Ben Duckett Smashes ICC Champions Trophy Record with Explosive Innings

England's Ben Duckett broke the ICC Champions Trophy record with a dazzling 165 against Australia at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. His innings powered England to the tournament's highest-ever total of 351/8, eclipsing a 19-year-old record. Despite early setbacks, Duckett's partnership with Joe Root steered England to a commanding position.

In an electrifying start to England's ICC Champions Trophy campaign, Ben Duckett shattered the tournament's highest individual score with an explosive 165 against Australia at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Duckett's historic knock surpassed Nathan Astle's 145*, recorded in the 2004 tournament, setting a new benchmark.

Duckett's innings, marked by 17 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 115.38, propelled England to an unprecedented tournament total of 351/8. This scored eclipsed New Zealand's previous record of 347/4 against the USA in 2004. Duckett's innings now stand as the fifth-highest individual score by an England batter in ODIs, just behind Ben Stokes's 182 against New Zealand in 2023.

The match saw Australia win the toss, opting to bowl first and reducing England to 43/2. However, Duckett and Joe Root forged a vital 158-run partnership, lifting England past 200. Despite Australia's attempts at recovery, Duckett stood firm until dismissed as the eighth wicket. Australia's Ben Dwarshuis claimed three wickets, with Adam Zampa and Matthew Short taking two each, but England's total proved insurmountable. (ANI)