Lahore (Web Desk): England set a target of 352 runs for Australia in Group B match of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Ben Duckett produced a spectacular 165-run performance as England posted a daunting total of 351/8 against Australia.
England’s innings began on a rocky note after being put in to bat, with Ben Dwarshuis making an immediate impact by removing openers Phil Salt (10) and Jamie Smith (15) in his opening spell, leaving England at a precarious 43/2 after just 5.2 overs.
However, Duckett and Joe Root steadied the ship with a brilliant partnership, taking control of the innings and adding 158 runs for the third wicket.
Root contributed a composed 68 from 78 balls before falling to Adam Zampa, but Duckett continued to dominate, building partnerships with Jos Buttler (23), Liam Livingstone (14), and Brydon Carse (8). He was eventually dismissed for 165 off 143 balls, including 17 boundaries and three sixes, making it the highest individual score of the match.
Despite the breakthroughs, Australia’s bowlers couldn’t contain Duckett’s aggressive strokeplay. Dwarshuis finished with impressive figures of 3/66 in his 10 overs, while Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne claimed two wickets each. Maxwell contributed with a wicket as well, but the Australian attack failed to stop England from posting a mammoth total.
Now, with 352 required to win, Australia face a challenging chase, needing a big response from their top order to stay in contention.
England’s total, powered by Duckett’s brilliance, puts the pressure firmly on the Australian batsmen.
Teams
Australia: Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
England: Jos Buttler (captain), Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood
