The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between England and Australia ignited with fireworks as Ben Duckett’s scintillating century stole the spotlight at a packed Gaddafi Stadium.
Opting to field first, Australia’s decision initially seemed shrewd when Ben Dwarshuis struck twice in the powerplay, reducing England to 43/2 inside six overs. But what followed was a breathtaking counterattack by Duckett, whose unbeaten 109 (104 balls) propelled England to 220/4 in just 34.2 overs, leaving fans in raptures and Australia scrambling for answers.
A century forged in fire: Ben Duckett’s unconventional brilliance
Duckett’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Arriving at the crease after Phil Salt’s early dismissal, the left-hander weathered the storm alongside Joe Root, blending innovation with audacity. His century, reached in 95 balls, was punctuated by a jaw-dropping moment in the 32nd over: Facing Spencer Johnson’s short ball, Duckett swiveled onto the back foot, slammed it straight past the bowler, and sprinted for four—celebrating his ton with a roar as the crowd erupted. The shot encapsulated his innings: fearless, inventive, and impossible to contain.
Duckett’s knock featured 12 boundaries and a six, but it was his strike rotation that dazzled. He targeted gaps with surgical precision, turning singles into doubles and punishing loose deliveries. Even as partners fell around him, Duckett remained unflappable, adapting seamlessly to Australia’s bowling shifts.
Also WATCH: Alex Carey grabs a flying catch to dismiss Phil Salt in Champions Trophy 2025
Joe Root and Duckett’s rebuilding process
At 43/2, England’s hopes hinged on a partnership. Enter Root, whose 68 (78 balls) provided the perfect foil to Duckett’s flair. The duo added 158 runs in 144 balls, dismantling Australia’s attack with contrasting styles. Root anchored, nudging ones and twos, while Duckett attacked. Their 50-run stand came in just 48 balls, accelerating to 150 by the 29th over.
Root’s dismissal, trapped lbw by Adam Zampa via umpire’s call, momentarily slowed England, but Duckett’s resolve never wavered. By the second drinks break at 210/4, he had already crossed 100, and is tasked to finish the onslaught with Jos Buttler.
Australia’s bowling conundrum of costly leaks
Australia’s bowlers struggled for consistency. Dwarshuis (2/39) struck early, but Spencer Johnson’s 7 overs leaked 54 runs, including Duckett’s century-sealing boundary. Zampa (2/41) proved expensive but crucial, breaking the Root-Duckett stand and removing Harry Brook. Nathan Ellis (4.57 economy) was tidy, yet Glenn Maxwell and part-timer Matthew Short couldn’t stem the flow.
With more than 15 overs remaining and Duckett alongside Jos Buttler, England eyes a mammoth total. The current run rate of 6.40 hints at a 350+ score if the duo accelerates. Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer wait in the wings, capable of late fireworks.
Here’s how fans reacted:
3️⃣rd ODI hundred for Ben Duckett 💯#Cricket #AUSvENG #BenDuckett #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/0CW1vwqmBV
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 22, 2025
Brilliant knock with bazzball + sensible approach. Ben Ducket did superb work. pic.twitter.com/yvlyNyEH6t
— Mangesh_talks7 (@Mangesh_talks7) February 22, 2025
Inning to Remember! Excellent Hundred 💯 By Ben Ducket..!!
#ChampionsTrophy2025 #AUSvsENG #EngvAUS pic.twitter.com/EZF8j8nY2w
— Moazam Chaudhary (@MoazamCh98) February 22, 2025
Answer to Many questions !!!
Well done Ben ducket !#AusvsEng #ENGvsAUS #ChampionsTrophy #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/nerKNe5sNA
— Walter White (@Breakingbadd17) February 22, 2025
100 by Ben Ducket..🔥
He is not a king, or he is not a number 1 batter,
Ye km se km 100 ki strike se b khelta Hy..
Pr hme king king krna hy.#iccchampionstrophy2025 #AUSvENG #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/Id5d4dQnkx— Khalid Malik (@Sports_vds) February 22, 2025
Brilliant 100 by ben ducket in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore 🇵🇰 ❤️ #ENGvsAUS #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/BeMAoLmEsF
— Sheraxii Tweets (@i__mAfridi) February 22, 2025
Hundred for Ben ducket #AUSvENG #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/McOLVYFxRG
— Ellyse Perry (@johns1854175) February 22, 2025
HUNDRED BY BEN DUCKETT…..!!!!!!
– Ben Duckett scored a Hundred against AUS in Champion Trophy. Duckett is next Star for England Team in all Format. pic.twitter.com/5hx9jQCZJv
— Vikas Yadav (@VikasYadav66200) February 22, 2025
Name Is Ben Duckett.
Job – Following The Footsteps Of Marcus Trescothick. pic.twitter.com/9SH9ZINu1Y
— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙞🍁 (@kashmiriSays_) February 22, 2025
🔥 Ben Duckett shines in #AUSvsENG!
A brilliant 100 off 96 balls, neutralizing spinners and setting England up strong in the Champions Trophy opener. pic.twitter.com/xU54JdZOTE
— curious (@insightcrate) February 22, 2025
Currently batting on 140 off 123 balls, Ben Duckett now holds the record for the highest individual score for England 🏴 in the ICC Champions Trophy:
Previous best: 133* (129) by Joe Root vs Bangladesh 🇧🇩 at Edgbaston, 2017#ChampionsTrophy2025 https://t.co/VRYeZO1PPs
— The Stats Kid (@TheStatsKid1523) February 22, 2025
Also WATCH: India’s national anthem played instead of Australia’s during the Champions Trophy 2025 match in Lahore
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