Sat Feb 22 21:41:53 UTC 2025: ## Australia Stun England in High-Scoring Champions Trophy Thriller

**Lahore, Pakistan:** In a thrilling opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Australia pulled off a remarkable five-wicket victory over England, chasing down a record-breaking 352-run target with 15 balls to spare. The match, played at the Gaddafi Stadium, witnessed a breathtaking display of batting from both sides.

England, batting first, set a new Champions Trophy record thanks to a stunning 165 from opener Ben Duckett. His innings, laced with 17 fours and three sixes, laid the foundation for England’s imposing total of 351/8. Joe Root also contributed a valuable 68. Australia’s bowlers fought back, with Ben Dwarshuis taking three wickets for 66 runs, while Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne claimed two each. Early wickets from Dwarshuis, including a stunning catch by Alex Carey, had briefly put England on the back foot.

However, Australia’s response was even more spectacular. Josh Inglis anchored the chase with an unbeaten century (120), his maiden ODI ton, while Alex Carey (69) and Matthew Short (63) also contributed crucial half-centuries. Despite crucial wickets from Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid, who dismissed Short and Marnus Labuschagne respectively, Inglis’s powerful hitting and a late cameo from Glenn Maxwell (32* off 15) saw Australia home.

The victory was particularly impressive given Australia’s depleted squad, missing key fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, and facing an England team still struggling for consistency following a recent 3-0 series defeat to India. Australia’s win highlights their resilience and batting prowess, while exposing ongoing weaknesses in England’s spin bowling and ability to maintain a strong batting lineup until the end of an innings. The match served as a dramatic start to the tournament, setting the stage for an exciting Champions Trophy competition.

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