England Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match scorecard

Ben Duckett’s 165 was the heartbeat of England’s 351. Facing 143 balls, he blended caution with flair. His knock became the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. Duckett dismantled Australia’s spinners, particularly Adam Zampa, with ruthless precision. He plundered 50 runs off 36 balls from Zampa alone. Sweeps and innovative shots over mid-off kept the scoreboard ticking. His century arrived with consecutive fours off Spencer Johnson. Duckett’s three-hour, 35-minute innings showcased his evolution.

England’s Late Stumble in the Death Overs

England seemed poised for 400, reaching 268 for 4 after 40 overs. The final ten overs, however, yielded just 83 runs. Australia’s bowlers, including part-timer Marnus Labuschagne, tightened the screws. Labuschagne’s two overs at the death conceded only 12 runs. England’s middle order, despite Duckett’s brilliance, couldn’t accelerate. Root’s steady 67 lacked the late surge needed.

Australia’s mix of Sheffield Shield and Big Bash bowlers adapted well. Boundaries dried up as England lost momentum. This slowdown kept the total chaseable. The failure to capitalize on the deathovers proved pivotal. Australia sensed a chance and pounced. England’s batting depth was tested and found wanting, as we have seen with India against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Australia’s Powerplay Sets the Chase’s Tone

Australia’s chase began with aggression despite early losses. Mark Wood and Jofra Archer dismissed Travis Head and Steve Smith quickly. By the powerplay’s end, Australia were 70 for 2. Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne launched a counterattack. Short’s 48 off 42 balls included crisp boundaries. Labuschagne’s 77 off 85 maintained a brisk pace. Their 95-run stand shifted the momentum decisively.

England’s seamers struggled to stem the flow. Short targeted loose deliveries, while Labuschagne rotated strike expertly. This foundation ensured Australia stayed ahead of the rate. The powerplay response was bold and practical. It laid the groundwork for the middle-overs assault.

England’s Spinners Fight Back Briefly

Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone briefly tilted the game England’s way. Rashid’s leg-spin dismissed Labuschagne, finishing with 2 for 55. Livingstone’s off-spin removed Short at a critical juncture. Their wickets disrupted Australia’s rhythm momentarily. However, the spinners couldn’t sustain the pressure. Alex Carey and Josh Inglis responded with immediate boundaries.

Carey’s quick scoring off Livingstone kept the run rate above seven. Rashid remained England’s best bowler but lacked support. Joe Root’s part-time spin leaked 28 runs in three overs. Australia’s batsmen neutralized the spin threat with imaginative play. The middle overs stayed competitive, favouring the chasers. England needed more from their bowling arsenal.

Inglis’ Century Steers Australia to Victory

Josh Inglis’ unbeaten 120 was the chase’s cornerstone. Batting at No. 5, he faced 102 balls with poise. His innings featured 12 fours and three sixes, blending power and finesse. Inglis accelerated after his fifty, targeting England’s seamers. He smashed Brydon Carse for two sixes in an over.

This was Inglis’ maiden ODI hundred, a career milestone. He added 70 runs in the final 33 balls. Partnerships with Carey and Maxwell kept Australia on course. Inglis’ composure under pressure was match-winning. His knock redefined Australia’s batting depth.

Glenn Maxwell’s 31 off 11 balls turned tension into triumph. Entering with 70 needed off 33 balls, he attacked. He smashed a six and a four in one over when facing Mark Wood.

England’s Bowling Collapses Under Pressure

England’s bowlers failed to defend 351 despite a promising start. Wood and Archer struck early, removing Australia’s openers. However, their death-over execution faltered severely. Wood conceded 31 runs off 11 balls to Maxwell. Archer’s final over leaked 16, including Inglis’ century six. Rashid and Livingstone took wickets but were costly. England’s lack of a fifth bowler exposed their frailty.

Root’s three overs went for 28, exploited by Australia. The seamers couldn’t contain Inglis and Maxwell’s onslaught. Bowling depth became England’s Achilles’ heel. Australia capitalized on every loose delivery. This defeat revealed cracks in England’s attack.

Gaddafi Stadium’s Roaring Atmosphere

The sold-out Gaddafi Stadium amplified the match’s drama. Fans packed the stands, waving flags and cheering loudly. The tension peaked during Australia’s chase. Inglis’ sixes and Maxwell’s boundaries ignited deafening roars. Lahore hosted its first ICC event in 30 years. The crowd’s energy reflected the game’s high stakes.

Even as Australia neared victory, fans stayed engaged. The final six sparked celebrations and a joyous exodus. The atmosphere honoured cricket’s return to Lahore. This historic encounter added to the stadium’s legacy. The fans’ passion matched the players’ intensity. It was a night to remember.

Conclusion

Australia’s chase of 351 against England was a Champions Trophy classic. Duckett’s 165 gave England hope, but Australia’s batting prevailed. Inglis’ century and Maxwell’s cameo outshone England’s efforts. Innovative partnerships and aggressive play defined Australia’s approach. England’s bowlers crumbled under pressure, lacking answers. The Gaddafi Stadium crowd witnessed a record-breaking thriller.

Australia’s victory strengthens their semi-final push. England must address their bowling woes quickly. This match showcased ODI cricket at its finest. Every moment, from Duckett’s brilliance to Maxwell’s finish, captivated fans. Australia proved their championship mettle. England faces a tough road ahead.