Despite Duckett’s heroics, Australia's batters script historic victory in Lahore
Josh Inglis' fighting century overshadowed Ben Duckett's record-breaking 165 as Australia secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over England in their Champions Trophy campaign opener at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday.
Despite a shaky start, Australia successfully chased down England’s imposing target of 352 in 47.3 overs, thanks to Inglis' unbeaten 120 off just 86 balls. His composed and aggressive innings ensured Australia registered the highest successful run chase in ICC men's tournament history.
Earlier, England’s opener Ben Duckett created history by becoming the first-ever batter to score 150 runs in a Champions Trophy match. His 165-run masterclass, surpassing Nathan Astle and Andy Flower’s previous record of 145, propelled England to a formidable total of 351 for 8 after being asked to bat first.
However, despite Duckett’s heroics, Inglis and Australia's resilient batting lineup scripted a historic victory, making a bold statement in the tournament’s early stages.
After being put into the bat first, England scored 351 after losing eight wickets in their 50 overs.
Phil Salt and Ben Duckett opened the innings for England. Australia’s new-look bowling attack laid an early blow, removing Salt (10), who was caught off Ben Dwarshuis’s bowling, courtesy of Alex Carey’s stunning catch at mid-on.
Returning from an injury, young batter Jamie Smith (15) showed promise with do with three beautiful fours but couldn’t convert his start.
England were 43 for 2 in 5.2 overs when the experienced batter Joe Root joined opener Duckett.
The duo steadied the England innings and added 158 runs for the third wicket, taking the team out of trouble. Duckett and Root scored half-centuries. Root (68) was dismissed after scoring his 41st fifty. His composed innings included featured four beautiful boundaries.
After Root’s departure in the 30th over, England were well-placed at 201 for 3, setting the stage for an explosive finish with Harry Brook arriving at the crease.
However, in his debut ICC event, Ben Duckett was on full song with his brilliant stroke way.
He reached his fourth ODI century in style with two consecutive boundaries in the 31st over, drawing applause from the packed Lahore crowd.
Australia sensed a comeback against England after Brook’s (3) early departure, who was again caught by Carey’s blinder.
But it was Ben Duckett who toiled Australian bowlers. He added a 61-run stand with captain Jos Butler (21) to take England near 300.
His innings, laced with three sixes and 17 elegant fours, ended in the 47th over.
Following his ouster, Jofra Archa smashed 21 off 10 balls, hitting one six and two fours, helping England pass the 350 mark in the last over.
Dwarshuis was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, taking three wickets in his ten overs.
Marnus Labuschagne and Adam Zampa contributed as well, bagging two wickets each.
Playing XIs
Australia: Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
England: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood