livingstone, 8. Brydon Carse, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Mark Wood
This match sets the stage for an exciting ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with teams battling for supremacy in ODI cricket. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the tournament progresses.
