Australia did the unthinkable as they pulled off the highest run-chase in the history of Champions Trophy following their five-wicket win over England in Lahore on February 22. This win marked the first time in ICC ODI tournament history that a team successfully chased a target exceeding 350 runs.
Australia record highest run-chase in Champions Trophy history
With this Australia shattered Pakistan's previous record of 345 runs, set against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup. It was also the highest run chase in Champions Trophy history as Australia overhauled a 352-run target to break Sri Lanka’s record of 322 against India back in 2017 at the Kennington Oval in London.
Josh Inglis tonked his maiden ODI century, which came off in just 77 balls at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to dampen Ben Duckett's towering 165 runs off 143, which the highest ever individual score of the tournament.
The Australian run chase was anchored by a magnificent century from Josh Inglis, who played a match-winning innings (120 off 86). He was well supported by Alex Carey (69), Matthew Short (63), and Marnus Labuschagne (47), all of whom made a big contributions to the successful pursuit. Earlier in the match, England had posted a formidable total of 351/8 in their 50 overs, driven by Ben Duckett's record-breaking 165, which included 17 fours and 3 sixes, and a solid 68 from Joe Root.
Australia's victory over England marked a massive milestone, being their first Champions Trophy win since 2009. This win also saw them achieve the highest run-chase in ICC tournament history, surpassing Pakistan's 345 against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Conversely, England's defeat extended their losing streak in ODIs, following a 0-3 series loss to India.
England's innings was highlighted by Ben Duckett's record-breaking 165, which propelled them to 351/8. Despite early wickets, Duckett and Joe Root forged a crucial 158-run partnership, with Root contributing 68. Duckett continued his dominance until the 48th over, and Jofra Archer's late cameo pushed England past 350. Ben Dwarshuis was Australia's leading bowler, taking three wickets, while Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne each took two.
Australia's run-chase, initially appearing daunting, was executed with precision. Early wickets from Archer and Mark Wood put Australia under pressure, but Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne's 95-run partnership initiated a strong recovery.
Adil Rashid broke the crucial partnership between Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne, dismissing Labuschagne for 47. Shortly after, Liam Livingstone removed Short, giving England a glimmer of hope. However, the momentum shifted decisively back towards Australia with a remarkable 146-run partnership between Josh Inglis and Alex Carey. Carey's 69 off 63 balls, featuring eight boundaries, played a pivotal role in regaining control of the chase.
At the other end, Inglis maintained a consistent scoring rate, ensuring the required run rate remained manageable. He found a dynamic partner in Glenn Maxwell, who contributed a rapid, unbeaten 32 off just 15 balls, including four fours and two sixes. The unbroken 74-run partnership between Inglis and Maxwell effectively sealed the victory for Australia, leaving the English bowlers with no room to recover.
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