CT25: Aussies pull off record chase vs England as Inglis leads win with glorious hundred
Australia showcased its dominance in ICC tournaments once again, pulling off a historic run chase against England despite fielding a depleted squad. With six players missing from their 2023 World Cup-winning team and an entirely new bowling attack, Australia was under immense pressure after England posted a record total. However, the young Aussie side rose to the occasion, led by a brilliant century from Josh Inglis and vital contributions from Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschagne, and Alex Carey. Glenn Maxwell provided the finishing touches with a quick-fire cameo, sealing a stunning victory with 15 balls to spare.
England Posts Record Total But Falls Short
After losing the toss, England was put in to bat in Lahore. Opener Phil Salt fell cheaply for 10 runs, caught brilliantly by Alex Carey. Jamie Smith also failed to make an impact at No. 3. However, England’s innings stabilized with a superb 158-run partnership between Ben Duckett and Joe Root (68) , putting Australia on the back foot. Duckett went on to score a magnificent 165, breaking the Champions Trophy record for the highest individual score in an innings. His knock surpassed Nathan Astle’s 145 against the USA in 2004.
Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, Duckett held firm, raising hopes of a double century. However, he was eventually trapped LBW by Labuschagne. Towards the end, Jofra Archer’s quick 21 off 10 balls gave England’s total a further boost. Australia’s bowlers struggled with control, conceding 23 extras. England finished at 351/8 in 50 overs, setting a daunting target.
Australia’s Brave Response and Inglis’ Heroics
Chasing 352, Australia had a shaky start, losing Travis Head (6) and skipper Steve Smith (5) early. With their key batters back in the pavilion, Australia was under pressure and staring at a big defeat . However, opener Matthew Short (63) and Marnus Labuschagne (47) steadied the innings with a 95-run partnership, keeping the required run rate manageable.
England struck back, dismissing both set batters in quick succession. But Inglis and Carey then turned the game around. The duo took full advantage of the dew on the field, making it difficult for England’s bowlers—Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid—to grip the ball. Their aggressive stroke play ensured that the run rate never dipped.
Inglis and Carey built a crucial 146-run stand off just 116 balls, putting England on the defensive. Carey’s dismissal for 69 off Brydon Carse’s bowling gave England a glimmer of hope, but that was quickly extinguished as Maxwell took charge.
Maxwell’s Fireworks Seal the Win
With Inglis well set, Maxwell arrived at the crease and wasted no time launching big hits. As the match progressed, he grew more aggressive, hammering England’s bowlers all over the park. Inglis reached his maiden ODI century, anchoring the chase perfectly. In the 48th over, he sealed the win in style, smashing a six to finish unbeaten on a glorious 120 off 86 balls. Maxwell remained not out on 32 off just 15 balls, ensuring Australia’s incredible chase was completed with 15 balls to spare.
It must be said that the Inglis wonderful handling of the dangerous leg spin of Adil Rashid was the key to this win.
This victory not only gave Australia a winning start in the Champions Trophy but also reinforced their reputation as one of the most formidable teams in ICC tournaments, even with a revamped squad.
Comments
Post a Comment