Australia triumphs as Josh Inglis scores match-winning century against England

In a thrilling Champions Trophy match held in Lahore, Pakistan, Australia managed a sensational record-breaking chase against England. Facing a staggering target of 352 runs set by England, the Australian team found themselves in a sticky situation at 136 for four after losing key wickets. However, Josh Inglis, who scored 120 not out off 86 balls, anchored the innings with an impressive fifth-wicket partnership of 146 runs with Alex Carey, who contributed 69 runs. This outstanding effort led Australia to a five-wicket victory, marking England's 17th loss in 24 ODIs and raising concerns about their dwindling one-day form. England had earlier posted the highest total in Champions Trophy history, showcasing their strong batting lineup with Ben Duckett leading the charge, scoring an explosive 165 runs off 143 balls. The innings was bolstered by solid contributions from Joe Root and Duckett, who added valuable runs and built significant partnerships. Despite their strong performance, England's batting fell short in the face of a determined Australian response, with Inglis's century overshadowing Duckett’s remarkable record. The match opened with Australia opting to bowl first, taking advantage of a dewy evening which played a crucial role later in the run chase. England's batting strategy saw early wickets fall, but Duckett’s batting prowess shone through, followed by partnerships that looked promising until they faltered after 30 overs. The pitch conditions contributed to a shifting dynamic as the game progressed, with the Australian bowlers struggling against Duckett's aggressive strokes while also contending with the drying up of boundaries in the early stages of the chase. As Australia approached the daunting chase, Inglis's brilliance in the middle overs kept the required run rate manageable. His calm demeanor alongside Carey proved vital to steer Australia back into contention. Following Carey’s departure, Glenn Maxwell's explosive finish sealed the deal with an unbeaten 32 runs. Inglis expressed pride in his achievement and highlighted the importance of securing a win in such a competitive tournament. This match not only marked a significant turnaround for Australia's campaign but also left England in a precarious position, necessitating victories in future matches to stay alive in the tournament.