Australia pulled off a remarkable feat in cricket history, achieving the highest-ever successful run chase in the ICC Champions Trophy. In a captivating showdown at the Gaddafi Stadium, they outlasted England by five wickets in this heart-pounding Group B encounter. Faced with the intimidating target of 352 runs, Australia’s triumph was made possible by a breathtaking century from Josh Inglis, sailing to victory with 15 balls still in hand.
## Ben Duckett’s Stellar Performance Boosts England’s Score
After being invited to bat first, England set a lofty target of 351/8. Much of this impressive total was crafted by Ben Duckett’s masterful 165-run innings. Duckett showcased his skill with 17 boundaries and three sixes in a 143-ball display of precision and power. Joe Root also contributed significantly, adding a steady 68 from 78 deliveries. To top it off, quick-fire scores from Jos Buttler (23 off 21 balls) and Jofra Archer (21 off just 10 balls) helped England cross the 350-run threshold.
Australia’s bowlers had their moments too. Ben Dwarshuis led the charge with 3 for 66, while Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne chipped in, taking two wickets each to disrupt England’s flow.
## Inglis and Carey Guide Australia to Victory
In their chase, Australia saw early wickets fall with Travis Head (6) and Steve Smith (5) departing quickly. However, Matthew Short (63) and Marnus Labuschagne (47) helped stabilize the innings with key contributions. The tide truly turned when Inglis unleashed an exhilarating attack, notching up 120 runs from just 86 balls, including eight fours and six towering sixes.
Alex Carey provided indispensable support, scoring a fluent 69 off 63 balls, while Glenn Maxwell’s blitz of 32 off just 15 balls ensured Australia sealed the win in emphatic style.
England’s formidable pace duo, Jofra Archer (1/82) and Mark Wood (1/75), struggled to contain the onslaught, and despite economical spells from Adil Rashid (1/47) and Liam Livingstone (1/47), the lack of wickets in mid-overs proved costly.
Australia’s astounding chase of 352 now stands as the highest in ICC Champions Trophy history, reaffirming their status as a formidable tournament force. Inglis deservedly earned the Player of the Match title for his phenomenal innings.
### Fans React to the Historic Win
On social media, the cricketing world lit up with reactions to this remarkable achievement:
>”To be fair, that’s an incredible chase by the Aussies,” tweeted Michael Vaughan, former England captain.
>The ICC shared a glowing tribute: “An incredible century from Josh Inglis keeps Australia alive in the chase.”
>Praising Inglis’s heroics, Punjab Kings wrote, “Fantastic fifty by sadda 🦁 Josh Inglis, bringing back Australia in the game.”
>Mufaddal Vohra commented, “77 BALL HUNDRED BY JOSH INGLIS IN A 352 RUN CHASE. 🤯”
>Offering their applause, Rana Husnain Aleem tweeted, “An innings full of class, temperament, and character.”
These enthusiastic reactions capture the awe and respect sparked by Inglis’s stunning innings and Australia’s historic chase.
