In a thrilling encounter at the Champions Trophy, Josh Inglis and Alex Carey spearheaded Australia's record-breaking run chase against England on Saturday. The pair expertly navigated through challenging conditions as the dew set in, complicating matters for bowlers trying to control the wet ball. Inglis's explosive innings saw him finish with an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls, marking his maiden ODI century. This remarkable performance led Australia to a historic victory, finishing at 356-5 in just 47.3 overs.
Ben Duckett had earlier set the stage for a competitive match with a stunning performance for England. He became the first batter in Champions Trophy history to score over 150 runs, amassing 165 off 143 balls. His innings included 17 fours and three sixes, surpassing Nathan Astle's previous record of 145 against the United States at the Oval in 2004. Duckett's efforts laid a solid foundation for England, as he partnered with Joe Root in a formidable 158-run stand.
Despite Duckett's heroics, England's total of 347-4, which had surpassed the Black Caps' previous tournament record, proved insufficient against Australia's relentless pursuit. The Australian side, led by Inglis, chased down the target with ease. England missed a crucial opportunity when Australia still required another 104 runs to secure victory.
Carey, having passed on wicketkeeping duties to Inglis, contributed significantly with both bat and gloves. He plucked a sensational diving catch on the edge of the 30-yard circle to dismiss Phil Salt early in England's innings. This catch set the tone for Australia's fielding performance, with Ben Dwarshuis striking within his first three overs.
Inglis's power-hitting was instrumental in overshadowing Duckett's impressive knock. His aggressive approach saw him share a vital 146-run partnership with Carey, which rapidly advanced Australia's run rate. Inglis sealed the win in spectacular fashion, dispatching a six off Mark Wood at mid-wicket, ensuring Australia's place in Champions Trophy history.
Ben Duckett's century off 95 balls was another highlight of the match. He achieved this milestone with two consecutive boundaries against Spencer Johnson. Despite his efforts and those of his teammates, England fell short of defending their total.
