Ben Duckett etched his name into Champions Trophy history on Saturday, becoming the first player to surpass 150 runs in the tournament's history with a magnificent 165 against Australia at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.
The England opener's record-breaking innings, which came off 143 balls, powered his side to a commanding position in their tournament opener.
Playing with characteristic flair, Duckett's milestone knock included 17 fours and three sixes, setting the tone for England's impressive batting display.
England's early innings faced turbulence as Phil Salt's promising start, which included a four and a six, was cut short by Ben Dwarshuis in just the second over.
Ben Duckett knocked an incredible 165 to break records against Australia
Reuters
A spectacular diving catch by Alex Carey at mid-on removed Salt, and the Australian wicketkeeper would soon repeat his heroics to dismiss Jamie Smith for 15 off 13 balls.
The early setbacks saw England struggling within the first 50 runs, setting the stage for what would become a crucial recovery partnership.
Joe Root and Duckett steadied England's innings with a masterful 158-run partnership, dominating the middle overs between the sixth and 31st over.
Root reached his 41st ODI half-century, marking a welcome return to form with his first 50-plus score against Australia in 11 ODI innings.
The veteran batsman's knock of 68 from 78 balls proved crucial to England's recovery and helped him achieve a remarkable personal milestone of surpassing 20,500 ODI runs.
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The partnership finally ended when Adam Zampa trapped Root leg before in the 31st over.
Duckett's historic innings surpassed the previous Champions Trophy record of 145, set by New Zealand's Nathan Astle against the USA at The Oval in 2004.
The left-hander showed particular prowess against spin bowling, focusing on playing straight through the 'v' whilst maintaining a measured approach throughout his innings.
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England set a total of 351 for Australia, thanks to Ben Duckett's incredible innings
Reuters
His record-breaking knock came to an end in the 48th over when he fell LBW to Marnus Labuschagne, having reached his milestone in 132 balls.
England's final total of 351 for 8 from their 50 overs set a formidable target for the Australians under the Lahore lights.
Despite late wickets from Marnus Labuschagne, who claimed two scalps including Duckett, England managed to push past 350 with a flourish in the final over.
England's Champions Trophy campaign in Group B will continue with matches against South Africa and Afghanistan, as they look to build on this commanding opening performance.
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