**ICC Champions Trophy Group B, Lahore**
**England 351-8 (50 overs):** Duckett 165, Root 68; Dwarshuis 3-66
**Australia 356-5 (47.3 overs):** Inglis 120*, Carey 69; Rashid 1-47
**Australia won by five wickets**
Scorecard Table :
England faced a tough start to their Champions Trophy campaign, suffering a significant defeat as Australia achieved an epic chase of 352 in Lahore, despite Ben Duckett’s impressive 165.
Duckett’s performance helped England reach 351-8, the highest score in Champions Trophy history. However, Josh Inglis delivered a stunning 120 not out off 86 balls, leading Australia to victory with five wickets in hand and 15 balls remaining.
This marked the highest score that England has ever failed to defend in One Day Internationals, made even tougher by their previous dominance when they had Australia at 136-4 at one point.
Inglis, who grew up in Yorkshire, formed a crucial 146-run partnership with Alex Carey, who scored 69 after being dropped on 49. Despite needing 70 runs from 51 balls, Inglis took control, smashing six sixes, including a decisive shot that highlighted the highest successful chase in a global 50-over tournament.
England’s chances of advancing are now slim, and they must secure victories in their final two group-stage matches against Afghanistan on Wednesday and South Africa next Saturday to keep their hopes alive for a semi-final spot.
If England’s confidence was already shaky due to their recent form, which included four consecutive series defeats and losses in 10 of their last 14 ODIs, this defeat will feel like a significant blow.
Ben Duckett batted in the disciplined manner that many had hoped for from the team, but Josh Inglis capitalized on England’s inability to build on that foundation and secure a larger total.
Although the dew made batting easier under the lights, England didn't help their cause. Brydon Carse was expensive, conceding 69 runs in seven overs, highlighting the team’s limited bowling options. Jofra Archer also made a costly mistake by dropping a straightforward catch to dismiss Carey when 104 runs were still needed from 73 balls, keeping the match in the balance. Archer's error was further magnified when he bowled the next over and was taken for consecutive boundaries.
Later, although Archer managed to have Glenn Maxwell, who finished with 32 not out off 15 balls, caught out, the result was overturned due to a waist-high no-ball. By that stage, with only 11 runs required, the game was effectively settled.
England will now remain in Lahore for their upcoming match against Afghanistan on Wednesday, who suffered a heavy loss to South Africa on Friday. The loser of this match will likely face elimination from the tournament.
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