The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 champions, Australia, defeated hosts England by 68 runs in the second match of the series at Headingley in Leeds on Saturday, continuing their winning streak in ODI cricket and marking their 14th consecutive victory in the format.
This achievement represents the second-longest winning streak in men’s ODI history, with Australia also holding the record for the longest streak (21 games) set in 2003. In women’s ODIs, Australia holds the record with 26 consecutive wins between 2018 and 2021, according to the ICC.
Australia’s recent success traces back to the Cricket World Cup in India, where they mounted a remarkable comeback after losing their first two matches of the tournament. Following defeats to India and South Africa, the Australian team became unstoppable, winning nine matches in a row and clinching their sixth Men’s Cricket World Cup title.
A 3-0 whitewash at home against the West Indies further extended their streak to 12 matches. With victories in the first two ODIs of the ongoing series against England, Australia has now achieved 14 wins in a row, surpassing the previous second-best streak of 13 held by Sri Lanka in 2023.
At Headingley on Saturday, England appeared to be in control after reducing Australia to 89 for 3. However, skipper Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey played vital innings, with Carey scoring 74 runs off 67 balls. A crucial 49-run partnership for the final wicket with Josh Hazlewood helped Australia reach a total of 270 from a precarious position.
In response, the Australian pacers dominated the English top order, reducing them to 65 for 5. Despite a valiant effort from Jamie Smith, Jacob Bethell, and the lower order, England could not recover fully.
The next ODI will take place in Chester-le-Street on September 24, with Australia aiming for the No. 1 ranking in men’s ODIs.