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Australia squared off against England in Match 04 of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, February 22. The high-intensity clash saw an early breakthrough for England as their pace spearhead Jofra Archer made an instant impact by dismissing the dangerous Travis Head cheaply.
Jofra Archer’s stunning reflex catch
The crucial moment occurred on the first ball of the fourth over when Archer bowled a well-pitched delivery outside off at 141.5 kph. Head, looking to drive the ball towards mid-off or extra cover, mistimed his shot. The ball took the bottom part of his bat and lobbed back towards the bowler. Despite the unexpected pace reduction, Archer displayed exceptional reflexes and completed a sharp catch in his follow-through, grabbing the ball with both hands to his left.
Here is the video:
Jofra Archer takes down Travis Head, and Australia is in trouble early on!#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 🇦🇺 🆚 🏴, LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2, Sports 18-1 & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/mBy0HsfMUJ
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 22, 2025
Also Read: Fans go gaga over Ben Duckett’s counter-attacking century against Australia in Champions Trophy 2025
Travis Head’s disbelief as England strike early
The Australian batter looked visibly stunned, checking the toe-end of his bat before taking the long walk back to the pavilion. England’s early strike put the Aussies on the back foot, removing a key player who has been instrumental in their recent performances.
Archer’s early breakthrough set the tone for England’s bowling attack, giving them a crucial advantage in the powerplay. With Australia losing a key wicket early, the contest promises to be an exciting battle between bat and ball in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Ben Duckett’s ton takes England to a formidable total
Earlier, Ben Duckett‘s innings proved instrumental in driving England to a formidable total of 351/8—the highest in the tournament’s history. His scintillating 165 off 143 balls, laced with 17 fours and 3 sixes, featured a 95-ball hundred that blended aggression with composure, perfectly embodying England’s “Bazball” approach. Supported by Joe Root’s steady 68 off 78 balls and late flourishes from Archer (21* off 10) and Jos Buttler (23 off 21), Duckett’s knock set a daunting target on a pitch that grew slower as the innings wore on.
