England register highest team total in Champions Trophy, set records
What's the story
England have unlocked a new achievement by recording the highest team total in ICC Champions Trophy history. The record-breaking performance came at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, where they scored 351/8 against Australia. This betters New Zealand's record of 347/4, which came against USA way back in 2004 at The Oval. Notably, England's innings was powered Ben Duckett, who now has the highest individual score in the Champions Trophy.
Stellar performance
Duckett's record-breaking performance powers England
The mainstay of England's record total was opener Duckett, who scored a phenomenal 165 off just 143 balls. This is now the highest individual score in the tournament's history, going past Nathan Astle. Duckett got excellent support from Joe Root, who scored a meticulous 68 off 78 deliveries. Their 158-run partnership for the third wicket propelled England to their historic total.
Duckett
Duckett enters record books
As mentioned, Duckett now has the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. He broke the record of New Zealand's Nathan Astle, who slammed a 151-ball 145* against USA at The Oval in 2004. Duckett earlier went past legends like Graeme Smith (141), Sachin Tendulkar (141), Sourav Ganguly (141*), and Andy Flower (145) in terms of highest individual scores (Champions Trophy).
Root
Fine knock from Root
Root played a traditional ODI knock after England lost two quick wickets in the first powerplay. He joined forces with Duckett, having firmly held his fort. Adam Zampa trapped Root in front in the 31st over. He slammed a 78-ball 68 (4 fours). As per Cricbuzz, Root recorded his first fifty-plus score in 11 ODI innings against Australia (since June 2018). With his first run in the match, Root also completed 20,500 runs in international cricket.
Record clincher
Archer's final flourish seals record for England
Jofra Archer, who was unbeaten on 21 off just 10 balls, was instrumental in England's record-breaking innings. His explosive batting in the death overs, including smashing 12 runs off the last three balls of the innings, ensured that England crossed New Zealand's previous record. This late surge from Archer cemented England's place at the top of highest totals in Champions Trophy history.