Ben Duckett created history on Saturday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, scoring the highest individual total in ICC Champions Trophy history with 165 runs against Australia. With this remarkable feat, Duckett not only registered his third One Day International (ODI) hundred but also made headlines by becoming the only batter to score 150-plus runs in the tournament’s storied history.
Prior to Duckett’s astonishing performance on February 22, 2025, the record for the highest individual score was held by New Zealand's Nathan Astle, who had registered 145 not out against the USA during the 2004 Champions Trophy. Duckett's milestone surpassed Astle's long-standing record and marked the first time any batter has reached the 150-run mark during the tournament.
Throughout his impressive inning, Duckett faced 143 deliveries, smashing 17 fours and three sixes, completely dominating the Australian bowlers. Support from teammate Joe Root, who added 68 runs, helped England post a formidable total of 351 runs for eight wickets, which is now also the highest team total recorded in ICC Champions Trophy history.
The previous record for the highest team score belonged to New Zealand, which had set the bar at 347 against the USA. Duckett’s phenomenal score not only boosted England's standing within the tournament but also revitalized the pride of English cricket on the global stage.
Duckett's all-round display was particularly impressive as he consistently found boundaries against the Australian attack. His previous individual scores had hinted at potential greatness, but this innings solidified his status as one of the premier batsmen of his generation.
After ducking under some fierce deliveries from the Australian bowlers, he eventually fell to Marnus Labuschagne's bowling, but not before etching his name deep within ICC Champions Trophy lore. This performance has placed Duckett among the elite scorers of the game, joining the ranks of legends who have graced the tournament.
With this victory and record-breaking innings, England's prospects for the current tournament look bright. Fans and analysts are eager to see if Duckett can maintain this momentum and continue to deliver exceptional performances as the matches progress.
Reflecting on Duckett's remarkable achievement, various sports analysts have stated, "This innings places Duckett among the legends of cricket, and he is now viewed as key to England's strategy moving forward." Such sentiments capture the excitement surrounding his performance as well as the significance of his contributions to England’s cricketing ambitions.
From this match forward, expectations and hopes for the England team have soared, with Duckett at the forefront of their challenges. His historic scoring has not only reshaped individual benchmarks within the tournament but has also rekindled the competitive spirit within the squad, promising thrilling matches to come.