In a thrilling game at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, England’s vibrant opener Ben Duckett played a mesmerizing knock of 165 runs to record his third century in One Day International (ODI) cricket. His explosive innings enabled England to post a great total against Australia at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore. Duckett completed his century in 96 balls, hitting at more than 100, reflecting his aggressive and controlled batting. Ben Duckett Played Highest Individual Score in Champions Trophy History.
Duckett’s Dominant Century
Ben Duckett’s innings, in which he systematically destroyed the Australian bowlers, was a blistering innings. He scored his hundred by smashing 11 fours and a six.
Duckett was both aggressive and calculative in his approach, which really frustrated the Aussie bowlers and allowed England to mount a fightback from a somewhat fragile position after Phil Salt and Jamie Smith had departed cheaply. His hundred was timely since it provided the stability that English needed after the early loss of Phil Salt and Jamie Smith.
The innings were a mix of power and patience, with Duckett appearing in sublime rhythm right from the very first ball. His confidence level increased as the innings went along, and he established a decent partnership with team-mate Joe Root. As a duo, they guided England to over 200 runs and left the Australians with a great target to tackle.
England’s Early Struggles
Australia had won the toss and decided to bowl first, which at first glance looked like the correct choice since England’s leading order was also under early pressure. England’s first casualty was in the form of Phil Salt, who was able to muster only 10 runs before being given out. It did not get any better since Jamie Smith was also sent back to the pavilion after mustering a mere 15 runs from 13 deliveries. England was in trouble at 13/2 by this time, but Duckett’s grit steadied the ship and kept things going.
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Australia’s Bowling performance
Although England did not join in the struggle from the beginning, Australian bowlers, especially Ben Dwarshuis and Adam Zampa, bowled wisely and responsibly throughout the innings. Both picked up two wickets apiece, but Duckett’s resoluteness kept England ticking over at a healthy run rate.
The Australian bowlers kept on trying to build up the pressure, but steady technique and quick strokeplay by Duckett saw the scoreboard tick. The moment Duckett reached the three-figure mark, Australia had undoubtedly lost the cause with England clearly ahead.
Duckett’s Growing Reputation Against Australia
This was Ben Duckett’s third decade of ODI cricket, and two of those decades were against Australia. His majestic knock cemented his image further as one of England’s important players, particularly against their arch-rivals. Duckett’s capability of scoring runs while being composed in situations of pressure is what makes him an important commodity for England to have in the ICC Champions Trophy.
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