Champions Trophy: Josh Inglis “Over The Moon” After Match Winning Century Against England

February 23, 2025: In a thrilling ICC Champions Trophy opener, Australia came from behind to chase down England’s daunting total of 352, with wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis playing a pivotal role. Inglis struck a remarkable century, guiding Australia to a five-wicket victory at Lahore, while also setting the record for the joint-fastest century in the history of the tournament.

The match saw England post an impressive 351/8 in their 50 overs, thanks to a stunning knock by Ben Duckett. Duckett smashed a brilliant 165 off 143 balls, with 17 fours and three sixes, leading a strong counter-attack after England had been reduced to 43/2. Along with Joe Root, who scored 68, Duckett orchestrated a 158-run partnership, keeping England in a commanding position. Despite a flurry of wickets at the other end, Duckett continued to power through, giving England a strong total.

In response, Australia faced an early setback, losing two key wickets—Travis Head and Steve Smith—cheaply. However, Marnus Labuschagne (47) and Matt Short (63) steadied the innings with a 95-run partnership, taking Australia past the 100-run mark. Despite this, Australia found themselves in trouble again at 136/4, with Adil Rashid spinning his magic and picking up key wickets.

It was then that Inglis, in an explosive mood, took charge. Along with Alex Carey, who contributed a crucial 69 runs, the duo added 146 runs for the fifth wicket, bringing the match within Australia’s grasp. Carey’s departure only brought Inglis and Glenn Maxwell together, and the pair finished off the match in style, with Inglis scoring an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls, including eight fours and six sixes. Maxwell’s quickfire 32* off 15 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes, ensured the win was sealed with 15 balls to spare and five wickets in hand.

Inglis expressed his joy post-match, saying, “I’m over the moon. It was a fantastic win. We knew it was going to be tough against England, and to chase down 350 is no small feat. On a personal level, it’s pumped me up.” Reflecting on his partnership with Carey, he added, “He (Carey) doesn’t say much when batting, but we just kept chipping away. With Maxi still in the sheds, we knew there was always a chance.”

Australia’s bowlers had played their part too, with Ben Dwarshuis (3/66) leading the charge and Adam Zampa (2/64) and Matthew Short (2/41) also contributing. Despite England’s solid total, Australia’s middle-order had the firepower to finish the chase, with Inglis and Maxwell showing their trademark audacity to wrap up the game with aggressive strokes.

For England, it was a brilliant individual performance from Duckett, but in the end, it was Australia’s team effort, led by Inglis’s record-breaking century, that saw them to a memorable victory.