England opener Ben Duckett broke a 21-year-old ICC Champions Trophy record with a majestic 165 against Australia in the Group B clash at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. Sent into bat first, Ben Duckett hammered the Australian bowlers all round the part to bring up his third ODI hundred and second against Australia.
During his stay in the middle, Ben Duckett faced 143 deliveries, smashing 17 fours and three sixes as the left hander broke Nathan Astle’s two-decade old record en route to the highest individual score by a batter in the history of the tournament.
Nathan Astle had scored 145 not out against USA in 2004. In fact, Ben Duckett’s 165 was the first instance a batter scoring 150-plus runs in an innings in the tournament’s history. He was eventually dismissed by Marnus Labuschagne in the 48th over as England posted a huge 351/8.
England’s 351/8 was also the highest total by a team in the history of the tournament. The previous best was held by New Zealand when the Kiwis scored 347/4 against USA at The Oval in 2004.
Sent into bat first, England were put on backfoot after Ben Dwarshius dismissed Phil Salt and Jamie Smith inside the powerplay. With Joe Root by his side, Ben Duckett then added 158 runs for the third wicket.
While Australia managed to take wickets at regular intervals, Ben Duckett held one fort to keep the scoreboard ticking to forge a record total in Lahore.
