Australia completed the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with qualification for the semi-finals, finishing second in Group B behind South Africa. The campaign featured one decisive victory and two weather-affected fixtures that delivered sufficient points for progression to the knockout stage.
The highlight of Australia's group stage came on February 22 in Lahore, where they pulled off the highest successful run chase in ICC ODI tournament history. Chasing 352 against England, Josh Inglis produced a maiden ODI century with an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls. Australia reached their target with 15 balls to spare, winning by five wickets in a match that also saw Ben Duckett score 165 for England, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
Australia's second fixture against South Africa in Rawalpindi on February 25 was abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain. Both teams shared one point each. The washout meant the England-Afghanistan clash became a virtual knockout.
The final group match against Afghanistan on February 28 in Lahore also ended without a result. Afghanistan posted 273 all out, with Sediqullah Atal scoring 85 and Azmatullah Omarzai contributing 67. In reply, Australia reached 109 for one in 12.5 overs, with Travis Head striking 59 not out off 40 balls before rain ended play. The abandonment secured Australia's semi-final berth with four points total.
Australia concluded Group B with four points from one win and two no-results. South Africa topped the group with five points after defeating England on March 1. The final standings confirmed India versus Australia in the first semi-final on March 4 in Dubai, and New Zealand versus South Africa in the second semi-final on March 5 in Lahore.
The record-setting chase against England demonstrated Australia's batting depth under pressure. The middle order of Inglis, Alex Carey, and Glenn Maxwell combined effectively after early setbacks saw Travis Head and Steve Smith depart cheaply. Inglis's partnership of 146 with Carey proved decisive in what became a tournament-defining performance.
Weather significantly shaped Australia's group-stage campaign. Both rain-affected fixtures limited their ability to accumulate maximum points, yet the margin of victory against England proved sufficient for progression. Australia entered the semi-finals undefeated, their single completed match ending in a comprehensive win.
Cricket
Muskan Zahra
ISN Contributor (International Affairs & Sports)
Muskan Zahra is an ISN Contributor focusing on International Affairs and Sports. She writes on global politics, international developments, and the social, political, and cultural dimensions of sports. Her work aims to present complex global issues in a clear, accessible, and engaging manner for a wide audience.
