LAHORE, Pakistan: England set a daunting 352-run target for Australia, courtesy of Ben Duckett’s scintillating 165-run knock and Joe Root’s composed fifty, in their crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
The left-handed Duckett delivered a career-best performance, smashing 165 off 143 deliveries, while Root added 68 to lay a strong foundation for England’s innings.
A late flourish from Jofra Archer, who hammered 21 runs off just 10 balls, propelled England to the highest total of the tournament so far.
Put into bat first, England posted an imposing 351/8 in their allotted 50 overs. However, the innings had a shaky start as opener Phil Salt (10) was dismissed in just the second over, courtesy of a brilliant one-handed catch by Australia’s Alex Carey.
Jamie Smith followed soon after, contributing only 15 runs, leaving England struggling at 43/2 in 5.2 overs.
The tide turned as Duckett and Root constructed a crucial third-wicket partnership of 158 runs.
Duckett raced to his century, displaying a mix of elegant stroke play and aggressive shot selection. Root, steady at the other end, contributed 68 off 78 balls before falling to Adam Zampa.
Harry Brook (3) departed cheaply, but Duckett continued his charge, forming vital partnerships with Jos Buttler (23), Liam Livingstone (14), and Brydon Carse (8) to keep England in a dominant position.
His innings finally came to an end in the 48th over, dismissed by Marnus Labuschagne after an explosive display that included 17 boundaries and three sixes.
The Australian bowlers had a tough outing, struggling for control and consistency. Skipper Steve Smith rotated seven bowlers, even calling upon part-time spinner Labuschagne for the final over.
Ben Dwarshuis was the standout performer, claiming 3/66 in his 10 overs. Zampa and Labuschagne picked up two wickets each, while Glenn Maxwell chipped in with one scalp.
With 352 runs to chase, Australia face a formidable task ahead. The absence of key pacers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood has left them reliant on an inexperienced bowling attack.
However, with a strong batting lineup featuring Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell, the Australians remain capable of mounting a serious challenge.
Australia Playing XI
Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson.
England Playing XI
Jos Buttler (captain), Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
