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Zak Crawley-Ben Duckett's Mega Opening Stand Scripts Record For England Vs Zimbabwe

Akshita Patel

Zak Crawley-Ben Duckett hit record partnership vs Zimbabwe [Source: @englandcricket/X.com]Zak Crawley-Ben Duckett hit record partnership vs Zimbabwe [Source: @englandcricket/X.com]

England's opening duo, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, made history on May 22, 2025, at Nottingham in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe. The duo stitched together an unbeaten 159-run stand, setting the highest-ever partnership for England against Zimbabwe for any wicket in Test matches.

In a historic tour, Zimbabwe visited England for a one-off Test match, which kicked off on May 22 at Nottingham. The visitors won the toss and decided to bowl first, but the Englishmen persisted with the infamous 'Bazball' strategy.

Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett knitted a big partnership for the opening wicket, scripting a record in their history against Zimbabwe in red ball cricket.

England’s Openers Stun Zimbabwe In One-Off Test

Opening the batting for England, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett made the most of the pitch condition and a struggling Zimbabwean bowling attack. 

With a combination of elegant drives, smart running, and powerful strokes, they comfortably crossed the previous record of 149 runs partnership, set 2 times in the past by different English pairs. 

Highest partnership for England vs Zimbabwe for any batting position:

  • Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett - 150* runs for 1st wicket at Nottingham in 2025
  • Graeme Hick and Alec Stewart – 149 runs for the 4th wicket at Lord’s in 2000
  • Anthony McGrath and Alec Stewart – 149 runs for the 6th wicket at Chester-le-Street in 2003
  • John Crawley and Nasser Hussain – 148 runs for the 5th wicket in Bulawayo in 1996

Even back in 1996, Nick Knight and Alec Stewart had added 137 runs for the second wicket in Bulawayo.

What makes Crawley and Duckett’s partnership stand out is that it came at the top of the order and remained unbeaten. Duckett has already scored a ton, and Crawley is chasing the three-digit figure while Zimbabwe continues to struggle.

ENG vs ZIM Is Played In Four-Day Format

England hosts Zimbabwe in a historic four-day Test from May 22 at Trent Bridge. This shortened version, tested by the ICC, is intended to simplify fixture scheduling and increase fan engagement. Unlike the usual five-day Tests, this game features 98 overs daily and a reduced follow-on margin of 150 runs. The play lasts six and a half hours daily, with the second new ball still available after 80 overs.