Australia's Unforgettable Chase
Australia pulled off an unforgettable victory against England in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener by chasing down a formidable target of 352 runs, setting a new record in the process. This remarkable feat took place in Lahore, where the Australians managed to outplay England in a match filled with stunning performances and unexpected twists.
Central to Australia's success was Josh Inglis, who played a gritty yet spectacular innings. Scoring an unbeaten 120 off just 86 balls, Inglis anchored the chase brilliantly. His century came at a crucial moment, highlighting both his determination and skill. He finished in style, hitting a six that cemented Australia's place in the record books.
The English team had earlier set the scoreboard ablaze with their highest-ever tournament total of 351/8, thanks to Ben Duckett. Duckett's 165 is now etched in history as the highest individual score in Champions Trophy matches. However, this remarkable effort fell short as England's severely hampered bowling lineup couldn't capitalise on their batting triumph.
Key Moments and Controversies
England's bowling attack struggled without their key pacers, Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, both missing due to injuries. Their absence was felt acutely, as the remaining bowlers could not handle the pressure of defending the high total. An unexpected dropped catch by Archer, from the sidelines, added to the mix of bad luck and missed opportunities. This error gave Alex Carey, who scored 69 off 63 balls, a lifeline, allowing him to forge a 146-run partnership with Inglis.
Adding fuel to the fire, Glenn Maxwell brought urgency towards the end of the chase, contributing a quick-fire 32 off just 15 balls. His aggressive performance included two sixes and two fours, ensuring Australia didn't falter before the finish line.
This match didn't escape drama outside the pitch either. A notable controversy arose over the absence of the Indian national anthem during the pre-game ceremony. Such incidents sparked discussions online, adding layers to an already intense showdown between cricketing giants.
As the dust settles from this breathtaking game, England faces tough questions about their strategy and execution, particularly in white-ball formats. Their struggles continue to show deficits in depth, a concern they will need to address as the tournament progresses.
Angela Harris March 7, 2025
Honestly, that chase was pure cinema. Inglis didn't just bat-he held the entire weight of the innings on his shoulders and didn't flinch. The way he timed that six? Chills.
England had the total, but their bowling looked like they were playing tag.
Vinay Menon March 7, 2025
This match reminded me why I love cricket. Duckett’s 165 was a masterpiece, but Australia’s chase was a symphony of grit and timing. The absence of Archer and Carse was a huge blow-bowling depth matters more than people admit.
Also, that dropped catch? Pure luck turned into destiny.
Doloris Lance March 8, 2025
Let’s be real-this is what happens when you prioritize T20 hype over proper bowling development. England’s entire white-ball strategy is built on a foundation of sand. They’re not just losing-they’re regressing. And don’t even get me started on the anthem nonsense. It’s not about politics, it’s about protocol. Professionalism is being eroded by performative distractions.
Carolette Wright March 8, 2025
I cried. I literally cried. That last six? I screamed so loud my cat ran away. Australia are legends. England just gave us a gift we didn’t ask for but will never forget.
Beverley Fisher March 9, 2025
OMG I was screaming at my screen when Inglis hit that six!! I was like, ‘THIS IS THE MOMENT’ and then my dog started barking and I just started bawling. Best. Match. Ever. I need a nap and a snack.
Anita Aikhionbare March 9, 2025
England thinks they own cricket. Nah. Australia just showed the world what real cricket looks like. And that anthem thing? Please. India didn’t even show up to the party, so why should we care? This is about the game, not politics.
Mark Burns March 10, 2025
So… Duckett scored a record 165 and still lost? That’s like winning the lottery and then forgetting to cash the ticket. England’s entire team looked like they were sleepwalking through the final 15 overs. And then there’s Inglis-quiet, calm, unstoppable. Like a ninja with a bat.
Also, the dropped catch? That was the plot twist of the century.
jen barratt March 10, 2025
There’s something beautiful about how cricket turns individual brilliance into collective triumph. Inglis didn’t just score runs-he held space for his team to breathe. And Carey? He didn’t just survive the drop, he turned it into fuel. This match wasn’t just about runs or wickets. It was about resilience. About showing up when the world expects you to break. That’s the soul of the game.
Also, Maxwell came in like a lightning bolt. Pure chaos. Perfect chaos.
Evelyn Djuwidja March 11, 2025
The notion that Australia ‘outplayed’ England is a gross misrepresentation. England posted the highest score in Champions Trophy history. Australia won due to a single dropped catch and an uncharacteristically poor bowling performance. This was not a masterclass-it was a failure of English discipline. The record chase is statistically impressive, but it does not equate to superior cricketing merit.
Alex Braha Stoll March 11, 2025
So England scored 351 and still lost? Bro. That’s like baking a 5-star cake and then tripping on the way to the table. Inglis was basically the main character in a Netflix series. And Maxwell? He was the hype man who showed up late but stole the whole damn show.
Also, the anthem thing? I don’t care. I just want more matches like this.
Rick Morrison March 11, 2025
An analysis of the match reveals a critical imbalance in England’s bowling strategy. The absence of Archer and Carse exposed a lack of rotational depth, particularly in the powerplay and death overs. Inglis’s strike rate of 139.53 was not merely a product of skill but also of sustained pressure relief-facilitated by the dropped catch and inconsistent line-and-length execution by England’s remaining bowlers. Furthermore, Maxwell’s intervention at 284/5 shifted the momentum from ‘chase’ to ‘inevitable,’ suggesting that Australia’s middle-order depth is significantly more robust than England’s. This match underscores the necessity for England to restructure their white-ball bowling pipeline.
Monika Chrząstek March 12, 2025
wow this match was so emotional!! Inglis was just so calm and strong, and even when things looked bad he just kept going. i think england really missed their fast bowlers, but also, the way australian batters supported each other? so beautiful. i hope this inspires more young girls to play cricket. i’m so proud of both teams, even though austraila won. 🙏❤️