Josh Inglis’ rapid century overshadowed Ben Duckett’s impressive 165 runs as Australia secured a remarkable five-wicket victory over England in the fourth match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
In pursuit of a challenging target of 352 runs, the former champions achieved their goal with the loss of five wickets and 15 balls remaining, thanks to a pivotal partnership between Inglis and fellow wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Australia’s chase began poorly, losing Travis Head (six) and Steve Smith (five) within the first five overs, leaving them with only 27 runs on the scoreboard.
After these early setbacks, Marnus Labuschagne joined Matthew Short at the crease, reviving the 2009 champions’ hopes with a brisk 95-run partnership before both were dismissed in quick succession.
Labuschagne scored 47 runs off 45 balls, while Short contributed a solid 63 runs from 66 balls, including nine fours and a six.
England’s resurgence was short-lived as Inglis and Carey shifted the momentum back in favor of Australia with a commanding 146-run partnership off just 116 balls.
Carey made 69 runs from 63 balls, featuring eight boundaries, before being dismissed by Brydon Carse in the 42nd over. Inglis, however, remained unbeaten, guiding Australia to a morale-boosting victory.
Inglis was the top scorer for Australia, finishing with 120 not out from 86 balls, which included eight fours and six sixes.
He also formed a vital 70-run partnership with Glenn Maxwell, who scored 32 not out off 15 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes.
For England, Liam Livingstone, Rashid, Carse, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood each claimed one wicket.
Batting first, England posted a total of 351 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs, largely due to a lengthy third-wicket partnership between Duckett and Joe Root.
