It was a night of shattered records and shifting fortunes as Australia launched their Champions Trophy campaign with a stunning five-wicket victory over England. Chasing an imposing 351, Australia delivered a run chase for the ages, led by Josh Inglis’ blistering century and a composed finish from Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell.
England’s Early Dominance
England entered the tournament under immense scrutiny, their recent ODI form bordering on dismal. But any doubts about their intent were swiftly erased as Ben Duckett played an innings of remarkable grit, etching his name in history with a staggering 165 runs—the highest-ever individual score in Champions Trophy history.
The early departure of Phil Salt could have rattled England, but Duckett, alongside Joe Root, stabilized the innings with a crucial 158-run partnership. Root’s 68 was a masterclass in anchoring an innings, ensuring England did not squander their strong start. England’s middle order, however, fell short of expectations. With wickets tumbling in the death overs, a total that should have exceeded 375 ended at 351 for 8.
Australia’s Chase: Inglis at the Helm
A total of 351 would have unnerved most teams—but not this Australian side. Despite losing Travis Head early to a fiery Jofra Archer spell, the Australians never looked out of control. Mark Wood’s express pace troubled them momentarily, dismissing Steve Smith with a sharp delivery, but Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Short quickly recalibrated the innings, ensuring the chase remained on track.
Then came the Inglis show.
With an authoritative 120* off just 77 balls, Josh Inglis played an innings that will be replayed for years. It was the joint-fastest century in the history of the Champions Trophy, and more importantly, it came when his team needed it most. Partnering with Carey, the two dismantled England’s spin attack, exploiting the dew factor to perfection. England’s bowlers, particularly Adil Rashid, started well, but once the ball started skidding on, their control evaporated.
Inglis and Carey put on a 146-run stand, milking the spinners, hammering the seamers, and reducing the once-daunting target to a mere formality. By the time Carey fell for 69, the game was all but sealed.
Enter Maxwell.
Glenn Maxwell’s cameo (32* off 15) was the final nail in England’s coffin. He swung his bat with characteristic fearlessness, ensuring the chase concluded with 15 balls to spare. Australia had pulled off the highest successful run chase in Champions Trophy history.
What Went Wrong for England?
It’s easy to pinpoint England’s misstep—their bowling lacked a killer instinct. Jofra Archer bowled with menace in the PowerPlay, but the support from the other end was underwhelming. Rashid’s strong start faded when Inglis and Carey took him on, and Wood, after an electrifying opening spell, struggled in his second. The death overs were particularly abysmal, with dew neutralizing their variations.
England’s batting, despite Duckett’s heroics, also left gaps. The middle and lower order failed to maximize the last ten overs, a failure that proved decisive in hindsight.
What This Means for the Tournament
For Australia, this is a statement victory. Their batting lineup looks formidable, their finishing clinical, and their temperament rock solid. Inglis has announced himself as a key player, and Maxwell’s return to form adds an ominous layer to their depth.
For England, there’s work to be done. Their top order is firing, but the rest need to step up. Their bowlers, despite individual flashes of brilliance, need a revised game plan to counter conditions that neutralize swing and grip.
But as always, the game marches on. Australia has drawn first blood, and if this match is any indication, the Champions Trophy 2025 is just getting started.
Match Summary:
England: 351/8 in 50 overs (Ben Duckett 165, Joe Root 68; Ben Dwarshuis 3-66)
Australia: 356/5 in 47.3 overs (Josh Inglis 120*, Alex Carey 69, Matthew Short 63; Adil Rashid 1-47)
Result: Australia won by 5 wickets
