Despite Duckett’s historic 165-run innings, England fell short as Australia successfully chased a record 352-run target, led by Josh Inglis’ unbeaten century.
Lahore [Pakistan], February 23: England captain Jos Buttler praised Ben Duckett’s record-breaking innings but acknowledged Australia’s superior performance in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash, where the Aussies chased down a mammoth 352-run target with five wickets to spare.
Duckett’s 165-run knock became the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, but his efforts were overshadowed by Josh Inglis’ unbeaten 120*, along with key contributions from Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell, sealing a stunning victory for Australia in Lahore.
“Fantastic game, both sides played really well. We put on a really good score there. Credit to Australia. Fantastic innings from Josh Inglis to see his side home. To chase down 350 is a fantastic effort,” Buttler said during the post-match presentation.
Duckett’s Brilliance Overshadowed by Inglis’ Match-Winning Knock
After being put to bat first, England stumbled early at 43/2, with Jamie Smith’s promotion to No.3 backfiring. However, Duckett and Joe Root (68 off 78 balls) counter-attacked with a 158-run partnership, guiding England past 200. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Duckett anchored the innings with an aggressive 165 off 143 balls (17 fours, 3 sixes), setting the highest-ever total in Champions Trophy history at 351/8.
For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis (3/66) was the standout bowler, while Adam Zampa (2/64) and Matthew Short (2/41) chipped in with crucial wickets.
Australia’s Record-Breaking Chase
Chasing 352, Australia suffered early setbacks, losing Travis Head and Steve Smith cheaply at 27/2. However, a 95-run partnership between Matt Short (63 off 66) and Marnus Labuschagne (47 off 45) stabilized the innings before another collapse saw them reduced to 136/4.
That’s when Inglis took control, stitching a match-defining 146-run stand with Alex Carey (69 off 63). Carey fell to Brydon Carse, but Inglis and Glenn Maxwell (32* off 15) powered Australia to victory in just 47.3 overs.
“Duckett played brilliantly. He’s been consistent in all formats. Just a shame that his innings came in a losing cause. Credit to Australia; we tried to break that Inglis-Carey partnership but couldn’t,” Buttler remarked.
With this record-breaking chase, Australia not only registered the highest-ever successful chase in Champions Trophy history but also the highest ODI run-chase on Pakistan soil.